MODESTO — After a sluggish start Saturday, Ripon outscored Modesto 20-7 in the second quarter and coasted to a 68-52 non-league win in the MLK Shootout at Modesto Christian High School.
“At the first-quarter break we talked to the guys about playing with the right effort and playing with a sense of urgency and they responded well,” Indians coach Justin Graham said. “It was a complete team effort. I really like the way the guys are playing together and sharing the ball. It’s nice to see.”
Malik Taylor led the Ripon (9-11) with 19 points behind five 3-pointers along with seven rebounds and three steals. Troy Brogan added 15 points and Logan Gilespie 10 points.
“We got a scrappy game out of Danny Hernandez with four points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block,” Graham said. “Nico Ilardi didn’t score much but he didn’t shoot much. However, he finished with six assists and four rebounds.”
The Indians host Hughson on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in a Trans-Valley League contest.

Manteca 62, Turlock 54
STOCKTON — Three up, three down.
For the third time this season, the Buffaloes (10-11) downed the Bulldogs (8-11), this time in the NorCal Sports TV MLK Showcase at Edison High School on Saturday.
Manteca’s Nick Bell posted a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Jordan Burciaga added 14 points.
“The boys played well,” Buffaloes coach Jason Hitt said. It was the third time playing Turlock this year. They are a well-coached team and I was happy to see our maturity level start to show with valuing the basketball.
“We had only had eight turnovers for the entire game and we are averaging 20.  That's two solid wins in a row as we look to continue to improve against a very talented Weston Ranch team at home on Wednesday.”
Manteca and Weston Ranch will square off in a Valley Oak League tilt at Winter Gym on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Weston Ranch 65, Moreau Catholic 53
MORAGA — With seven points in the opening period from Mi’Son Coilton, the Cougars (10-10) took a 15-7 first-period lead over the Mariners of Hayward (10-7) and went on to the non-league win in the MLK Showcase at St. Mary’s College on Monday.
“We got a great overall game from Mi'Son Coilton and the team is starting to find great balance,” Weston Ranch coach Chris Teevan said. “We are playing well and hopefully are starting to peak at the right team.
“Moreau is a very good Bay Area program and was a great win for us. Awesome job by our guys.”
Coilton and teammate Donjae Lindsey shared high-point honors with 21 points apiece and Jordahn Johnson added 10 points.
The Cougars travel to Manteca on Wednesday at 7 p.m. for a VOL contest.