Happy Valley boys win Anderson hoops tourney

HV 8th GRADE BASKETBALL: They continued their success at Anderson Invitational Tournament on Jan. 30 at Anderson High School. Back row (left to right): Chris Bocker, Marcus Simmons, Jan Hyatt, Austin Clark, Coach Caleb Byrne, Hunter Esget, Preston Peltier, Jacob Hays and Brady Castlesman. Front row (left to right): Caleb Tenny, Mark Moua and Cory Fitzgarrell.

The Happy Valley 8th grade boys basketball team won the Anderson Invitational Tournament.

Their first game against Anderson Middle School was very competitive with both sides trying to hold onto the lead for the win. Happy Valley beat Anderson 50-47. Marcus Simmons had 24 points for Happy Valley and Brady Castleman added 12 more.

The boys would move on to play Pacheco. Like with Anderson, both sides wouldn't give an inch, but towards the end, Happy Valley found a few opportunites to put them over the top, taking the game 47-42. Simmons had another high scoring game with 17 points and Castleman added 15.

Happy Valley and Junction met up in the championship game. After battling for control of the game, Happy Valley was able to distance themselves from Junction to win 40-30. Chris Bocker had 12 points for Happy Valley, Preston Peltier and Hunter Esget had eight points apiece.

Sixth Grade Results

The Happy Valley sixth grade boys also competed in the Anderson Invitational Tournament and their first opponent was Parsons, who they beat 39-22. Garrett Baxter of Happy Valley scored 13 points; Isaiah Williams had nine points and five assists.

They then moved on to play Sequoia White and had no troubles gaining victory over them. Happy Valley won the game 41-24. Baxter had 12 points, Issac Bocker scored nine points, and Williams added another nine points and had 14 rebounds and fives assists.

Happy Valley then met up with Sequoia Gold in the final game. They once again were able to easily take their opponent, winning 36-24. Baxter scored 10 points and had 13 rebounds, Williams had nine points and six assists, and Bocker added six points.

Members of the 6th grade team include Baxter, Bocker, Williams, Justin Bigger, Michael Chitwood, Josh Hunt, Michael Jackman, Spencer Lawrence, Josh Lee, Kyle Parkinson, Alberto Rodriguez, and Steven Zoll, and they are coached by Zach Westaby.