Tigers hoopsters end first round play in Friday night clashes with Bullpups

On Wednesday night, the Lemoore boys ran into a buzz saw in the form of Golden West, who powered past the Tigers 63-51 to keep the Trailblazers hopes alive for a league title. Golden West is 18-3 overall and 4-1 in league play.

Lemoore fell to 2-3 in the WYL and 7-13 overall as they hope to rebound against the 3-2 Bullpups in Friday night’s rivalry.

Lemoore’s girls’ team beat Golden West Wednesday night 57-50 to stay alive in the WYL race. 

El Diamante

Lemoore’s varsity hoops’ teams took a step backwards in their respective quests for a West Yosemite League title. On Thursday, in the Lemoore High School Event Center, Joel Sligh’s defending Central Section champs, fell to 2-2 in the WYL when their shooting skills falter, falling to El Diamante 42-31.

Kent Lambert aggressively goes for the basket against El Diamante in Thursday night's game.

Photo by Bill Burris, Lemooresports.com

The Miners were 0-3 coming into Thursday’s matchup.

In Visalia, the Lady Tigers’ shooting skills were somewhat better, but they still dropped a 47-40 decision to the Miners. In that contest the Tigers, who fell behind 11-6 in the opening quarter, rebounded with a 19-point effort in the second and led at the half 25-22.

Lemoore Boys' Schedule

Lemoore Girls' Schedule

However, a six-point fourth quarter doomed the Tigers’ chances.

The Lemoore ladies will take on Golden West on Jan. 18 in Lemoore. The Tigers fell to 2-2 in the WYL.

Lemoore’s varsity boys also fell to 2-2 and are 6-12 on the season. The Tigers have a Saturday morning game against Coalinga, part of a Super Saturday schedule at Edison High School, scheduled on Jan. 14. The Tigers travel to Visalia on Jan. 18 for a meeting with Golden West.