The Lassen High Varsity boys basketball squad beat the Yreka Miners 53-40 Friday, clinching the Northern Athletic league title with a hard fought road victory over the Miners on the Yreka school’s Senior Night and basketball homecoming.
Chad Arnold lead the way for Lassen with 20 points. Wyatt Martin had 10, Jacob Bennet had a season high 9 points on 3 three pointers and Wyatt Del Carlo had 8.
According to Coach Paul Moore this was the first boys basketball league Championship since Gary Spafford’s squad won the title in 1990.
“In my 28 years of coaching I am not sure I have coached a team that has improved as much as this team has,” said Coach Moore.
“The kids from Jan 5th on have been playing great basketball. These kids have become a true team and share the basketball extremely well that is truly a fun team to watch. I have been told by many people in the community what a pleasure it is to watch these kids pass the ball to each other.
“Before Jan 5th we were giving up 57 points a game on average but since then we are giving up 48 points a game. So obviously our defense has been the key to our league title and nothing could excite me more as when I took over I had told everyone we were going to be a defensive team first and these players have taken it to heart and that’s why they are Champions”
Coach Moore credited what he called ‘an amazing coaching staff’ saying that Doug Satica is an amazing coach who does so many of the behind-the-scenes things and has such a unique relationship with the players that they really respond to.
“Ron Moore brings a unique knowledge to the team after over 35 years of officiating including state championship game,” said Coach Moore. “He also is someone the players go to with questions.”
“Jarrett Ellena, who is one of the best players to come out of Lassen, is able to give the kids great perspective from a players standpoint and still mixes it up with the players,” continued Moore.
Cool LHS basketball fact! David Del Carlo was a member of 1990 championship team and now 27 years later his son Wyatt Del Carlo is a member of the team.
Lassen will host the winner of Live Oak vs Uprep game this Friday at 7:00p.m. in the cave. A win would send the Grizzlies to a Wednesday semifinal game at a site to be determined. The Championship game is set for Friday, March 3rd, at Butte College.
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