Walnut Basketball Teams Sweep Doubleheader to Open League Play

ROWLAND HEIGHTS – The Walnut High school boys and girls basketball teams swept a double header Wednesday night to open Hacienda League play against the hosts Rowland Raiders.

Jeff Huang led the way for Walnut’s boys’ team with 20 points and two rebounds as the Mustangs easily dispatched the hosts 73-55 in the nightcap.

Rob Harrelson tallied 16 points and four rebounds, while LJ Besong added 14 points (10 in the second half), two steals and an assist in the victory.

Walnut started out quickly behind Huang’s four free throws on successive possession to take a quick 4-0 lead.  Rowland, however will not go away as it went on a mini 5-0 run to take a brief 5-4 lead.  Walnut would close out the period, going 16-11 to take a 20-16 lead going into the second quarter.

Elijah Beasley led the way for the hosts with 16 points and four rebounds, including two free throws to open the second quarter during a 7-0 run.    Matt Kinkead tallied nine while JT Ejan added seven and two steals for the Raiders.

Walnut regained the lead on a basket by Richard Rayclaw, and would go on a 6-0 run to widen the gap to 32-26.

Kinkead scored four quick points to open the third quarter to close the gap to 40-37, but that was as close as Rowland will get as the Mustangs responded with a 16-3 run to put the game away.

Walnut (9-5, 1-0) will take a break from league play and travel to South Hills to face the Huskies Friday night.  Tipoff is at 6:30pm.

The girls’ team kicked off the doubleheader with an easy win over Rowland 46-32 in the matinee.

Paulina Ochoa led three Mustangs in double figures with 15 points and three rebounds.   Brittney Yee chipped in 11 points and two rebounds, while Katya Eschavez added 10 points and four rebounds.

After scoring 17 points in the first half, Rowland was shut out in the third quarter because of walnut’s defense and empty possessions , but was able to outscore Walnut 15-8 in the fourth but it was too little too late.

Kaelan Seid led the way for the hosts, tallying 11 points, while Emily Mesa added nine points, including the first points of the game.  Zoe Hicks didn’t score, but contributed defensively, grabbing eight rebounds and added a steal.

Walnut (9-4, 1-0) travels to perennial league powerhouse Bonita (14-1, 1-0) next Wednesday.  Tipoff time is at 5:00 pm.