Braves bash Bulldogs for home win

The Hamilton High boys beat visiting Los Molinos 58-41 on Friday night, in a high-tempo matchup in Hamilton.

Those brave souls who waded through the downpour of rain were rewarded with a rousing and entertaining game between a pair of league rivals. Both teams put in incredible efforts, but it was the Braves who got the win.

Despite the Braves fouling the visiting team a total of seven times in the first quarter compared to the Bulldogs' zero, Hamilton had a a few three-point sinkers on their side, as Briley Fumasi, Ricky Alvarez and Tim Bekendam all landed bombs in the first quarter.

Los Molinos' Ryan Mekech ran through the paint all quarter long, racking up six points in the first alone, and 11 for the evening, along with being there for the rebounds as well.

The three-point shots from the Braves would prove to be the bane of the Bulldogs, however, and Hamilton claimed the early 18-14 lead going into the second quarter.

Fumasi and the Braves continued hitting three-point shots, although both teams' strong defensive games kept the second quarter to a low-scoring period.

Fumasi ended up with 16 points on the night. Jacob Jacobo was a crucial shot blocker during the evening, while also getting to the hoop and finishing with 12 points. It would be Bekendam that hit the money shot of the night in the second quarter, nailing a high-arced three-pointer that drew nothing but net.

Even with all the three-point shots, the teams' second quarter scoring was nearly even, with Hamilton putting up 12 and the Bulldogs, 11.

Los Molinos got to the hoop often, which kept the score fairly close to the end of the first half, with Hamilton up 30-25.

The Braves started out the second half much the same way they began the first, as Shea Schull hit back-to-back treys over defending Bulldogs. Hamilton also sat the Bulldogs back on their heels offensively, with the Braves containing key playmakers Sean Conrad and Mekech. Conrad was able to draw a few fouls en route to the basket, but was snuffed during most of the outing, despite averaging around 12 points a game.

The Braves may have kept Los Molinos to only eight points during the third quarter, but the Bulldogs' Isidro Madrigal and Mekech owned every shot they did make, each hitting three-point field goals. 

Hamilton's Leland Prior also fought hard during the third quarter, grabbing a rebound in traffic and scrapping his way to the net for the two points, and helping show how badly Hamilton wanted the win.

The Braves kept the small 45-33 lead over Los Molinos going into the fourth and final quarter.

Conrad continued to dish the ball and provide shooting opportunities for his team throughout the fourth quarter, while also tacking on four points. The Braves answered back, and landed multiple shots in and around the key, outscoring the Bulldogs and carrying away a riveting matchup.

After the win, Hamilton coach Brian Erickson was pleased with the win saying, "Our defense has improved immensely over the past couple of weeks. We played well, and kept (the other teams') players contained."

Los Molinos coach Christian Cumpston remained positive despite the outcome of the game, along with providing insight into how a team deals with a loss by saying, " We will move forward after this game, and get back to business next week. If you lose you have to put it behind you and move forward to the next game so that you can fully engage in that match-up."

He added, "Hamilton's three-pointers killed us, but we will work on what we need to work on and improve."

Los Molinos fell to 7-7 overall and 1-1 in the Mid-Valley - North, before hosting Quincy Tuesday.

Hamilton hit the road to battle Biggs on Tuesday evening, with a mark of 8-9, and 2-0 in the MVL-North.

CONTACT Emily Saint-Evens at 824-7990 or esaintevens@tcnpress.com