by Mark Butcher

Sports Writer

Speed kills, especially in basketball.

The Mountain View Boys JV team reaffirmed that axiom Tuesday (Nov. 13) in the second game at Central Kitsap Middle School in Silverdale, Wash. Behind the 21-points of point guard Trenton Bulmer, the Squires rolled to a 57-to-30 victory in their opening game of the 2018 season.

Doing as he was taught by his Warren Ave Pee Wee coaches – Ryan Christian and Art Lovestedt – Bulmer pushed the ball up the court at a full sprint every time had the basketball. Time and time again, through the 1^st and 2^nd quarter, he caught the Central Kitsap Cubs jogging back to their defensive positions unaware that he was right behind them, about to drive to the basket for another layup. When the Cubs finally started to look for the attacking point guard, Bulmer continued to drive, getting the defense to collapse on him, so he could kick the ball out to one of his open teammates.

By halftime, it was evident that the Squires JV were going to win their opening game. They held a 33-to-15 lead and were in control of every aspect of the game. They were shooting 48% (14/29) from field goal range, throwing assists on 64% of their baskets, pulling down 75% of the offensive rebounds for second and third shots, and stealing the ball 14% of their possessions.

Although Bulmer lit the fire, the 27-point win was a team effort, fueled by the familiarity the players have playing together as a Warren Ave Pee Wee team for years.

Jalen Littleraven-Oliver followed Bulmer’s double-digit performance with his own 14 points. Forward Dillon Lovestredt contributed 13 rebounds. Herold Cooper helped Lovestredt on the board with nine of his own retrievals. Oliver Christian added eight points, six rebounds, five assists, and five steals to the mix. And, Madden Benson, who was limited to just two quarters of action due to time playing varsity, added an additional eight points.

“The boys came out and played hard,” said JV Coach Marshaun Thompson. “All their hard work in practice has paid off and it shows what hard work gets them. I was very impressed with how well they gelled together so quickly.”

Thursday (Nov. 15) the MV Boys JV will be at home for their home opener against the visiting John Sedgwick General. The JV game will follow the varsity game and will tip-off around 5 p.m. Currently, the Squires have a two-game winning streak going against the Generals, dating back to 2016.

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