Defense led to a balanced scoring effort for Weston Ranch’s ill-stricken boys basketball team, which limited host Oakdale to single-digit scoring in every quarter and routed host Oakdale, 68-23.

The Cougars (2-1 Valley Oak League, 9-6 overall) built a 35-11 lead by halftime and didn’t let up from there. Jaelen Ragsdale led with 15 points, Josh Dilg and Jazz Swanson each had 13 and Fred Lavender added nine. Dilg also pulled down six rebounds, while Jordan Tauga collected four blocked shots.

Oakdale (0-3, 4-10) was paced by Octavio Padilla’s seven points.

“When we match up and press and get our game going we play very well,” Weston Ranch coach Chris Teevan said. “Everyone gets the ball and everyone has fun.”

It hasn’t been a fun last couple of days for all. Ragsdale didn’t play the entire opening quarter for missing practice Monday because of an illness, and sophomore reserve guard Tre Simmons, also sick, didn’t even make the trip. Swanson also wasn’t feeling well.

Teevan hopes his team is at full strength Thursday when it returns home for the Battle of I-5 showdown with Lathrop, a reinvigorated squad that topped East Union for its second overall win of the season.

“We’re not in a position to overlook anybody,” Teevan said. “We’ll be ready Thursday night.”



GIRLS

Ripon Christian 42,
Mariposa 27

Bailey Broker fired 10 points, while Ellen Blanckers and Jessica Oroszco had eight apiece as Ripon Christian (9-2) completed a home-and-home sweep of former Southern League foe Mariposa. The Knights begin Trans-Valley League play Thursday against visiting Hilmar.



Sophomore

Ripon Christian 48,
 Mariposa 6

Abby Buitrago racked up 22 points and nine steals for the Knights (10-4), who were well ahead 31-4 at halftime. Beth Weststeyn and Lyndsey Van Groningen (eight rebounds) contributed six points each.