Lake County under-12 boys basketball team goes 2-0 in Rocklin
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ROCKLIN >> The Lake County Eagles under-12 boys basketball team took top honors last weekend during the Tournament of Champions at the Hardwood Palace in Rocklin.
The Eagles beat the Reno Ballers 38-17 in their first game before closing things out with a hard-fought 52-47 victory over Upper Level Elite out of the Roseville area.
The Eagles were able to overcome an injury to one of their top players, LJ Hopkins, who went down with an injury in the first three minutes of the team’s win over the Reno Ballers.
“That really put a damper on things because of the type of player he is offensively and defensively,” Eagles head coach Mason Smith said. “I’m very proud of all the boys who stepped up in his absence and got the wins. It wasn’t an easy task.”
The Eagles struggled early on in their game the Reno Ballers, but Asten Wienke finally woke up the team’s offense. He finished with 12 points, five rebounds, five steals and three assists.
“He’s been battling an illness, so I’m proud of the way he came out and carried us to victory,” Smith said.
Jace Johnson added seven points and two steals while Jaiden Griffith had six points and three rebounds.
Against Upper Level Elite, a game that went down to the wire, Isaiah Reyes provided the spark with a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. The Eagles also got a big lift from Johnson (13 points) and Charlie Mulanda (11 points, eight rebounds, three steals).
“The game was one of our tougher tests of the season,” Smith said. “It just shows how aligned we are as a group. The chemistry is off the charts. This is a special group that you guys will hear around Lake County sports for the next six years.”
While the Eagles came through on the offensive end during their tournament win, Smith gave a shoutout to the defensive work of both Greyson Wienke and Darius Dubose.
“Greyson Wienke and Daris Dubose provided constant pressure when in the game that always helps us out defensively to close out and win ballgames,” Smith said.
“We went 2-0 on Mother’s Day weekend and brought back home some hardware for the momma,” Smith said.
