The visiting Trailblazers basketball team blew out the San Quentin Kings, winning 68-50.
The day marked the debut of Kings’ General Manager Brian Asey acting as coach in preparation for when current coach Orlando Harris is scheduled to parole in a few months.
The Trailblazers have always given the Kings problems.
“I want to see how well your team respects the new coach,” joked Trailblazer sponsor and Bittermen Coach Ted Saltveit.
The Trailblazers out passed the Kings, racking up 19 assists to seven and taking a 40-16 first half lead. Every Trailblazer recorded at least two assists while Ryan Steer led them with 19 first half points.
“It’s the passing effect,” said Steer. “Everyone gets touches every possession. That’s how you win games.”
At halftime, both teams huddled at center-court around Asey. He spoke about how the Kings basketball program helps keep him strong while serving his sentence of 83 years-to-life.
“‘Why take groups? You ain’t never going home,’ people tell me,” said Asey. “I take groups to learn how to help the youngsters.”
Saltveit added, “You are an inspiration to us and the Kings.”
Asey joked back, “Then why did you come here on my first day of coaching and do me like this?”
In the second half, the Kings Oris “Pep” Williams and J. “Mailman” Ratchford cranked up the offense, connecting for several baskets in the comeback effort. Ratchford finished with 14 points and 12 boards, Williams with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal.
However, no one stopped Steer. He went on to finish with 35 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. His teammate Ian Ashcraft-Williams added 20 points and 12 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and 3 blocks. Steven Lamb contributed 10 points, 11 boards, 4 assists and 2 blocks.
“I totally out coached Brian,” joked Saltveit.
Asey responded, “I think they out played us. No matter what happened, my team never gave up on me. I might have made bad decisions but they never gave up, they never doubted me.The Kings played the July 16 game without starting point guard Tare “Cancun” Beltran, who injured his knee.
