Cardinal Boys show wins and growth

WAITSBURG — Waitsburg’s boys varsity basketball team lost at Touchet on December 17, 59-29. The team had difficulty adjusting to the Redhawks’ defensive pressure. JJ Gleason led the team with 15 points, scoring 12 in the first quarter.

In Waitsburg on Friday, December 20, the varsity team beat Tekoa-Rosalia in a close game, 35-33. Coach Wallace said it was the best his team has looked offensively all season.

“It was a beautiful game to watch. We played hard on both ends, got steals, transition baskets, good ball movement, but we did not rebound well, keeping the game competitive,” said Wallace.

Blake Benavides had an amazing game. Defensively, he was all over the place, getting steals and pressuring the ball. He even took a charge. Benavides played with confidence and scored 12 points for the Cardinals. Coach Wallace was super proud of him. Another standout player in the game was Logan Seal, who added 13 points.

The JV boys beat Tekoa – Rosalia, 29-23. Jake Lynch led his team in scoring with 10 points, Alex Zuniga rebounded 10, and Fredy Chavez had five steals.

On Saturday, December 21, the Cardinal varsity team lost at St. John, 71-58. The team could not swing the momentum their way, and the Eagles were shooting the lights out.

The team improved on spacing, positioning themselves to move the ball and push the pace, said Wallace. Logan Seal had his best offensive game of the season, scoring 26 points.

“Overall, I am very proud of the boys this first half of the season as I have seen so much growth,” said Wallace.

The JV boys hope to avenge their loss to St. John when the Eagles come to Waitsburg on January 24.

The Cardinals will return to basketball action on Friday, January 3, at Dayton.