Weston Ranch has gone on a hot streak since adding a couple of players to its roster.

Since freshman shooter Tre Simmons and transfer Derek Gordon have joined the squad, the Cougars have won three straight Valley Oak League games, including a 57-56 victory over Sonora on the road Saturday evening.

“We made it tougher than it had to be,” Weston Ranch head coach Chris Teevan said. “But it’s always tough in Sonora.”

The Cougars (3-2 VOL, 7-10 overall) were up by four with half a minute left before Sonora ((1-4, 7-9) hit a 3-pointer to cut it to one. After a Weston Ranch turnover, the Wildcats had a decent look at a game-winning field goal followed by a desperation attempt at the buzzer.

After a 14-14 first quarter, Weston Ranch only scored three points in the second frame. Weston Ranch trailed 21-1 at the break. The Cougars woke up and went on a 19-13 third-quarter run.

“We can shoot the ball and can usually put some points on the board,” Teevan said. “In the first half, defense kept us in it.”

Despite Sonora’s record, the Wildcats only lost to Manteca by a point and also beat Weston Ranch by six at Weston Ranch Jan. 7. They were led by Will Collamer and Kahale Warring’s 15 points apiece.

Weston Ranch’s hero from Thursday’s 63-62 win over rival Lathrop, sophomore point guard Jaelen --Ragsdale -- tallied 15. Junior Jazz Swanson netted 14 with four treys in the second half.

Sophomore Josh Dilg finished with 12 and fouled out late. Simmons came in after sitting for a stretch, and knocked down a clutch second-half triple with two minutes left in the game, said Teevan.

“I’ve been wanting to start Tre on varsity,” he said. “He kind of forced his way on.”

Weston Ranch, which will host East Union and visit Kimball Tracy next week.