ETNA – The Etna Lions faced little opposition on their way the Etna Holiday Tournament championship beating Mercy and Butte Valley in the three-team round-robin.

Etna (7-3) opened the tourney with a 62-53 win over the Mercy Warriors (1-6). Etna led 16-6 at the end of the first quarter, 35-24 at the half, and 46-36 at the end of three quarters. Ryan Hicks and Erik Anaya each scored 14 points to lead the Lions. Jarom Hiett put up 12 points.

Etna then dominated the Butte Valley Bulldogs in the second game. Buckets by Hicks and Anaya put the Lions up 4-0. Etna never trailed in the game, and led 15-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The Lions outscored Butte Valley 18-8 in the second quarter, capped by a spin move for a hoop by Hiett. Etna led 33-15 at the half, and went on to win 66-45.

Hicks led all scorers with 19 points, as well as having nine steals, and four assists. Anaya had 11 points and eight boards. Hiett also put up 11 points, while snagging five rebounds. Brent Davis added 10 points and nine steals. Hicks and Anaya shared MVP honors. Hiett was All-Tourney.

Butte Valley (4-5) was led by Camilo Guerra and Shayne Pahl with 11 points a piece. Ricardo Perez had eight points. Pedro Carniero and Nan Perez were All-Tourney.

Butte Valley was second at the tournament and Mercy finished third.

Etna next sees action when they host Tulelake (3-6) on Tuesday, January 6.