Submitted photo

By Ray Hamill — A strong offseason has the Fortuna Huskies nicely poised to challenge for a Big 5 championship this winter.

A 67-46 win over Red Bluff at the Arcata tournament on Thursday night lifted the Huskies to 5-2 on the season, and this year’s team appears to have plenty of depth.

“I have five or six kids that can put up 10 points in any game,” head coach Norm Sotomayor said. “And that’s nice if someone’s not on their game.”

Three different players — Alfonso Medina, Russell Pascascio and Kallen Barrote — each posted a double-double in Thursday’s win.

Medina led the way offensively with 18 points and 10 assists, while Pascascio had a big night on the boards and finished with 15 points and a team-high 11 rebounds.

Barrote added 14 points and 10 boards off the bench.

“Red Bluff was physical and better than their record,”  Sotomayor said of the 2-7 Spartans. “But my guys held. One of our mottos is ‘outlive our opponents,’ and that’s what they did last night.”

The Huskies are coming off an impressive offseason, with as many as 45 players showing up at  practice sessions, and the players’ collective work ethic has impressed the coach.

The Huskies also played some tough competition during the summer — including a trip to the challenging Saint Mary’s tournament — and that appears to be paying dividends early in the new season.

“We played the biggest and best teams this summer, and the players have been working with the physical trainers and in the weight room,” the head coach said. “They put in the time and they’re really clicking well together.”

The addition of Cody Collins has also benefited the team.

One of just three seniors on this year’s roster, the multi-sport athlete rejoined the program for the first time in two years.

“He’s been a nice addition to our team,” Sotomayor said.

Collins won Friday afternoon’s 3-point contest at the Arcata tournament, shooting 18 in one minute.

The team’s other two seniors are Peyton Hart and Dylan O’Laughlin.

The Huskies will continue tournament play against Arcata on Friday night at 8 p.m. and will be looking for their first win over the Tigers in four years.