Moses Lake opens season with two non-league wins

MOSES LAKE - It didn't start pretty.

Moses Lake struggled to score early in its first game of the season, but so did its opponent.

The Chiefs stifled the Southridge Suns with a full court press that forced several turnovers and the team cruised to a 65-46 win Friday in their home opener.

"(The press) is something maybe we're trying a little bit this year," head coach John Hohman said. "We've got some guys that maybe are smart enough to do that and our foot speed's a little faster than it has been in a few years."

Moses Lake's defensive intensity frustrated the Suns and Southridge didn't score its first points until halfway through the first quarter and scored its first field goal with about two minutes remaining in the first quarter. However, Moses Lake couldn't capitalize with points on the other end and led only 11-6 after the first quarter.

"We don't play in a jamboree," Hohman said. "I knew that the kids would be a little anxious... they're a young team."

The Chiefs were able to find their footing in the second quarter, outscoring Southridge 24-10, and entered the break with a 35-16 lead.

Southridge made a late run in the fourth quarter, but the game had already been decided.

Sophomore center Cesar Sandoval led the Chiefs with 12 points and senior forward Bryan Earl provided scoring off the bench with 11 points.

Despite issues with committing too many fouls and turnovers, Hohman liked what he saw from his team after witnessing game action.

"I like their intensity, I like that they're close," he said. "I think that they're starting to come together. I think it's been a brutal preseason for us... they have not had it easy so they've battled through that and so I really commend them for that. They're great kids, but when they step in between those lines they're tough."

Moses Lake began its three-game road trip Saturday with a 54-47 win against Walla Walla. The team begins league play Dec. 13 against Wenatchee.