Grizzlies bounce back after losses, defeat rival Yosemite

The rivalry can always be felt when the Grizzlies play against the Badgers from Yosemite High School.

Mariposa County High School’s boys basketball went up against Yosemite for the second time this season last week at MCHS.

JV took to the court first with the Grizzlies taking the win, 35-20.

Varsity kept the momentum going, defeating the Badgers 49-26.

“I thought we did better,” said coach Al Brondolo.

“The first time we played them was our second game and we’re becoming a different team already.”

Yosemite came into the game looking for their first win of the season.

Lucas McGoldrick nailed a three-pointer for the Badgers to open scoring in the first quarter.

Barclae Sandoval answered with three points of his own for the Grizzlies, followed by a quick layup to give MCHS their first lead of the game at 5-3.

Joseph Casner drew a foul for MCHS and made one of two free throws followed by a huge three-point field goal from Aiden Young.

James Rogerson continued the scoring action for the Grizzlies with a layup.

Young grabbed another quick two points to increase the Grizzlies lead to 11-7 to wrap up the first quarter.

MCHS kept the momentum going as Sandoval and Young led the second quarter with 11 points scored between them.

The Grizzlies led 21-14 at halftime.

MCHS kept their foot on the gas during the third and came out dominating.

Sandoval scored four points for the Grizzlies to start the third quarter followed by a layup from Enea Cinerari.

Young, Sandoval and Cinerari kept the points coming and the Grizzlies finished the third quarter leading 40-18.

“They don’t fold and they don’t give up,” Brondolo said.

“They played with some energy and we got a lead and were able to extend it.”

Yosemite held MCHS to only scoring nine points in the fourth quarter.

The Grizzlies showed their depth as Xavier Dacanay and Fabian Tarango got on the score sheet to finish the game with a final score of 49-26.

“The nice thing is we got everyone in the game,” continued Brondolo.

“The whole idea is to bring everyone together.”

Sandoval lead the team with 19 points, followed by Young with 18.

“Barclae attacked the basket fairly well tonight,” the coach said.

“Enea played great defense and we’re lucky to have him.”

Every player on the team contributes.

“They have good attitudes and they work really hard; it’s not easy coming in with a new coach,” Brondolo said.

“I look forward to seeing these guys as we move through the season, it’s fun when you can see the difference.”

After the game against Yosemite, the Grizzlies were 2-3 overall as they continue through the preseason.

The team headed to Chowchilla for some tournament action Dec. 5-7.

The Grizzlies lost their first game of the weekend against Hilmar, 68-43.

MCHS bounced back to win against Dos Palos, 45-40.

For the last game of the weekend, the Grizzlies lost to Torres, 51-36.

Next up, tournament action continues as the squad travels to Bret Harte Dec. 12-14.

MCHS (3-5 overall) will play against the Amador Buffaloes on Dec. 12 at 3:30 p.m. Opponents and game times for Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 are to be determined.