RIPON — Ripon Christian High made quick work out of visiting Sacramento Waldorf in Tuesday’s Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI opener.
The No. 3-seeded Knights (15-12) rolled to a 60-27 win over the No. 6 Waves. They’ll travel to No. 2 Woodland Christian on Thursday.
“We did a really good job of moving the ball,” said RC coach Ed Mulder, summarizing his team’s play against Sac. Waldorf (14-12) of the Central Valley California League.
Paving the way was sophomore Morgan Van Elderen, who had a stellar all-around game.
She had a game-high 17 points to go along with nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
“Morgan is the one who makes us go,” said Mulder, who recalled Van Elderen dishing out 10 assists in the regular season finale against Hughson.
Rilee Clark chipped in with 11 points, three steals and three assists.
The Knights had contributions from throughout their lineup. Kelly Engel had seven points, five boards, three assists, and two steals while Taylor Anema also hit for seven points to go with six rebounds.
Lexi Hilvers helped out with three assists, three steals, and a block.
Ariel Vander Woude collected seven boards.
RC jumped out to a 20-5 first-quarter lead, taking advantage of eight turnovers by the Waves and getting good shot selections along the way.
Clark and Van Elderen, in addition, made good use of the screens in driving the ball to the basket.
A Clark steal led to Van Elderen hitting a short straight away bank on the other end.
By the half, Van Elderen had 14 of her team’s 35 points, hitting a pair of 3s in the process.
Engel and Clark also hit a trey each.
The Knights continued to on their lead in the third, taking a 50-12 lead going in to the final two minutes of the quarter.
By then, the starters were all but taken out of the game.
Sydne Long was Sac-Waldorf’s top scorer with seven points.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.