Ripon Christian faced a highly-skilled and efficient team in Sonora, the reigning Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV champion.
“That’s a real good team,” said Knights coach Mark Hofman after his Wildcats were dealt a 68-51 non-league loss Thursday.
Standout Austin Patterson was the catalyst for visiting Sonora. The 6-foot-4 senior netted 13 of his 21 points in the second half. More importantly, he helped free up open shots for his teammates, including Jonathan Mayben, who finished with a game-high 23 points.
“Austin was unbelievable,” Hofman said.
Ripon Christian (10-4) also had its problem inside with Devon Dye parked in the paint. Sonora’s 6-10 senior center made it tough for the Knights to score underneath.
Sonora (14-3) jumped out to a 23-12 first-quarter lead, maintaining that edge to take a 39-29 halftime lead.
Will Gilbert, who hit for three 3s, and Braden Van Groningen provided most of the offense for the Knights during the first half, scoring 10 and nine points, respectively.
Maybe paced Sonora with 16 points during that span.
RC had moments in the second half, including Lukas Van Groningen going coast-to-coast while scoring on the drive. Gilbert and Reed Van Der Hoek hit their share of 3s.
But the Wildcats took advantage of the Knight turnovers coupled with their control of the boards to remain comfortably ahead.
“We’ll have to work on our decision-making on offense,” Hofman said.
Gilbert and Braden Van Groningen led RC with 16 and 15 points, respectively.
The Knights will take on Ceres on Saturday.
Gregori 50, Manteca 44
On Wednesday, Jordan Burciaga gave Manteca (7-10) a chance during the final minute when he buried a 3-pointer to lose the host Buffaloes in by four, but Gregori (14-3) was able to hold on for the non-league victory.
“The boys have definitely turned the corner after getting whooped pretty good by Central Catholic (in the Valley Oak League opener last week),” Manteca coach Jason Hitt said. “They came out and played really tough against one of the top teams in the section. Our 20 turnovers didn’t help, but I think our defense has gotten a lot better. Holding a team like Gregori to 50 is really good for us, we just have to put the ball in the hole.”
Burciaga finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season. Nick Bell contributed 12 points and 11 boards. Spencer Briscoe drained three 3s for his nine points. Sophomore Kyle Monk paced the Jaguars with 16 points.
The Buffs return to VOL play Friday against rival Sierra at home.
Sierra 42, Oakdale 36
OAKDALE — Sierra (1-1 VOL, 10-6 overall) slumped offensively for three quarters Wednesday, but a 22-point outburst in the fourth quarter gave the Timberwolves the lift they needed to return home victorious.
They got some key buckets from Isaiah Sanchez down the stretch. He ended up with 11 points overall, and Kendrick Currey led the team with 13.
“Good team effort and happy that we found a way to win,” Sierra coach Eddie Morales said. “Oakdale made us work, and now we’re going to focus and prepare for Manteca on Friday.”
Junior varsity
Weston Ranch 48, East Union 43
KeAndre Watson flirted with a double-double Wednesday night in Valley Oak League action for the Cougars, scoring nine points with 10 blocks and three rebounds
Weston Ranch’s Dionte Jackson chipped in eight points and eight rebounds.
Livingston 50, Ripon 44
An 18-point fourth quarter was not enough for the Indians to close the gap Wednesday in Trans-Valley League action.
Anthony Sausedo and Jacob Wallace scored 14 points apiece for Ripon and Nolan Young chipped in nine points.
