Escoto Is Baffled by Sylmar’s Play

Twelve games into the boys’ basketball season, no one is more surprised by his team’s dismal start than Sylmar High Coach Bort Escoto.

Escoto expected the Spartans to challenge for the City Championship title. But after a 4-8 start, that appears unrealistic.

“We’re the Washington Redskins. We’re just not getting it done,” said Escoto, who benched several starters for tournament games in San Diego last week.

The Spartans, ranked in The Times’ regional top 10 in November, hope for a turnaround.

Sylmar faces Fresno Washington Union tonight at 8 in the featured game of the Big City Brawl at College of the Canyons.

In other games: 2 p.m.--Dorsey vs. Canoga Park; 3:45 p.m.--Narbonne vs. Los Angeles CES; 5:15 p.m.--Chatsworth vs. North Hollywood; 7 p.m.--Verbum Dei vs. Washington Prep.

Tickets are $6; $5 for students with school identification.