RIPON – Matt Ratto has already shaken off of the early season cobwebs.
The Ripon four-year varsity starter posted an impressive 18 points – 16 of which came in the first half – during Ripon 52-35 routing of Oakdale Monday night.
But for head coach Rod Wright, it was a run in the third quarter in which six players all contributed – spreading the ball out evenly and confusing even the most solid defense on which player to key on.
“Each game we get a little bit better, and tonight having six guys score showed that we have the ability to have a balanced attack and it isn’t just one guy,” Wright said. “That’s huge because it makes a big difference in how a team can guard us and play against us.”
The Indians held a 31-22 lead at the half and blew the doors open with a 14-4 run in the third quarter that would put the game out of reach of the Mustangs – many of whom only had a day of practice following their Sac-Joaquin Section playoff football loss the previous Friday.
Kody Wengel also contributed 10 points for Ripon, which improves its non-league record to 3-1.
The Indians will see the court again on Thursday when they travel to Livermore to take on Miramonte in the Granada Holiday Tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Aivery Lewis also added seven points for Lathrop.
“For the last few weeks we’ve been working on playing together,” Lathrop head coach JJ Ramirez said. “While it could have been better, we played well together tonight as well. It was a step forward from our past.
“The one major thing we need to work on is turnovers. We played hard, but we just have to play a little bit smarter.”
The Ripon four-year varsity starter posted an impressive 18 points – 16 of which came in the first half – during Ripon 52-35 routing of Oakdale Monday night.
But for head coach Rod Wright, it was a run in the third quarter in which six players all contributed – spreading the ball out evenly and confusing even the most solid defense on which player to key on.
“Each game we get a little bit better, and tonight having six guys score showed that we have the ability to have a balanced attack and it isn’t just one guy,” Wright said. “That’s huge because it makes a big difference in how a team can guard us and play against us.”
The Indians held a 31-22 lead at the half and blew the doors open with a 14-4 run in the third quarter that would put the game out of reach of the Mustangs – many of whom only had a day of practice following their Sac-Joaquin Section playoff football loss the previous Friday.
Kody Wengel also contributed 10 points for Ripon, which improves its non-league record to 3-1.
The Indians will see the court again on Thursday when they travel to Livermore to take on Miramonte in the Granada Holiday Tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Consumnes Oaks 67, Lathrop 36
LATHROP – Despite a 15-point performance by Umar Muriset, the Lathrop Spartans were unable to slow down the offensive attack fellow all-junior squad Consumnes Oaks of Elk Grove.Aivery Lewis also added seven points for Lathrop.
“For the last few weeks we’ve been working on playing together,” Lathrop head coach JJ Ramirez said. “While it could have been better, we played well together tonight as well. It was a step forward from our past.
“The one major thing we need to work on is turnovers. We played hard, but we just have to play a little bit smarter.”
– Jason Campbell
