Final tune-up goes to ’Balers

Watsonville High’s Jason Paz passes the ball to a teammate during the second half of the Wildcatz’s game against Hollister High on Wednesday night at Watsonville High School. (Glenn Cravens/Register-Pajaronian)

WATSONVILLE — In their final tune-up before divisional play begins Friday, both the Watsonville and Hollister high basketball teams sought some momentum.

It was Hollister that got it in a running-away fashion.

The Haybalers used a suffocating defense in the second half and shut down the Wildcatz 65-31 on Wednesday night.

Hollister improved to 10-2, two days before divisional play begins. Watsonville slipped to 4-7.

The Haybalers went into halftime leading 30-22 when they turned up the full-court press. It worked, as they forced the Wildcatz into turnovers and one-and-done opportunities.

A 10-0 run with 1:46 to play in the third quarter nearly sealed things up. The majority of Hollister’s players got involved. Andrew Breen started it off with a three-pointer. Jacob Tonascia followed up with a putback of his own miss. Jared Penzo slashed to the hoop for two more, and Breen sealed the run with a three from the corner.

Kassim Green ended Watsonville’s drought as he banked home a shot after breaking Hollister’s press defense.

Green’s bucket with 29 seconds to play in the third quarter closed Watsonville’s deficit to 50-31.



For the complete article see the 01-03-2013 issue.

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