STOCKTON — The Weston Ranch High Cougars played eight strong in their Valley Oak League showdown Friday against visiting Central Catholic.
But that wasn’t enough in this battle between first-place teams, as the Raiders emerged with a 59-55 victory.
“That was a great high school basketball game,” said Weston Ranch coach Chris Teevan, who also had to make do with two of his top players (Donjae Lindsey and Makhi Turner) in foul trouble midway through the first half.
The Cougars (5-1 VOL, 13-5 overall) battled brilliantly throughout the game, tying the game at 55-55 inside the final two minutes.
They had a chance to tie or go ahead, but their shots rattled in and out.
“We didn’t want to get in a track meet with Weston Ranch,” said Central Catholic coach Mike Wilson.
That’s exactly what happened late in third as Charles Jemison, who played a strong all-around game, along with Turner and Lindsey, pulled the Cougars to within one going into the fourth, 43-42.
The Raiders (6-0, 17-2) regrouped, putting the ball in the hands of Joshua Hamilton, Justin Traina, and point guard Dayton Manana, taking a 52-45 lead.
Jemison then nailed a 3 while Antwan Taylor and Turner both converted baskets to close the gap.
Lindsey’s putback tied the game with 1:40 left.
Central Catholic pulled ahead on free throws by Turner and Hamilton.
“Our game plan was to contain Hamilton,” said Jemison, who had the tough task of defending him and Traina — he started heating up from beyond the arc in the third until Jemison stepped in.
Teevan praised his senior guard, saying: “Charles does whatever the team needs of him.”
Weston Ranch jumped out to the early lead behind Turner, who hit half of his 14 points at that point to help give his team the early 10-2 lead. He converted on a rare four-point play.
Lindsey also finished with 14 points with three steals. Jemison and Devin Smalls chipped in with 12 and eight, respectively.
Hamilton led all scorers with 15 points and seven boards. Traina and Manana both had 12 for the Raiders.