MODESTO — Manteca started the game with Ripon Christian on Friday night with an 18-5 run and never looked back in a 68-34 romp in the semifinals of the inaugural Gregori Girls Winter Hoops Classic.

Kerena Malone gave the Knights very few second chances early on, as she pulled down 11 rebounds in the first quarter alone and finished with six points, 12 rebounds, two assists and a steal.

“I got to use my height to my advantage tonight,” Malone said. “I was able to get up and get the rebounds.

“I had to get position and box out. I use my long arms and I am tough to get around.”

The Buffaloes’ Marcelina Chaparro led all scorers with 21 points. She also tallied six steals, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

“Our offense did well today,” Chaparro said. “We moved the ball around. Our driving and attacking were on point.

“Overall we are doing well and our offense is solid right now.”

Manteca’s Makayla Kakala added 12 points, and Brooke Agdoma chipped in 10 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals.

The suffocating defense of the Buffaloes (5-2) forced 32 turnovers.

“We have the mindset that we have to play fast and play aggressive,” Manteca coach Oscar Calix said. “And I think the girls came out with that energy tonight.”

Maddie Yonker led the Knights (4-2) with 13 points and Faith Fasani added eight.

“I told the girls t hat it is hard when you are going through a game like this,” Ripon Christian coach Mike Vander Molen said. “But it can make you better if you allow it to.

“We are so young. We are learning and getting used to each other and we can’t rely on Maddie (Yonker) to do everything. It will be a good experience if we allow it to.”

At 3:30 this afternoon the Knights play Mountain House for third place with the championship game between the Buffaloes and tournament host Gregori to follow at 5.