Seventh grade Pintos take Mustangs down 60-11

The California Middle School basketball teams hosted Eldon Nov. 26, where the seventh grade Pintos defeated the Mustangs 60-11.

California led 22-2 after the first quarter and 43-4 at the half.

"We roared to a 12-0 lead with swarming defense, totaling nine steals and forcing a 10-second violation in the first quarter," California Coach Scott Loring said. "We went on a 31-0 run in the first half, leading 43-2 before the Mustangs added a layup late in the second quarter. Our lead at the half was fueled by a defense that forced 21 first-half turnovers."

The Pintos went on to outscore the Mustangs 17-7 in the second half to take the win.

"We converted three three-pointers in the third frame and continued to contain Eldon in the front court with an aggressive man-to-man defense," Loring said. "From day one, I stressed how turnovers make the biggest difference in basketball gamess. Tonight, we not only forced a lot of turnovers, but we were able to convert on the offensive end after a majority of them. We also took care of the ball really well on the other end."  

Colden Imhoff led California with 14 points, seven rebounds and five steals. Jordon Geiser had eight points, three assists and two steals. Gabe Bailey scored seven points, and Isaac Ash had four points, four rebounds, six assists and five steals. Hayden Hoellering pulled down five rebounds.  

California out-rebounded Eldon 34-12, and the Pintos had a total of 18 assists.

"We made a lot of selfless passes tonight, which everyone likes to see," Loring said.  

The CMS Pintos will travel to Ashland Thursday to play Southern Boone."

The seventh grade girls game will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the eighth grade girls, then the seventh grade boys, then the eighth grade boys.