KING CITY — The King City High varsity boys basketball team began the non-league schedule with a pair of wins to start the season at 2-0. King City beat South County rival Gonzales High 56-48 at home in overtime, and cruised by visiting Coast Union, 35-15.
In the Gonzales game the Mustangs had to rally as the Spartans held a slim lead for most of the contest.
“We had a slow start and trailed for most of the game until the last quarter,” said King City head coach Jesus Ramirez. “In the final minutes we took the lead and then Gonzales took a three-point lead with just three seconds to play. Angel Trujillo hit a three-point basket and sent the game into overtime. In the extra period we outscored Gonzales, 8-0 to win the game.”
Cedrick Perez led King City in scoring with 24 points, including five 3-point baskets and Andres Arellano added 19 points with two 3-point baskets. Andy Barrios added seven points and Trujillo finished with six points for the Mustangs. Freddy Mendoza led Gonzales with 12 points and Xavier Cervantes had double-figures with 11 points.
Last Friday in King City the Mustangs led 17-14 at the half against Coast Union but outscored their guests 18-1 the rest of the game. Barrios led King City with eight points and Isidro Cabrera contributed with six points.
“Coast Union is a very young team and we didn’t really come out hard against them to start the game,” said Coach Ramirez. “In the second half we worked on our press a little and held them to just one second half point.”
Last night the Mustangs played the Everett Alvarez Eagles in Salinas and will finish the week with a home game on Friday with the North Salinas Vikings.
Last Monday afternoon the King City frosh boys team defeated Gonzales 67-24. Levi Hood led King City in scoring and scored eight of his 18 points in the third quarter. Seven of the eight King City players scored in the game. Other scorers were: Devin Morales (14); Adam Cortez (9); Trey Salcido (9); Rafa Valdez (7); Jonah Mendez (6); and Joe White (4). Hood, Mendez, and Cortez hit 3-point baskets.
“We used our size to our advantage,” said Coach Ken Kline. “We shot 10 of 14 from the free-throw line for 71 percent and that is excellent for freshman.”
