CLOVIS EAST 

1-9-2004

 
Coach Darren Minami surely hoped, entering Friday night's game with Clovis East, that his squad would get off to a fast start.   After watching the Timberwolves drain their first three point shot of the night, Minami's dream came to fruition.  Sparked by Abel Lucca's three three-point shots and some tough defensive play, the Pirates jumped to a decisive 17-6 lead after one quarter.  Subsequently the lead never dipped below 10 and the Pirates walked out of the Clovis East gym at evening's end with a 72-56 win.  With the victory the Pirates improved their record to 11-2.
 
The Timberwolves pressed throughout the contest but the Pirates maintained their poise, relying primarily on point guard Jon Lepp, to shrug off the Wolves' pressure.  
 
The Pirates employed their man-to-man defense the entire game, frustrating the Clovis school's motion offense while forcing numerous turnovers.
 
While Lucca's effortless threes jumpstarted the Pirates, it was Colin Hofer who put the finishing touches on the Timberwolves.  Hofer had but two points at halftime but finished the night with 20, including 11 in the final quarter.  Lucca led the team in scoring with 22.  Meanwhile Jon Wallen chimed in with important baskets throughout the game to also finish with 20.