Pintos defeat Blair Oaks Falcons 63-55

California's Jerry Lutz (21) drives around Tipton's Logan Hirst during the first quarter of the Pintos' Courtwarming game Friday at California.
California's Jerry Lutz (21) drives around Tipton's Logan Hirst during the first quarter of the Pintos' Courtwarming game Friday at California.

The California Pintos hosted Blair Oaks for Senior Night Tuesday, Feb. 18, where they defeated the Falcons 63-55 to pocket a conference win.

California outscored Blair Oaks 17-14 in the first quarter and 15-10 in the second to take a 32-24 advantage at the half. The Falcons turned up the heat in the third quarter to outscore the Pintos 18-13, however, the Pintos scored 18 points to Blair Oaks' 13 in the final frame to hold onto the lead, and ultimately the win.

"This was a great game," California Coach Blair Scanlon said. "Since it was Senior Night, I pumped our guys up. With Jaden (Barr) sick and Damon (Shaw) out, we still found a way to win. Austin Gump also really came through for us."

California was led by Dylan Albertson with 19 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Gump had 12 points, one steal and one assist, and Jerry Lutz chipped in with nine points, four rebounds and one assist.

Blair Oaks (18-6 and 4-2) was led by Chandler Haxton with 15 points, and Seth Eskens with 13. Logan Bax added 10.

Prior to the game, California seniors Albertson, Burke Brant, Gump, Lutz, Cole George and Conner George, and senior cheerleader Drew RuBert were recognized along with their parents.

California's JV lost 65-43 to Blair Oaks, while the freshman Pintos also lost, 42-33.

The Pintos traveled to Iberia Wednesday, Feb. 19, where they suffered a 71-54 loss to the Rangers.

Iberia outscored California 38-26 in the first half and 33-28 in the second half to secure the win.

The Pintos were led by Albertson with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Lutz scored 12 points and had one steal and two assists.

The Rangers were led by Darrien Dickey with 26 points and Dexter Frisbie with 17.

"Iberia is good," Scanlon said. "They've only lost one game."

California hosted Tipton for Courtwarming Friday, which was also the final game of the regular season, where the Pintos took out the Cardinals 59-38.

California led 15-13 after the first quarter, and 32-27 at the half, after a 3-point shot by Jerry Lutz two seconds before the second quarter ended. The Pintos went on to outscore the Cardinals 9-7 in the third quarter and 18-4 in the fourth to secure the win.

"We made some defensive adjustments at the half that helped us play better in the second half," Scanlon said. "I thought we did a good job of containing Dylan Cooper."

California was led by Gump with 12 points and three rebounds. Lutz and Barr each had 11 points. Lutz also had six assists and two rebounds, while Barr had one rebound and two steals. Albertson chipped in with nine points, six rebounds and one steal.

Tipton (16-8) was led by Dylan Cooper with 10 points. Logan Hirst had eight, and Dylan Tate and Aaron Rugen each chipped in with six.

"I thought our kids competed hard and gave themselves a chance until the fourth quarter when we just didn't hit shots," Tipton Coach Billy Jeffries said. "It was a great game to get us ready for districts."

California's JV also defeated Tipton, 59-49, led by Allan Burger with 18 points, Dylan Norton with 15, and Eli Freeman with 12.

Prior to the varsity game, the Courtwarming coronation was held, where seniors Burke Brant and Sydney Deeken were crowned king and queen, while junior Gavin Pickering and sophomore Katie Imhoff were crowned prince and princess.

During halftime of the varsity game, the CHS dance team and CHS cheerleaders performed, and during halftime of the JV game, the Special Olympics athletes from Eldon participated in a scrimmage.

The freshman Pintos defeated the Cardinals 46-24.

The Pintos (17-7) played Hallsville Tuesday night in the opening round of the Class 3 District 8 Tournament at Blair Oaks High School, Wardsville, however, game results were not available at press time.

Prior to the district opener, Scanlon said, "It's going to be tough. Hallsville is good. Last time they beat us by one point in triple overtime. It will be a good, entertaining game."

The winner will advance to semifinals to play the winner of Tuesday's Eugene vs. Boonville game at 6 p.m. Thursday. The championship game is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday.