Griz face string of away games, league to start

The Mariposa County Grizzlies boys basketball program has been making the most of the preseason this year.

Having played just one game at home so far, their busy schedule has been almost nothing but away games early in the season.

“It’s been tough,” said coach Frank Solis.

“The last couple weeks we’ve had a stretch of road games and you can tell when the fatigue hits them.”

As the only coach in the program currently, Solis is also feeling some of the fatigue.

“It hasn’t been too tough,” he laughed.

“The challenging part is doing all the work with all levels and just getting plans ready for each day. Each level is different on what I want them to do.”

After a loss to Bret Harte on Nov. 21, the varsity team put together a string of wins against Orestimba, Yosemite and Chowchilla.

The squad put on a show against Yosemite at MCHS during their first home game as the team battled in the last few minutes, Fabian Soto hit a huge three-pointer to tie the game at the buzzer.

The game went into double overtime with MCHS taking the win, giving Yosemite their first loss of the season.

About a week later, the Grizzlies handed Yosemite another loss on the Badgers home court.

Next on the schedule was a tournament at Bret Harte.

“It was good. It’s great practice for them to see bigger schools,” Solis explained.

“It was a good test for us to see who we can compete with.”

On Dec. 16 the Grizzlies traveled to Madera to continue the preseason against the Liberty Hawks where they came out on top 64-57.

“They’re growing together,” said Solis.

“Getting kids to buy into a new system is always challenging but they’re all coming along as far as buying into what we’re doing.”

The program has had new coaches over the last couple years but the team is adjusting well.

“The system isn’t too different, the difference is the speed I want,” Solis said.

“Their communication is better and they’re all learning each other and how each person plays.”

As the team approaches the holiday break, the team is preparing for league action in January.

“We’re focusing on rebounding and controlling the ball when we have possession,” continued Solis.

“We’re in it most of the time, but if we don’t win the rebounds we’re not going to stay in the game for long.”

After the game against Liberty, the Grizzlies varsity team held a record of 5-7.

MCHS traveled to Summerville on Dec. 30 to face the Bears.

Results were not available at press time.

Next up, league action begins on Jan. 2 when the Grizzlies will host Stone Ridge Christian at MCHS.

JV plays at 4 p.m. followed by the girls varsity team at 5:30, then boys varsity at 7 p.m.