If the Gregori Jaguars were feeling good off their 82-43 takedown of the Modesto Panthers last Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. Gregori fell to Pitman 72-67. While losing is never fun, Gregori can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 581st, while Pitman is ranked 264th).
Gregori's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Kaleb Smith, who scored 14 points along with five assists and four steals. Smith also posted two blocks for the first time this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Raj Sandhu, who scored 15 points.
Even though they lost, Gregori were working as a unit and finished the game with 17 assists. That's the most assists they've managed all season.
It was another big night for Avery Sanchez, who scored 33 points along with seven rebounds for Pitman. Sanchez is trending in the right direction, as he's improved his point production for three games straight. Another player making a difference was Justin Anderson, who almost dropped a double-double on 15 points and nine rebounds.
Gregori's loss dropped their record down to 11-11. As for Pitman, the win (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 16-6.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Gregori will face off against Downey at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Gregori is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 57.2 points per game this season. Pitman will be staying on the road on Friday to face off against Modesto at 7:30 p.m. on January 26th. The timing isn't great for Modesto: they have been struggling with six straight losses at home, while Pitman has snatched up four consecutive wins on the road.
