Austin Bonilla provided Ripon’s boys basketball team with a big boost off the bench Thursday, helping the Indians surge past Oakdale on the road 68-55 for their first Valley Oak League win of the pandemic-shortened season.

“I can’t give him enough credit for tonight, he played his butt off,” Ripon coach Justin Graham said. “He’s a senior who hardly got any minutes last year, but he worked his tail off through COVID and never complains about his minutes. He got his opportunity tonight and used it.”

Bonilla was one of four Ripon players who finished in double figures with 11 points. He knocked down two 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions in the third quarter when the Indians began to inch away. The score was tied at 25-all at halftime, and they went on to dominate the fourth quarter, 21-11.

Malik Taylor led Ripon (1-2) with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Brayden Haines contributed 12 points and four assists. Nolan Young pitched in 10 points and eight boards. 

Oakdale (1-2, 2-3 overall) visits Ripon tonight for the rematch. 

Sierra 57, Escalon 52

Arvin Chohan fired a game-high 20 points as the Timberwolves (2-3 VOL) escaped with the road victory.

Ryan Borgeson added 14 points, and Christian Threadgill grabbed 15 rebounds to go with 11 points. 

Brenden Holmes and Jack Anderson tallied 12 points each for Escalon (0-5, 2-6 overall).

Elk Grove 69, Weston Ranch 61

The host Cougars were in position to win their season opener but were outscored 23-9 in the fourth quarter. The reigning NorCal Division II champions were ahead 52-46 after the third.

Mi’Son Coilton scored 22 points, Donjaé Lindsey added 15 and CJ Ward had eight.

Ripon Christian 66, Central Catholic 62 (OT)

The Knights (4-1) handed visiting Central Catholic (5-1, 8-1) its first loss of the season.

Will Gilbert exploded for 28 points, while Braden Van Groningen racked up 17 points and 11 rebounds. Ripon Christian dominated the second quarter 17-4 to stake a 30-22 halftime lead before the Raiders inched back to force the extra period. It was 55-55 at the end of regulation. 

Lathrop 65, Patterson 49

Ahmad Jacquet was a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line and spearheaded the Spartans (4-1 Western Athletic Conference) with 22 points. 

Daniel Whaley registered 18 points, and Eddie Cotton had 14. 

GIRLS HOOPS

Oakdale 55, Ripon 34

The visiting Mustangs (3-0) galloped to a 19-4 first-quarter lead and cruised from there. 

Joselin Figueroa scored eight points to lead Ripon (0-3). Kiley Holland had six. Afton Daley topped three Oakdale players in double figures with 13 points. 

JV boys hoops

Weston Ranch 58, Elk Grove 49

Weston Ranch overcame an 18-4 deficit and was headed by Prince Burdeaux’s 24-point barrage. Elijah Rivers chimed in with 13, and Jordan Henard had 12.