The Bakersfield Lions returned to action in impressive fashion last Thursday night, rolling past the Winona Wildcats 70-51 on Jan. 8 behind a balanced offensive effort and strong second-half play. The win brings the Lions’ season record to 10-4.
Hayden Sanders led the Lions with a game-high 22 points, doing much of his damage after halftime as Bakersfield pulled away. Ty Cotter added 12 points, while Eli Cotter chipped in 10. Alex Helm finished with eight points, Tyler Hodgson scored seven, Seth Montague added six and Isaac Luna rounded out the scoring with five.
Bakersfield head coach Cainen McGinnis was pleased with his team’s performance, especially after a lengthy layoff.
“I thought our guys were awesome offensively coming off a long break,” McGinnis said. “I loved our energy, and I loved how poised we stayed throughout the game with how well Winona shot the basketball from the perimeter. It was overall the more disciplined we’ve been so far this season.”
Sanders’ second-half surge proved to be a key factor as the Lions maintained control down the stretch.
“Hayden Sanders stepped up and gave us a lot on the offensive end in the second half,” McGinnis said. “We talk about it every day – that when he plays hard, we have a chance of being really good.”
McGinnis also emphasized the team’s continued growth and willingness to embrace individual roles.
“Overall, I am very proud of all of our guys,” he said. “They are buying into their role and stepping up in different ways that contribute to the steps we are trying to take as we are heading into the second half of the season.”
The Lions look to build on the momentum this week as they compete in the Seymour Bank 2025 Winter Classic Tournament.