Men’s Basketball gets off on the right foot

On November 10, 2017 Hartnell men's Basketball team got their season started as they beat Cerro Coso 71-66. It was a great battle for both teams as the first half consisted of a lot of lead changes and shifts of momentum. The Panthers from the start seemed to carry out their game plan - moving the ball finishing with 18 assists as a team. Cerro Coso was not about to let anything go easy, as they played tough basketball having four of their five starters in double figures for the game. For the first half, the Panthers found themselves trailing heading to the locker room 38-31. Heading into the second half both teams 3-point percentage was almost identical as Hartnell shot 27% from the arc and Cerro Coso shot 28% leading the game to be a battle in the paint. Sophomore Center (#21) Carsen Williams was more than happy to pick up the traffic, recording 9 points and 3 blocked shots for the day. The Panthers battled back, from whatever deficit they found themselves in, starring fantastic sophomore play by (#23) Guard Jesse Hurtado who produced 21 points, 5 assists, and 7 rebounds to go along with his teammate (#22) Guard Spencer Conrad's 19 points, 6 assist and 6 rebounds. Hartnell would produce enough to gain the lead and even create some space between Cerro Coso and them. The Panthers earned a win of 71-66. Freshman Guard (#3) Miguel Velez recorded 13 points and 3 assists. The next day on November 11, the Panthers remained at home, as they took on Siskiyous and dominated for an 84-60 win. The Panthers came out shooting, four of their 5 starters finished recording 15 points or more by the end of the game. The team as a whole, would record a stellar 56% shooting from the field and 44% from the 3-point line. They were in control all game long, as the Panthers kept sharing the rock racking up 22 assists with only 6 turnovers as a team. The defense forced Siskiyous to turn the ball over 19 times and holding them to 38% shooting from the field and a low 16% shooting from the 3-point line. By halftime, the Panthers led by 24 points! Sophomore (#22) Guard Spencer Conrad led the hot streak by splashing in 25 points and recording 5 assists, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals. Fellow sophomore guard (#23) Jesse Hurtado and freshman forward (#24) Rene Hurtado, each scored 15 points to help push the lead up for the Panthers. The Panthers face Merced on the road on November 25, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. Go Panthers!!!