Sierra squeaks out of Ceres with win

CERES – Sierra High trailed the Ceres Bulldogs by four heading into the intermission, but a blistering hot third quarter provided the Timberwolves with all the separation they would need in their 59-53 win over the host Bulldogs.

BUFFALOES ROLL WITHOUT KIWI

Manteca High's defending Valley Oak League champion boys basketball team began its title defense against visiting Oakdale Tuesday and had little trouble in dispatching the overmatched Mustangs, 55-42.

Lancers crush Ceres in opener

If there was a perfect way for the three-time defending Valley Oak League champions to tip off their regular season, the Ceres Bulldogs would likely say they witnessed that performance in the East Union Lancers' 52-29 win.

Ratto’s 23, McCreath’s defense lift Ripon past Linden

RIPON - Despite holding a five-point lead at halftime, Ripon High watched its lead over Linden dwindle down to a single point midway through the third quarter.

T’Wolves start league with second win over ’Cats

It was not the Sierra Timberwolves' best effort, but it was good enough to push them to a 1-0 mark in Valley Oak League play with a 47-36 home win over the Sonora Wildcats.

Navarro’s defense keys Manteca win over Mustangs

OAKDALE - The Manteca Buffaloes held a slim 24-17 halftime lead and never relinquished it during a 45-34 Valley Oak League opening win over the Oakdale Mustangs Tuesday.

Sophomore T’Wolves hold on for victory

Joseph Berry led three scorers in double figures with 14 points, and the Sierra High sophomore boys basketball team repelled the relentless Sonora Wildcats for a 48-47 home win to open the Valley Oak League season.

Gardner’s future uncertain

Manteca High junior Kiwi Gardner could miss a handful of games or forfeit the rest of his athletic eligibility depending on Sac-Joaquin Section sanctions. He will likely not play in tonight's Valley Oak League opener with visiting Oakdale.

MANTECA BEGINS VOL TITLE DEFENSE

Manteca High's boys basketball team opens Valley Oak League play tonight against visiting Oakdale with a pedestrian 7-4 preseason mark, but do not be deceived into believing the Buffaloes are an average squad.

ANYBODY’S GAME

Entering a season with at least a portion of the past three Valley Oak League championships, and four of the past five, would usually make the defending champs the odds-on-favorite to close the season with another one. But the dominance the East Union Lancers have held over their VOL counterparts will hold little merit as the league season gets underway Tuesday for the nine VOL girls basketball programs.

Demolition Day

DECADE OF DOMINATION

The perception around these parts is that Manteca rules the high school football scene, Sierra reigns in soccer and the softball crown rests on the heads of the Lancers of East Union.

Current, former Lancers rule top stories of year

History was made. Dreams were realized. Others were crushed.

Nuanez, Sierra shine in final tune-up for VOL

WALNUT CREEK - Sierra High's wrestling team brought just 11 athletes to the Bill Martell Tournament Wednesday, but that was enough for it to leave its mark in its final tune-up for the Valley Oak League season.

Montiel leads six area placers with gold

The 5th Annual Lady Lancer Tournament at East Union High Wednesday lasted just 4 ½ hours.

‘O’ ZONE

The future of girls Valley Oak League basketball was on display Tuesday night at Sierra High School with two sophomores accounting for 68 points in a thrilling 61-56 win for visiting East Union over the Timberwolves.

Weston Ranch routs Manteca to clinch playoff berth

Weston Ranch's girls basketball team officially clinched a playoff berth for a sixth straight year Tuesday night with a 67-40 rout at Manteca, but the Cougars are looking to raise the bar for the program.

Spartans stun Sonora

The Lathrop High girls basketball team doesn't have a playoff run to look forward to, but it isn't going out without a fight.

Playoff spots on the line

At this point last year and the 23 before that, coaches were busy crunching numbers to see where their teams could potentially land in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

Knights clinch outright SL title

It had been known for weeks that Ripon Christian was going to secure the outright Southern League championship without much resistance.

ONE AND DONE

STOCKTON – Sierra jumped out to a quick but not-so comfortable lead thanks to three early forfeits Saturday during the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV Team Dual Championships at Lincoln High.

Cantu takes title, 1 of 5 state qualifiers

STOCKTON – Weston Ranch senior Alyssa Cantu will be making her third straight trip to the state tournament.

Guards carry load for streaking Buffs

STOCKTON - Weston Ranch was able to limit Manteca High center Michael Hatfield this time around, but the Cougars had no answer for the Buffaloes' two best guards.

Five locals move on to SJS Girls Regional semis

Victoria Burke could likely make Sierra High history today.

Lathrop escapes Sonora with win

Lathrop trailed by as much as 10 in the third quarter at Sonora but came back to squeak out a well-earned 64-58 victory Friday night.

Heavy Lifting

LATHROP – Nick McGill came through in the clutch during Thursday's Valley Oak League finale between East Union and Lathrop.

Postseason begins for area wrestlers

Sierra was one of the tougher and more talented squads in the Valley Oak League this year.

Fast start propels East Union to victory over Lathrop

East Union's girls basketball team was making it a habit to start games sluggishly this season.

Weston Ranch honors seniors with blowout

Senior night did little to distract Weston Ranch's girls basketball team Thursday night.

Ripon falls short in another heartbreaker

Ripon has been competitive for most of the season but doesn't have the wins to show it.