SUNNYSIDE

1-29-2004

In a clash for first place honors at the conclusion of the first round of NYL play, the Reedley High Pirates lost to the Sunnyside Wildcats  60-58 in a game played on the Wildcats' home court.  With the victory the Wildcats moved to 5-0 in NYL play while the Pirates fell to 4-1.  Coach Darren Minami's Pirates are 16-3 on the season.
 
The Pirates, behind two three point shots and a putback by Colin Hofer, opened the game with an 8-0 run.  Abel Lucca took charge of the Pirates' offense in the second quarter, scoring 12 of Reedley's points in the frame.  Reedley led at halftime 30-24.
 
The Wildcats turned up the pressure in the third quarter, outscoring Reedley 21-10 to take a 45-40 lead entering the fourth quarter.
 
The determined Pirates came back and the game see-sawed back and forth to its final conclusion.  Hofer's two free throws gave the Pirates a 55-54 lead with 2:32 remaining.  After a Wildcats' bucket, Lucca drilled a three pointer with 1:25 remaining to give the Pirates a 58-56 advantage.  But with just 1:01 remaining, Sunnyside's Sophoeun Oeun answered with a three pointer to put his 'Cats up by one at 59-58.
 
Bruising defensive play and turnovers marked the last minute of the game.  In spite of having several possessions the Pirates were unable to get off a shot during the final 60 seconds.
 
On the night the Pirates were led in scoring by Hofer with 21 points.  Lucca followed with 18 and Jon Wallen scored 11.
 
The Pirates return to action next Tuesday when they host Roosevelt in a second round NYL contest.
back home back to info back to game info