Galena boys and girls teams beat Manogue

The Galena High boys basketball team quickly took any suspense out of the showdown for first in the High Desert League on Tuesday.

Galena jumped out to a 17-0 lead after four minutes and cruised to a 68-42 win over Manogue at home in a battle between the league's top two teams. Galena improved to 6-0 in league while Manogue fell to 4-2.

"Our kids probably played their best basketball I've seen us play," said Galena coach Tom Mauer about the first four minutes.

Galena led 22-4 after one quarter and was never threatened. "I thought we played outstanding basketball," Mauer said.

Mauer also said his team had its best defensive effort of the year. "That makes me very happy," he said. "For the most part we did an outstanding job."

He also said he liked the way his team worked for easy shots. Luke Babbitt scored 27 points, J.D. Peters had 14 points and Tristan Hill added 12 points.

In addition, Mauer praised the defense of Brice Crook, who contributed six points. "He was the leader of the defensive effort," Mauer said.

GALENA GIRLS 63,

MANOGUE 47

Galena (16-5, 5-1) trailed 41-40 after three quarters, but outscored Manogue 23-6 in the final period.

"It wasn't like a big run or anything," said Galena coach Karen Friel, commenting on how he team gradually took control in the fourth quarter.

Galena also pulled away from the foul line, making 11-of-14 free throws in the fourth quarter. Hayley Jensen hit four three-pointers on her way to scoring 16 points and Langley Iverson added 14 points for the Grizzlies.