Playing hard did not give Lassen High School's boys' basketball team its first win in a Westside League opener in four years Friday, Jan. 12.

The Grizzlies (2-10) sputtered in the second half against Oroville after holding a 35-32 halftime lead and went on to fall 69-62 in front of a home crowd. "We played hard and had great week of practice, but shot ourselves in the foot toward the end," first-year Lassen head coach Joe Ray said. "We had our chances, but didn't take advantage of the opportunities."

Lassen bounced back from getting outscored 24-9 in the third quarter to pull within four with just less than two minutes to go. The Grizzlies promptly turned the ball over twice, squandering four missed Tiger free throws and giving the game to Oroville.

"We had the momentum going and then stuttered on offense and committed some bad fouls. If we fix those things, we'll be OK," Ray said.

Ben Franklin led Lassen with 18 points, and Chris Peck and Kory Martinson added 13. Ray said Brandon Ngiratmab "made some great plays to keep the game close."

The Grizzlies host Las Plumas Tuesday, Jan. 16 and travel to Corning Friday, Jan. 19.

Lassen posted its second victory of the year and took second place at the Klamath Falls Tournament Thursday-Friday, Dec. 28-29.

The Grizzlies defeated Klamath Falls, Ore. 78-73 to advance to the championship game. Peck drained a couple key three-pointers late in the game and scored 18 to lead Lassen. Ngiratmab knocked down a game-high 25 points; Franklin netted 12 and Martinson had 11.

"It was our best effort of the year. We guys played well from start to finish," Ray said.

Lassen fell to Eureka 77-57 in the title game. Martinson scored 12 and Peck had 11. Peck and Ngiratmab were named to the all-tournament team.