In a battle of defending league champions, it was host Modesto High of the Modesto Metro Conference that prevailed 51-45 over East Union.
Modesto (2-0) had previously dropped three straight to the four-time defending Valley Oak League champion Lancers (1-1) over the past two seasons.
East Union had three players finish in double figures, but only two others contributed to the score.
Briona Fontenot led the Lancers with 15 points. Lexy Posz added 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals. Jackson helped EU charge back into the game with 12 points and seven rebounds.
That’s 41 of EU’s 45 points, with a 3-pointer from Milissent Puahi and a free throw from Audra Luckie making up the rest.
What also didn’t help was a poor start in which Modesto shot out to an 11-4 first-quarter lead while EU standout forward Shalane Jackson sat with two early fouls.
“We didn’t score in the first six minutes, and it just felt like we were chasing them the whole game,” East Union coach Jim Agostini said. “At one point we led twice in the second half, but any time it looked like we’d get through it Modesto made some big plays.”
The Lancers were unable to contain Modesto’s inside-outside halfcourt game. Guard Felicia Cardenas paced the Panthers with 20 points followed by Rey Berry’s 11 and forward Madisyn Gafford’s nine.
“Defensively we had some breakdowns,” Agostini said. “That’s an area we can definitely get better at.”
Marina Salyer posted 12 points to lead East Union’s balanced scoring effort.
Modesto Christian was impressive from the free-throw line, hitting 19-of-21 while Weston Ranch made 6-of-19.
Felix Buenrostro churned out 19 points, five rebounds and four steals. Alex Esan added 10 points.
Modesto (2-0) had previously dropped three straight to the four-time defending Valley Oak League champion Lancers (1-1) over the past two seasons.
East Union had three players finish in double figures, but only two others contributed to the score.
Briona Fontenot led the Lancers with 15 points. Lexy Posz added 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals. Jackson helped EU charge back into the game with 12 points and seven rebounds.
That’s 41 of EU’s 45 points, with a 3-pointer from Milissent Puahi and a free throw from Audra Luckie making up the rest.
What also didn’t help was a poor start in which Modesto shot out to an 11-4 first-quarter lead while EU standout forward Shalane Jackson sat with two early fouls.
“We didn’t score in the first six minutes, and it just felt like we were chasing them the whole game,” East Union coach Jim Agostini said. “At one point we led twice in the second half, but any time it looked like we’d get through it Modesto made some big plays.”
The Lancers were unable to contain Modesto’s inside-outside halfcourt game. Guard Felicia Cardenas paced the Panthers with 20 points followed by Rey Berry’s 11 and forward Madisyn Gafford’s nine.
“Defensively we had some breakdowns,” Agostini said. “That’s an area we can definitely get better at.”
Sophomore girls
East Union 40, Modesto 25
The visiting Squires (1-0) jumped ahead 8-1 in the first quarter and used their superior depth to wear down Modesto defensively the rest of the way.East Union 40, Modesto 25
Marina Salyer posted 12 points to lead East Union’s balanced scoring effort.
Sophomore boys
Modesto Christian 71, Weston Ranch 41
At Weston Ranch, the Cougars (0-1) trailed 23-5 going into the second quarter and the early run proved to be the difference.Modesto Christian 71, Weston Ranch 41
Modesto Christian was impressive from the free-throw line, hitting 19-of-21 while Weston Ranch made 6-of-19.
Felix Buenrostro churned out 19 points, five rebounds and four steals. Alex Esan added 10 points.
