Ripon’s girls basketball team reclaimed the Trans-Valley League title Friday, routing third-place Hughson, 39.
The Indians (10-1, 19-7 overall) wrap up the regular season next Thursday, Feb. 13 at Ripon Christian and can secure sole possession of the crown with a victory.
“Winning part of the TVL championship was a big goal for the girls,” Ripon coach Rick Inderbitzin said. It was a big night for his program as a whole, which also came away with titles at the junior varsity and freshman levels.
“We knew Hughson was good and it was going to be a tough game, and we responded in different ways to take the win.”
Typically the anchor to Ripon’s attack, scoring guard Reina Sausedo took a backseat to fellow senior Mackenzie Hutchinson, who poured in a game-high 18 points and six rebounds. Sausedo finished with nine points, 11 rebounds, four assists and five steals. Myra Toledo also scored nine points.
Ripon made just two of its 18 3-pointers but got inside scoring from Hutchinson, who converted seven of eight from the field while going 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Kali Gose tallied 11 points for the Huskies (7-4, 17-8).
“Mackenzie Hutchinson had a great game in the paint, and the other girls kept feeding her the ball,” Inderbitzin said. “We did a great job limiting Hughson to one shot. I am very proud of how we played the last two games.”
Junior varsity
Ripon 54, Hughson 31
Kaylee Hutchinson fired a game-high 18 points for the Indians (8-0, 18-2).
Taylor Tobin chipped in 11 points, and Sierra Hollis added eight.
Freshman
Ripon 55, Hughson 28
Gabby Delgado led three Ripon (5-1, 19-1) players in double figures with 19 points.
Grace Mikami and Joslyn Figueroa contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.