Shafter 63, West 61

The Generals got off to a good start with a win against West High at home. It was the first time Shafter has beaten West since the 1988-89 season.

Shafter started quickly and led 19-12 at the end of the first quarter, but saw that lead erased in the second quarter as West was able to force turnovers with their press and force the the entire General front line to the bench with foul trouble. West led 36-29 at half. I missed the third quarter because I was taking my kids home. (More dedicated bloggers can email their applications) It must have gone okay because by the time I was back in the gym with six minutes to play, the game was tied at 52. From there it was back and forth. The Generals put my quantity over quality views on free throws to the test by making 3 of 13 in the fourth quarter, but it and they prevailed. West heaved a contested three at the end of the game, which missed.