The Placer Hillmen basketball team had back to back games this past weekend against the Ponderosa Bruins and Rio Linda Knights.

The resiliency of the Placer Hillmen was on full display this past weekend. The Hillmen entered last Friday’s matchup vs Ponderosa in a pivotal game that could swing the FVL standings in a different direction. Placer found themselves in what felt like a must win situation in order to have a chance at an FVL title.

The Hillmen found themselves in a dogfight headed into halftime trailing by six points, however the Bruins offense was too strong, and ended up winning 76-64, which moved them to a perfect 6-0 in league.

While Friday did not go in their favor, the Hillmen needed to bounce back quickly, and did. Placer toppled Rio Linda 79-45, led by senior captain Garret Dutro. Dutro led all scorers with 18 points, 14 of which came in the first half, accompanied by four assists. Sam Herlehy finished with 15 points and eight rebounds.

“We moved the ball vs the zone, and got easy layups and played very good defense,” Dutro said. “We had a tough loss last night, but we came back, we were prepared and got on them early.” 

Even at the highest levels, playing basketball on consecutive days will add challenge to the second night. “They came out and played very hard, we were quick and athletic and rotated well,” said Head Coach Mark Lee. “[The Game Plan] was to get layups off the press and steals off the press.” Lee said. The Hillmen had 21 steals, which led to many easy layups.

Placer now focuses itself on a massive week of league matchups, which consists of Lincoln and West Park. “It’s a good way to start a week,” Dutro said. “We need to come out and play good defense.” The Hillmen were able to work on some important pieces to their game against the Knights. 

The Earl Crabbe Gym is the place to be this Wednesday and Friday, as the Hillmen host Lincoln and Nevada Union in two games that could have vital impacts on the playoff race.