Feb. 2, 2010 — The Lassen Grizzlies varsity basketball team battled to a 56-51 victory against the Anderson Cubs on Tuesday, Jan. 26 inside the Lassen High School Cave.   

The Grizzlies trailed the Cubs early in the game finishing the first quarter with a 4-13 deficit. The Cubs were able to break down Lassen’s offensive attacks with a tough defensive presence both in the key and outside the arc.

Andy Pustejovsky stepped up for Lassen finding his three-point shot early in the second quarter and bringing Lassen back into contention with the well-rounded Anderson team.   

Lassen’s JP Faulkner had difficulty finding the long-range shot early in the game, finally getting back on track at the end of the first half tying the game at 19.   

Lassen surged forward in the second half with help from post players Jordan Vial and Brandon Whitestone, who each hauled down much needed Lassen rebounds and put up some integral points for the Grizzlies.   

Torin Thompson also helped the Grizzly surge with seven boards on the night.   

Anderson tried to fight back late in the game, but could never find an opening in the Lassen defense. After a number of Anderson fouls the Grizzlies walked away with the win in front of a proud hometown crowd.    

Pustejovsky had 20 points on the night followed by Vial with 15 points and six rebounds, Faulkner had 14 points, Whitestone had five points and seven rebounds and Jared Bertotti had two points.   

“The perimeter players came through in the end,” said Lassen’s varsity coach Leo Bennett. “Though we started out a little slow, everyone did their jobs and it came together for us toward the end of the game.”   

“I was impressed with the post players tonight,” said Bennett. “Vial demonstrated how good he can really be at times, and he was hitting a large percentage of his free throws down the stretch. That helped us tremendously.   

“I expect Central Valley is going to come out in a full-court press and try to give us fits on Friday night, but I really believe that we have some of the best big guys in the league and we will use that to our advantage.”   

The Lassen varsity club now stands at 9-9 on the season and 1-2 in league play.    

Lassen met Central Valley on Friday, Jan. 29 as part of Lassen’s Winterfest week. No results were available from this game at press time. Check out lassennews.com for game results and Winterfest pictures.