NEWMAN, Calif – Six games into the season have netted into tough losses for the Orestimba High boys basketball team in the young season.
Orestimba (0-6) has been hit with injuries, which has led to multiple players getting a late start on the season.
Warrior head coach Charlie Kothenbeutel feels that this is part of the learning process.
“Overall, I am pleased with the direction that our team is heading right now,” Kothenbeutel said.
Here is the breakdown of last week’s non-league games
Los Banos 69, Orestimba 55
In a non-league game at the Warriors’ gym on Friday, Los Banos held a 36-31 advantage at halftime.
Then the visiting Tigers outscored Orestimba 33-24 in the final 16 minutes of the contest to get the win.
Matthew Wales and Devon Bell scored 15 points each for Orestimba. Emiliano Alvarez followed with nine points, Jacob Valenzuela eight, Rudy Corona four, Brett Gray three and Jaden Sotelo one.
“Los Banos is a really talented team with a lot of offensive weapons,” Kothenbeutel said. “We adjusted our defense throughout and were able to force a lot of turnovers, but they still were able to capitalize, and they shot the ball tremendously. I thought our offense shot the best it has all year in that game, but still has a ways to go.”
Livingston 63, Orestimba 59
The Warriors hosted Livingston in a non-league game on Dec. 5.
Livingston made a big shot toward the end of the game that led to the victory.
“The Livingston game was a slow start, which is never ideal,” said Kothenbeutel, whose Warriors saw the Wolves lead 31-19 at halftime. “Too many turnovers and missed opportunities.”
Two Warrior players had a double-double performance against the Wolves. Bell had 19 points and 19 rebounds, and Valenzuela followed with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
“I was really impressed by our senior leaders, Devon Bell and Jacob Valenzuela,” Kothenbeutel said. “Also impressed with the improvement of Emiliano Alvarez (junior) and how he has taken the next step with his move to varsity.”
Gray had six points. Michael Maier and Alvarez followed with five each.
Orestimba had 42 boards in the game. Livingston finished with 31.
Argonaut 66, Orestimba 42
Making a trip to Jackson on Dec. 3, the host Mustangs only lead 12-11 after the first quarter. But they galloped to a 16-6 scoring advantage in the second quarter for a 28-17 halftime lead en route the win.
Bell had 14 points and 20 rebounds in the contest. Wales had nine points and seven rebounds.
Upcoming games
Orestimba continues its preseason schedule with a game at Pacheco of Los Banos on Wednesday. The game time is scheduled at 7 p.m.
The Warriors will play at Tracy High on Monday, Dec. 16. The tipoff is scheduled at 7:30 p.m.
Mike Bush is a multimedia journalist who was born and raised in the Stanislaus and Merced County areas. Follow him on X/Twitter @MikeBMultimedia and Instagram @mikebushphotography.
