Freddy’s Fun Day: Foreign exchange student steps up in win for LP boys
Published 11:33 pm Saturday, December 9, 2017
While Columbia may be known for soccer, one of its basketball players gave the Lyle-Pacelli boys basketball team a big boost as the Athletics beat Christian Life Academy (1-1 overall) 90-52 in Pacelli Saturday.
Frederico Pulgarin, a foreign exchange student from Columbia, was playing in just his second basketball game in America when he came off the bench and scored 22 points, grabbed eight rebounds and collected 10 steals for the Athletics. Pulagarin had a couple of breakaway jams to ignite the LP crowd and he was highly active on the defensive end of the floor, where LP forced 35 turnovers.
“The coaches here are really good and they’re trying to teach me the differences in basketball [in America],” Pulagarin said. “I think I’m good to go and I’m adapting to the style. I’m just out there running all over the place and I try to create offense.”
Pulagrin’s athleticism stood out on the first day of practice for LP (3-1 overall), but he’s still catching up to some of the finer points of the game. When things come together, the Athletics will have a very dependable sixth man.
“He gives us a spark of the bench,” LP head coach Scott Koenigs said. “He’s just got to slow down and once he does that, he’ll be unstoppable. He can shoot, drive and he can play defense.”
Joseph Maas, a senior, chipped in 17 points for LP, freshman Jed Nelson added 15 points, 10 rebounds and four steals and freshman Zach Bollingberg had nine points, six rebounds and three assists.
Maas said that LP’s upper classmen have plenty of faith in their younger teammates this season.
“I have trust in all of the younger guys and they can definitely pick up the slack when we’re having an off night,” Maas said.
CLA 23 29 – 52
LP 55 45 – 90
LP scoring: Frederico Pulgarin, 22; Joseph Maas, 17; Jed Nelson, 15; Zach Bollingberg, 9; Trace Fishbaugher, 8; Taylor Arett, 8; Cole Walter, 6; Trinity Anderson, 3; Leo Einck, 2; free throws: 55 percent (12-for-22); rebounds: 40 (Nelson, 10); turnovers: 16