Lassen outmatched against state ranked teams

On Saturday, November 26, the Cougars hit the road to Sonora, CA, for two tough games, the first against host school No.13 Columbia College and the second against No. 30 West Hills Coalinga College. 

Lassen knew that they would need to put together a complete game to upset the Claim Jumpers, and they looked ready from the opening tip. Whenever it looked like Columbia would take control of the game, the Cougars would bounce back and regain the lead. Lassen led by as much as six points in the first half; however, the state-ranked Claim Jumpers were able to make some plays at the end of the half to take a slim two-point lead.

Lassen jumped out on the Columbia in the second half behind their great three-point shooting. The Cougars would finish the game with ten made three-pointers, seven of them coming in the first half. Lassen found themselves within two points of Columbia with just four minutes remaining. Unfortunately, the Cougars committed some unforced turnovers, which handed to game to Columbia as they won 62-74.

Mason Saso led the Cougars in scoring with 16 points, followed by Trty Wilmot, who had 14 points.

On the second day, Lassen matched up against West Hills Coalinga. After the challenging game the night before, it appeared the Cougars still hung up on the Columbia loss because they came out lethargic. West Hills was able to capitalize immediately and jumped out to a 21-point lead. Lassen was able to snap out of their funk for the second half as they outscored West Hills by three points, but it wasn't enough as they lost 50-68.

Shelton Taylor led the Cougars in scoring with 12 points.

"This weekend needs to be a learning experience for us. We are still a young group that is learning what it takes to beat the really good teams. We played 36 great minutes against Columbia, but their experience is what helped them outlast us those four minutes. Then we have to be mature enough and mentally tough enough to be able to bounce back the next day, no matter what, and be ready to compete. Hopefully, after some much-needed practice and rest, we will be ready to close out the pre-season strong," added coach Will Freedman.

Next up for the Cougars is Fresno City College at the Modesto Tournament.