The Reds boys’ basketball team travelled to Yuba College in Marysville on Dec. 27 for the 2023 third Coach Corn Classic Tournament. 

“Unfortunately, we didn’t play as well as I’d like, as a majority of our players were either hurt, sick or out of town,” said head coach Charles Roth.

The first day of the tournament would result in a 73-16 loss for the Reds as they went up against the McQueen Lancers of Reno. 

Another loss followed on Thursday for the Reds, this time 75-34 against the Oakmont Vikings of Roseville. Friday would conclude the tournament for Gustine as they fell 76-18 to the East Union Lancers of Manteca. 

The losses did have a slight upside for Gustine, considering these were all teams originating from power-house basketball tradition.

“It was great to get out of our area and play teams that you’ll never see, as they were from out of state or in a high division,” Roth said.

The Reds played well enough for what they had. Players were missing from the team, tournament matchups were mismatched and chemistry is still settling. Some JV players needed to be promoted to varsity in order to stay competitive. And it is a way for the team to become prepared for the SAL league.

“All in all, we competed and the kids played well considering our circumstances,” Roth commented.

The Reds have two conference matchups this week. Their first one will be against Le Grand Bulldogs, at Le Grand, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Then at 7 p.m. on Friday, the Reds will match vs. Mariposa County at Gustine.