Natomas Beats Pioneer High 71-45

JALEN MANNING SCORED 16 POINTS.

BY TREVOR HORN
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

The Natomas High School boys basketball team beat Pioneer High School 71-45 at home Thursday, Jan. 17 led by Phillip Morgan with a 20-point performance.

With the band playing, cheerleaders courtside and an engaged crowd, the Nighthawks played an up-tempo style and a hard-pressing defense to win the first Tri-County Conference game this season.

But these were not the same Nighthawks who put up 17 points against Grant High to open the season.

“From the start of the season to where we now, we are not the same team,” Natomas High head coach Brian Hamilton said.

Case in point: Morgan and fellow junior transfer Cameron Graham. Morgan’s first game was on Jan.3 and Thursday night was Graham’s debut (11 points). Three Natomas players that scored in double figures, including Jalen Manning with 16 points.

“I think we played well and took care of the ball,” Morgan said. “And we got our new boy Cameron. He really helped us out and it feels really good to win.”

Added Hamilton on what Graham brings to the team, “His energy and his confidence was one of the things we were missing.”

Natomas (2-15, 1-2 TCC) outscored Pioneer 63-36 in the final three quarters after Pioneer had a 9-8 lead at the end of the first.

“We have started the first quarter slow, but players found their way,” Hamilton. “It’s good to have everyone here and build on what we have going now.”

The 71 points was a season-high for Natomas and all 12 members of the team played with 10 scoring points in the game.

“It is always good to win,” Hamilton said. “But seeing the kids smile and having fun – that is what matters the most to me.”

Inderkum High School boys basketball: Inderkum boys basketball beat River Valley High School 47-31 at home on Thursday, Jan. 17.

Terrence White lead the Tigers (13-7, 3-0 TCC) with 18 points. LD Dhaliwal also scores in double figures with 11 points and Andrew Ignont grabbed 13 rebounds.