Manteca High opened the Tracy/West Winter Holiday Boys’ Basketball Classic with a 52-45 victory over Modesto on Monday.

The Buffaloes were helped by a 20-11 third-quarter run at the game played at Tracy High. Taylor Hasal and Ben Odell sparked the rally, combining for four 3s.

Hasal also led Manteca in scoring with 19 points. Odell netted 12 points and Austin Haro added 11.

The Buffaloes will face Tokay, which rolled past Central Valley, in today’s second-round game at Tracy High. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The annual four-day, 16-team event concludes on Thursday, with games played at West and Tracy.



Lathrop 61, Johansen 55

The Spartans relied on their defense to help catapult their offense.

Lathrop (4-3) forced the Vikings into making 14 first-half turnovers in the game played at West High.

“We’ve really been working hard in practice on coming out strong on defense,” coach Bill Slikker said.

His Spartans sported a 30-24 half-time lead.

They maintained their advantage in the second half as Johansen occasionally threatened, making layups and sinking key free throws down the stretch, according to Slikker.

Ricky Chavez led Lathrop with 16 points. Marcus Conley chipped in with 12.

The Spartans will take on host West today at 7:30 p.m.

“We got a challenge on our hands,” said Slikker of the Wolf Pack. “Now, we get see how we measure up against the big boys.”