MARIPOSA’S JV CENTER, GARHETT BAUER (NO. 34), GETS MUGGED ON A SHOT IN THE PAINT AGAINST TURLOCK CHRISTIAN LAST THURSDAY. BAUER PULLED DOWN 8 REBOUNDS IN THE GRIZZLIES’ VICTORY. GAZETTE PHOTO BY DAN TUCKER Mariposa’s cruise control wasn’t disabled by Turlock Christian’s Eagles in last Thursday night’s Southern Athletic League contest. The Grizzlies applied a smothering defense and a sprinting offense to send the Eagles packing, 58-28. The win moved Mariposa to 13-0 in SAL play, and marked the young Grizzlies 20th straight victory. They are now 23-2 on the season.

Mariposa couldn’t find the mark in the first quarter and found itself trailing, 10-9, going into the second period.

TC’s slim advantage was short-lived as the Grizzlies reeled off 14 points and held the Eagles scoreless in the second 8 minutes. Sophomores Jimmy Neri and Raymond Epps scored almost at will off of assists from Wyatt Ellis, and Garhett Bauer controlled the boards.

Turlock Christian rallied in the third period and outscored Mariposa, 17-14, but still trailed, 38-26, going into the final stanza.

The Grizzlies uncorked another 8 minutes of scrappy defense, forcing multiple TC turnovers that allowed Mariposa to roll up 21 points in the period while the Eagles added just a single bucket.

“We played really well down the stretch,” said head JV coach Mark Abney. “Our defense really frustrated them, especially the play of Wyatt (Ellis) and Joe (Lewis). We caused a lot of turnovers that led to easy fast-break baskets.”

For the game, Neri scored 16 points and pulled down 7 rebounds. Ellis added 13 points and chalked up a bundle of assists, and Epps pumped in 11. Quinn Chaney added 8 points. Bauer led Mariposa in rebounds with 8, and Jason Scherf grabbed 6 caroms.

Mariposa hosted Le Grand in its final home game of the season Wedneday everning. Look for those results at www.mariposagazette. com. The Grizzlies will travel to Waterford to close out their SAL campaign on Friday night.