The Green River Pirate boy’s basketball team enters the New Year with a 5-4 record after splitting games last week at the Wayne Holiday Classic played at Wayne High School. Last week on Thursday night, host Wayne defeated Green River 52-47 and then on Friday night the Pirates defeated Altamont 63-55.
Despite 30 points from Justin Johnson, Green River could not quite defeat the host team. Green River grabbed the early lead at 14-9 after the first quarter but Wayne outscored Green River in the next two quarters to take a six-point lead into the final period. The Pirates won that period 12-11 to get to the final score.
Besides Johnson’s points, Erick Mendez scored six, Nick Corrigan scored five including Green River’s only three-pointer, Spencer Marshall scored points and Adrian Escalante scored two points.
Both Wayne and Green River hit 22 baskets in the game but Wayne had two three pointer to only the one for the Pirates. Green River was outscored at the free throw line by four as the Pirates went only two for 10 in the game.
Against Altamont, Johnson led the team again, this time with 28 points. Green River outscored Altamont 18-12 in the opening quarter, increased the lead to 30-20 at the half. Altamont won the third quarter 13-11 and then both teams scored 22 points in the final period. Mendez scored 19 points in the game with Escalante scoring nine points. Jordan Olsen scored five points and Marshall scored two points. Justin Johnson is the leading scorer in the state of Utah with 32.56 scoring average after nine ball games.
Green River plays at West Ridge Academy this Saturday night and then at Pinnacle Academy in Price the following Friday night.
Green River Pirates update
"Justin Johnson is the leading scorer in the state for all classifications."