Basketball Recap: Arianna Velasco Key Part of a Team Effort in Cougars Win

You're bound to get a positive result if you outscore your opponent every quarter, and that's exactly how it played out for Escalon on Friday. They enjoyed a cozy 60-43 victory over the Orestimba Warriors. That result was just more of the same for these two, as the Cougars also won the last time the pair played back in December of 2023.

Escalon's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Arianna Velasco, who dropped a double-double on 21 points and ten boards. That's the most points Velasco has posted since back in December of 2024. Aiden Hohenwarter was another key player, going 6 for 8 on her way to 15 points and eight rebounds.

Escalon smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with ten offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in six consecutive games.

Orestimba lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Shantelle Pizarro, who posted nine points. Another player making a difference was Ashlynn Bell, who earned eight points.

Escalon pushed their record up to 11-10 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. The wins came thanks to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 26.3 points per game. As for Orestimba, their defeat dropped their record down to 11-9.

Coincidentally, Escalon and Orestimba will both be playing Sonora the next time they take the court. Escalon will host Sonora at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, while Orestimba will host them at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.