Lady Pintos pocket 55-44 win at Osage

The California High School Lady Pintos were on the road Thursday for their first conference game of the season, at Osage, where the varsity defeated the Lady Indians 55-44.

California led 11-5 after one quarter, 26-14 at the half, and 39-25 going into the final frame. The Lady Indians outscored the Lady Pintos 19-16 in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late as California came away with the win.

"Osage is a difficult Tri-County Conference opponent," California Coach Bobby Sangster said. "They're experienced. It was a good game."

Sydney Deeken led California with 13 points. Isa Morris led Osage with 15 points.

California's JV also defeated Osage, 31-25, while the freshmen lost a close contest to the Lady Indians, 17-16.

The Lady Pintos participated in the National Guard Shootout Saturday at Fleming Fieldhouse, Jefferson City, where they defeated Harrisburg 57-49. The win was a milestone for Sangster as it marked his 200th career victory.

"It's more important to me that we got our sixth win of the season," Sangster said. "But the girls wanted me to get this tonite just as I wanted it for them. I've truly been blessed."

(See "Deeken's 3-pointer..." article on pg. 9 for more about shootout.)

California (6-2 and 1-0 in Tri-County Conference) will play Bowling Green at 12 p.m. Friday at the MRMC (Moberly Regional Medical Center) Holiday Shootout at Moberly Community College.

"I'm very pleased with how hard the girls have worked," Sangster said. "With that said, at this point in the season, with our injuries, it's hard to get a read on where we are. Until we get to full strength, it's just hard to judge. I think the break will be really good for us. The girls can rest up."

Following the Christmas break, the Lady Pintos will participate in the Gary Filbert Classic at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4.