By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
BOYS BASKETBALL: Ripon beats Patterson in Graham’s 1st game as head coach
Manteca, Sierra dominate season openers
Bulletin boys basketball 2018
Ripon’s Nico Ilardi surveys the defense of Patterson’s J.T. Kuderca. - photo by DAVE CAMPBELL/The Bulletin
RIPON — The Justin Graham era has officially begun. Following a storied prep career at Ripon High, Graham returned to the Indians two years ago to serve as an assistant alongside long-time head coach Rod Wright. Graham assumed the reins Saturday night and did so in dramatic fashion, directing the Indians to a 55-41 non-league win over Patterson. “This feels good,” Graham said. “A friend of mine is the baseball coach here and he texted me and wished me luck.” Ripon (1-0) went cold a bit in the third period with the Tigers (0-1) closing a 28-19 halftime deficit to just 31-29 before the Indians exploded on a 16-0 run to put the game away. Ripon led 47-29 midway through the third quarter before Patterson hit four 3-pointers in a row to make the score closer than the game was..