The California Pintos girls basketball team (14-3) won its third-straight game in a row, after defeating the Hallsville Indians (6-12), 67-34, Jan. 25.
The Pintos led early, as they built a 15-9 lead over the Indians in the first quarter. California led 13-4 with just over 2:30 left to play in the quarter. That lead only built in the second quarter, as the Pintos outscored the Indians 20-10 in the quarter, as they took a 35-19 lead at halftime. Paige Lamm had seven of California's first 17 points in the game.
California continued to stay in control in the second half, as the Pintos outscored Hallsville 24-12 in the third quarter to take a commanding 59-31 lead and California only gave up three points in the fourth quarter.
Paige Lamm led the team with 14 points in the game, Gracie George scored 11 and Tristan Porter and Quinn Albertson each added 10.
After two close wins earlier in the week with a 48-46 win over Fatima, Jan. 21, and a 50-48 win over Smith-Cotton, Jan. 24, head coach Bobby Sangster said that he felt the team was proud of how they played good basketball in the win over Hallsville.
"Yeah, we went 3-0 this week, but really we only played one real great game of basketball," Sangster said. "To come in and play a Tri-County Conference opponent, to come in and do what we did tonight, was well-needed and, hopefully, we can kind of carry that in to next week."
When it came to defense, Sangster said he thought the team came in to the game with a great mindset.
"They played with a lot of heart and a lot of intensity," Sangster said. "I think the girls really locked in and wanted to show that we are going to be a defensive ball club. We are going to win on the defensive end."
The team did not have the best night shooting, when it came to the three-point ball, as they went 3-8 in the second half. But Sangster said the team is not worried about it.
"We are not worried about the shooting; we are worried about playing good basketball," Sangster said. "The shots will fall. I believe in these girls' talent and I believe in their work ethic. I believe in their dedication."