Lassen High School boys' basketball
The proverbial rebuilding year began last weekend for first-year head coach Joe Ray as his Lassen High School boys' basketball team succumbed to its first two opponents at the Quincy Tip-Off Classic Thursday-Friday, Nov. 30 - Dec. 1.
The Grizzlies fell to Red Bluff 72-52 to open the season and followed with a lost to Durham 74-58.

"Overall, I think things went pretty well," said Ray, who has Quincy roots but moved from Southern California to take the job. "We played well for a half and then there was that one quarter that hurt us. The kids showed they could play and I think we'll be a tough team to beat once league starts. I just going to take some time."

Lassen had to play catch up during most of the game against Red Bluff. The Grizzlies outscored the Spartans 42-37 in the second half.

Lassen led Durham by 12 at halftime, but fell apart in the third quarter.

"We really struggled during that stretch. We turned the ball over and had a tough time hitting shots," Ray said.

The Grizzlies were scheduled to play Incline Village to close out the tournament, but Incline failed to show up for the game.

Steve Morgado was named to the all-tournament teams. He played "exceptionally well" in both games and was a force on the glass, Ray said. Chris Peck and Kory Martinson also played well, Ray said.

Lassen heads to the Live Oak Tournament Thursday-Saturday. The team opens with Golden Sierra of Auburn.

The Grizzlies debut at home against Wooster of Reno Monday, Dec. 11.