RIPON — Ripon Christian’s depth, or lack thereof, was tested in its 60-50 win over winless Riverbank on Thursday.

At one point in the fourth quarter, the Knights (5-4 Trans-Valley League, 10-12 overall), who have just seven available players, had four with four fouls and another with three. They pulled away for their fourth straight victory that has them a half game behind third-place Ripon for the third and final automatic berth to the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

Beth Weststeyn led Ripon Christian with 20 points and 18 rebounds. Freshman guard Morgan Van Elderen tallied 12 points and 10 boards despite playing only three minutes in the first half because of foul trouble.

The Bruins (0-9, 0-18) were paced by Aliza Teiceira’s 24 points and Hailey Rodgers’ 16.

Escalon 52, Ripon 34

ESCALON — Escalon (5-4, 14-9) came out on fire to start, building an 18-9 lead and never looking back from there.

The Indians (5-3, 11-11) were held to single digits in every quarter and were led by Reina Sausedo’s 15 points. Jenelle Anderson drained four 3s and spearheaded the Cougars with 17 points. Alyssa Strock added 16 points.

Sophomore

Ripon Christian 49,

Riverbank 15

RIPON — Ariel Vander Woude anchored the Knights (5-4, 11-10) with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

Rilee Beidleman contributed with 13 points and eight boards. Sarah Brown put forth a stellar all-around effort, finishing with 11 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals.