The Sutter Union Huskies pose for a photo after defeating West Park in the championship game of the Lindhurst Holiday Tournament on Dec. 31. Photo by Steven Bryla

OLIVEHURST, CA (YSBC) - The Lindhurst Holiday Tournament features six local boys’ basketball teams throughout the region to end 2025 from Dec. 29 through Dec. 31.

This was the last tournament for most of the schools in our area as they prepared league play this week, this is how each team finished in the tournament.

East Nicolaus freshman Cole Lauppe (20) drives to the basket during the Spartans' defeat to Lindhurst on Dec. 30. Photo by Chris Pedigo

East Nicolaus

East Nicolaus was the lone team in the tournament to leave without a victory over the three days. 

The young Spartans opened with a decisive loss to River Valley in the opening game as the Falcons shot lights out from deep and brought physicality to East Nicolaus.

The Spartans lost to Lindhurst by nine on the second day of the tournament before they dropped the finale and their sixth consecutive loss on Dec. 31 in a 61-56 defeat to Wheatland.

The five-point loss was an improvement from the previous times the teams played a couple weeks prior where the Pirates won by a significant margin.

East Nicolaus opened Sacramento Valley League play on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at Winters.

Wheatland freshman Hughston Rodney (24) attempts a lay up on Dec 30 in the Pirates' loss to Rio Linda. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Wheatland

Wheatland opened the tournament with a 40-point loss to West Park (Roseville) and just had five players suited up for the entire game.

The Pirates rebounded on the following day with a nine-point defeat to Rio Linda. Wheatland played better as a squad and were more competitive.

On the final day of the tournament in the 61-56 win over East Nicolaus, Wheatland snapped their three-game losing skid and beat the Spartans for the third time this year. 

The Pirates hosted Biggs on Saturday, Jan. 3 and beat the Wolverines’ 55-45 and hosted Gridley on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Lindhurst senior Braxton Kertianis (11) shoots a jumper on Dec 30 in the Blazers' victory over East Nicolaus. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Lindhurst

Lindhurst went 1-2 in the tournament and played competitively throughout their three games that ended 2025.

The Blazers were led by senior Angel Esparza as he dazzled opponents with proficient ball handling and had quick feet with the ability to drive to the basket.

Lindhurst lost two of their three games by 35-points, but they also played tough competitors from the Golden Empire League (Sutter and Rio Linda).

The Blazers opened up Sierra Delta League play on Monday, Jan. 5 where they were scheduled to host Rio Vista.

Yuba City sophomore Tayven Cohen (22) ties the game late in the Honkers' loss to River Valley on Dec 31st. Photo by Steven Bryla

Yuba City

Yuba City went 1-2 in the tournament and opened with a two-possession win over Rio Linda in their opening game despite missing a couple key players.

The Honkers were without seniors Travis Lomeli and Sukhkeet Sihota in the win over Rio Linda.

Yuba City struggled offensively on night two as their offense struggled profusely as they scored 27 points in a loss to West Park.

The Honkers had an early taste of Foothill Valley League play as they battled with River Valley in a loss that went to overtime.

Yuba City opened FVL play against Roseville where the Honkers’fell 76-58 on Saturday, Jan. 3.

Yuba City traveled to Orangevale on Tuesday, Jan. 6 as they played against the Casa Roble Rams.

River Valley junior Trendon Bishop (12) lays the ball into the basket on Dec 31 in the Falcons' win against Yuba City. Photo by Chris Pedigo

River Valley

River Valley ended 2025 on a strong note as they finished the tournament with a 2-1 record. The Falcons opened the tournament with a dominant victory over East Nicolaus.

River Valley shot lights out from the floor and took the first win of the tournament. 

The Falcons struggled on the second day of the tournament as they faced a big force from Sutter, who rolled throughout the entire tournament.

River Valley won a playoff-atmospheric game as they won an overtime game against cross-town rival Yuba City. 

The Falcons opened FVL play today against Nevada Union where River Valley lost 57-37 and hosted Twelve Bridges on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Sutter sophomore Preston Palmer (12) attempts a shot in the Huskies' win over West Park on Dec 31. Photo by Steven Bryla

Sutter

Sutter continued their successful play throughout 2025 and closed it out with their 12th win of the year.

The Huskies opened the first two days of the LHS tournament with big wins over Lindhurst and River Valley and put them in the tournament championship for the third-straight year.

Sutter’s Izzy Bhatti, Preston Palmer and Ledger Hale all scored double-digits for the Huskies. 

Sutter defeated a talented West Park team in the tournament final and the Huskies rolled into 2026 and open GEL play on Monday, Jan. 5 in Orangevale at Casa Roble.

Sutter’s size has been a huge advantage and Monday's game against the Rams has huge playoff implications for both squads in their head-to-head matchup.

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Sutter senior Izzy Bhatti (14) lays the ball up during the Huskies' victory against West Park on Dec 31. Photo by Steven Bryla