STOCKTON – The Weston Ranch Cougars wasted little time punching their ticket back to the Stagg Tournament championship, jumping out to a 10 point halftime lead before knocking off the host Delta Queens 68-49 in the tournament semi-final.
The Cougars (3-1) used a balanced scoring attack to outlast Stagg, outscoring Stagg in each of the four periods. Making a return trip to the tournament final was on the Cougars’ top priority, and another title is clearly something the Cougars deeply want.
“We are the defending champs and their whole goal was to get back here and win it,” Cougars head coach Chris Bauer said. “We’ve completed two-thirds of it, now we just have to go and complete the rest of it (Saturday).”
Weston Ranch got another dominant performance from play-making guard Timnesha Willson. Wilson turned in a game-high 16 points to lead the Cougars, while teammates Courtney Duran and Jazmin Strane both chipped in 13. Roshel Harris also added seven points in the Cougar win.
The Cougars were up 35-25 at the half, proving that offensive production has not been a problem so far this season. Even with a valiant effort against Stagg, it will take another complete team effort if they are to close out the tournament with a championship victory over the Bear Creek Bruins.
“We know that we have to rebound,” Bauer said of his contest against Bear Creek. “You know they’re going to shoot from the perimeter, we just have to be able to defend the perimeter and rebound their misses.
“Offensively, we’re going to have to take care of the ball.”
Sierra (0-4) rebounded from a lackluster performance in the tournament’s opener, leading the Vikings after the first quarter of play.
“After what’s been going on the first few games here, winning the first quarter was a big deal for us,” Sierra head coach Steve Unterholzner said. “We came out of the gate strong, putting up some pressure on the defensive end and on offense I finally think we’ve got it in our head that we’re going to take the ball to the hoop and score.”
Sierra’s Michelle Arroyo and Alyssia Atkins led the Timberwolves in scoring, finishing with 12 apiece. Jasmine Currimao chipped in seven, while teammate Jaslynn Liotard added six.
Sierra will close out its Stagg Tournament action with a 10 a. m. consolation game.
Kelsey Tillema led all scorers with 16 points and dominated on the galss, collecting 16 rebounds. Mikaela Alger finished with nine, while Kathryn Van Groningen chipped in six.
The Cougars (3-1) used a balanced scoring attack to outlast Stagg, outscoring Stagg in each of the four periods. Making a return trip to the tournament final was on the Cougars’ top priority, and another title is clearly something the Cougars deeply want.
“We are the defending champs and their whole goal was to get back here and win it,” Cougars head coach Chris Bauer said. “We’ve completed two-thirds of it, now we just have to go and complete the rest of it (Saturday).”
Weston Ranch got another dominant performance from play-making guard Timnesha Willson. Wilson turned in a game-high 16 points to lead the Cougars, while teammates Courtney Duran and Jazmin Strane both chipped in 13. Roshel Harris also added seven points in the Cougar win.
The Cougars were up 35-25 at the half, proving that offensive production has not been a problem so far this season. Even with a valiant effort against Stagg, it will take another complete team effort if they are to close out the tournament with a championship victory over the Bear Creek Bruins.
“We know that we have to rebound,” Bauer said of his contest against Bear Creek. “You know they’re going to shoot from the perimeter, we just have to be able to defend the perimeter and rebound their misses.
“Offensively, we’re going to have to take care of the ball.”
Edison 61, Sierra 44
The Timberwolves were unable to put a mark in the win column, but the squad was able to earn some early season victories with improved play.Sierra (0-4) rebounded from a lackluster performance in the tournament’s opener, leading the Vikings after the first quarter of play.
“After what’s been going on the first few games here, winning the first quarter was a big deal for us,” Sierra head coach Steve Unterholzner said. “We came out of the gate strong, putting up some pressure on the defensive end and on offense I finally think we’ve got it in our head that we’re going to take the ball to the hoop and score.”
Sierra’s Michelle Arroyo and Alyssia Atkins led the Timberwolves in scoring, finishing with 12 apiece. Jasmine Currimao chipped in seven, while teammate Jaslynn Liotard added six.
Sierra will close out its Stagg Tournament action with a 10 a. m. consolation game.
Turlock Christian Tournament
Ripon Christian 39, Brookside Christian 25
A stifling Ripon Christian defensive attack posed all kinds of difficulty for Brookside Christian in the Knights’ 39-25 win over Brookside in the Turlock Christian tournament.Ripon Christian 39, Brookside Christian 25
Kelsey Tillema led all scorers with 16 points and dominated on the galss, collecting 16 rebounds. Mikaela Alger finished with nine, while Kathryn Van Groningen chipped in six.
— Jagada Chambers
