Shelton’s Return Boosts Western, Though Pioneers Beaten at Servite

The Western High School basketball team was in an upbeat mood even after losing, 83-78, to Lakewood in the consolation final of the Servite tournament.

Robbie Shelton, who began working out with the team Thursday after having been academically ineligible last season, scored 33 points before fouling out early in the fourth quarter.

Forward Thomas Barraza said that with Shelton back, along with himself and Steve Sietken, the Pioneers “have three players who can score at will.”

Shelton connected for 17 points in the third quarter.

Sietken said Western will improve as it adjusts to having 6-foot-6 Shelton on the court. “We’ve got to keep working hard and we’ve got to learn to play with Robbie,” Sietken said. “He hasn’t been there so long, we’re not used to having a big man who can drive for us.”

Sietken added 11 points and Barraza 15 in the consolation final.

“They’re always going to double-team one of us,” Barraza said. “Whoever they leave open is going to score.”