STOCKTON — Sometimes, off-the-court problems can sink a team. Such was not the case Wednesday for Weston Ranch.

After a dismal first period, the Cougars ended up with five players in double figures and exploded for 44 second-quarter points on the way to a 106-70 shellacking of visiting Lathrop in Valley Oak League basketball action.

“We have had some things happen the past week that hasn’t represented our program well,” Weston Ranch coach Chris Teevan said. “So, we needed some clarity as to where people stood in the program and sacrifices they are willing to make to be a part of it. Once you get all in like that, then it is all about basketball, and we had some guys really step up.”

The Spartans (1-2 VOL, 4-11 overall) led 20-13 after the first quarter. 

“Some kids were not used to the role they were playing tonight,” Teevan said. “And Lathrop was more ready to play to start the game. I didn’t have my guys ready to play, but they responded. Right now, it’s more important that we respond as a team and keep getting better, because if we don’t come together as a team we will fall apart individually.”

Devin Small stepped up in a big way for the Cougars (3-0, 11-2) with 15 of his game-high 31 points in the second quarter behind three 3-pointers. 

“It was good that we got back in a rhythm,” Small said. “Because I have been off for a little bit so it was good to get back in a rhythm. This was a good night.

Donjae Lindsey (28 points, five rebounds) kept Weston Ranch in the game early when he scored 12 of his team’s 13 first-quarter points, hitting two of his four 3-pointers in the opening period. 

“We started hitting our shots,” Lindsey said. “And this is the first time we have ever scored a hundred points.”

Charles Jemison (13 points, four assists), Antwann Taylor (12 points, three assists) and Micah Vasser (11 points) rounded out the Cougars attack.

Isaiah Victor put up 29 points with seven rebounds for Lathrop, followed by Colin Weis with 16 points and Amiel Adams with 11 points and three steals.

“We all started turning over the ball,” Spartans coach Craig Ward said. “I called timeouts and made substitutions, and we still kept turning it over. 

“They closed out the second quarter on an 18-4 run.”

Sophomore

Lathrop 58,

Weston Ranch 48

The Cougars’ Myson Coilton earned high-point honors with 17 points and Eddie Cotton led the Spartans with 15 points.

Freshman

Lathrop 44,

Weston Ranch 43

The Spartans held off a late charge by the Cougars and were led by John Clave with 12 points.