WESTON RANCH — After snapping East Union’s big streak, Weston Ranch is hoping to start its own.
The Cougars put forth their best effort of the Valley Oak League season so far Tuesday with a commanding 62-45 win over Manteca.
Last Thursday, Weston Ranch (3-2, 13-5 overall) climbed back from an early 17-4 deficit to upend previously unbeaten East Union, 48-44.
“The biggest challenge any team can face is playing well after such a big, emotional win,” Weston Ranch coach Chris Bauer said. “And we played well. The girls responded.”
Weston Ranch used a 17-4 spurt in the second quarter to mount a 29-14 cushion by halftime.
Manteca (1-4, 8-10) struggled to contain the Cougars’ inside-outside game. Sharpshooting guard Courtney Duran collected 16 points to lead Weston Ranch, while sophomore point guard Timnesha Wilson added 12 points and nine assists.
In the post, freshman Denell Fox pulled down 15 rebounds to go with 10 points. Fellow freshman Jazmin Strane scored 11 points.
Davina Bennett paced the Buffaloes with 15 points, and Morgan Salsedo pitched in with 10. Sophomore guard Sharon Washington finished with nine and was the focus of Weston Ranch’s defensive game plan.
“We tried to take Sharon out of her game and did, but Davina Bennett is scrappy inside,” Bauer said. “(Manteca coach Andrea Hiatt) does a good job of getting her kids to not quit.
“We made a few defensive adjustments and the kids executed. We’ve been struggling on defense but have gotten better.”
Weston Ranch looks to make it three straight as it wraps up its first round of Manteca Unified rivalry contests Thursday at Sierra. Manteca, meanwhile, heads to East Union.
The Cougars put forth their best effort of the Valley Oak League season so far Tuesday with a commanding 62-45 win over Manteca.
Last Thursday, Weston Ranch (3-2, 13-5 overall) climbed back from an early 17-4 deficit to upend previously unbeaten East Union, 48-44.
“The biggest challenge any team can face is playing well after such a big, emotional win,” Weston Ranch coach Chris Bauer said. “And we played well. The girls responded.”
Weston Ranch used a 17-4 spurt in the second quarter to mount a 29-14 cushion by halftime.
Manteca (1-4, 8-10) struggled to contain the Cougars’ inside-outside game. Sharpshooting guard Courtney Duran collected 16 points to lead Weston Ranch, while sophomore point guard Timnesha Wilson added 12 points and nine assists.
In the post, freshman Denell Fox pulled down 15 rebounds to go with 10 points. Fellow freshman Jazmin Strane scored 11 points.
Davina Bennett paced the Buffaloes with 15 points, and Morgan Salsedo pitched in with 10. Sophomore guard Sharon Washington finished with nine and was the focus of Weston Ranch’s defensive game plan.
“We tried to take Sharon out of her game and did, but Davina Bennett is scrappy inside,” Bauer said. “(Manteca coach Andrea Hiatt) does a good job of getting her kids to not quit.
“We made a few defensive adjustments and the kids executed. We’ve been struggling on defense but have gotten better.”
Weston Ranch looks to make it three straight as it wraps up its first round of Manteca Unified rivalry contests Thursday at Sierra. Manteca, meanwhile, heads to East Union.
— Jonamar Jacinto
