Terpsma is making up for lost time after opting out of the spring basketball season to focus on baseball.

The 6-foot-3 junior guard has the Knights rolling out the gate, as they claimed the 49rd annual Ron Peterson Tip-Off Tournament championship at Riverbank High last week. He averaged 16.6 points, 3.3 assists and 4.6 rebounds and totaled nine made 3-pointers in three games and was named tournament MVP.

“Eli is the leader of our team. His focus sets the stage in practice and games,” Ripon Christian coach Mark Hofman said. “Eli is the centerpiece of our offensive plan. His skill and athleticism causes problems for our opponents on both sides of the court.”

Terpsma was a steady contributor, first leading the Knights with 15 points and three 3s despite only playing in four quarters of their 78-34 blowout of Waterford in the opener.

In the winners’ bracket semifinals, he helped Ripon Christian overcome a 12-point halftime deficit and ultimately hold off Patterson 62-61 by accounting for seven of his team’s 15 points in the fourth quarter. He totaled 18 points.

In the title round, he fired 15 of his team-high 17 points in the second half as the Knights scrapped to a 51-45 win over previously-unbeaten Calaveras. Terpsma drained four 3s and converted and an-1 free throw in the second half.

“If you want to beat us, Eli is the No. 1 thing you have to worry about,” Hofman said.

Terpsma and the Knights are back in action tonight against Linden in the Argonaut Quarterback Club Tournament.