Weston Ranch opened on a 12-0 run and held off a late charge from host Sierra for a 42-39 Valley Oak League win with postseason implications.
“It was a must-win game for the both of us,” Weston Ranch coach Mike Williams said. “We’re both fighting for a playoff spot in a tough league.”
His Cougars (2-2 VOL, 11-7 overall) did well to keep their composure down the stretch, getting big shots from Zahbria Hendrix. She finished with 12 points, including two 3s, and eight rebounds.
Jennalyn Laminero contributed 13 points, seven assists and four steals. Darnaysha Huff added seven points, six rebounds and four blocks despite foul trouble.
 “They play hard and didn’t quit,” Williams said of Sierra. “But every time it got tight we had a different girl make a play or make a shot when we needed. We were able to control the clock at the end of the game. Our girls played great all-around in a playoff environment.”
Natalie Dias led Sierra (1-3, 12-7) with 12 points. Makayla Kakala and Marci Chaparro scored seven each.

Ripon 71, Riverbank 22
The Indians (3-0 Trans-Valley League, 12-6 overall) led 32-17 at halftime and outscored visiting Riverbank (1-2, 4-10) 20-3 in the third period.
Reina Sausedo compiled 16 points, nine steals, seven rebounds and four assists in limited time. Kiley Holland added 11 points and four steals. Mikaylah Vaught made three 3s and finished with 10 points. Myra Toledo scored all nine of her points in the fourth quarter, as all 11 Ripon players who suited up contributed to the attack.

Ripon Christian 47, Escalon 40
Morgan Van Elderen fired a game-high 15 points to help Ripon Christian (1-1 TVL, 7-7 overall) snap a three-game skid.
Lexi Hilvers chipped in 11 points. The Knights went on a 16-4 run in the second quarter to take a 26-16 lead into halftime. Hannah Boyd pumped in 15 points for the visiting Cougars (1-1, 7-10).

Johansen 45, Lathrop 32
The Vikings fled Spartan territory with a big win that puts them back in the hunt for the Western Athletic Conference crown.
Lathrop (4-1, 7-10), a reigning co-champion, took a hit when one of its top players, Jasmine Denning, left with an injury. Johansen (2-3, 11-6) finished on a 16-5 run.
Kierstin Constantino accounted for half of Lathrop’s offensive output with 16 points. Sanah Singh chipped in eight, while Denning ended with six.

Freshman
Lathrop 57, Johansen 16
The Spartans erupted for 37 points in the second half and were spearheaded by Janida Garcia and Taimane Lowery, who scored 11 apiece.
Liliana Navarro added eight points. Kalani Soriano and Sanah Sunner had six each.