UPPER LAKE >> The Upper Lake Cougars have the same number of wins through two games this season that they had all of last season.
“It’s nice to have a good group of kids who work hard,” Upper Lake High School varsity boys’ basketball coach Justin Dutcher said after a 64-42 non-league victory over the Potter Valley Bearcats on Saturday night in Upper Lake. “It’s a lot better atmosphere this season.” Upper Lake improved to 2-0 with its second win in as many nights, matching the Cougars’ entire victory output of 2014-15 when they went 2-22.
Unlike a 68-61 win over Round Valley on Friday night, the Cougars weren’t pushed nearly as hard by a Potter Valley squad that was outscored in all four quarters. Upper Lake led 33-22 at the half and 46-29 through three quarters.
Isaac Nevarez led the team with 21 points but it was a double-double by Ray Gutierrez – 15 points and 13 rebounds – that powered the Cougars.
“He’s been cleaning up the glass for us,” Dutcher said of Gutierrez, who pulled down 17 rebounds in the win over Round Valley.
Chase Goetjen joined his teammates in double figures with 14 points.
Upper Lake hosts Kelseyville in a scrimmage on Dec. 1 but doesn’t play another official game until Dec. 7 at Laytonville.
Upper Lake’s junior varsity squad also improved to 2-0 with a 62-24 win over Potter Valley. Bailey Byrd led the way with 10 points and Colton Goetjen had nine.
