Even with the Valley Oak League sophomore girls basketball title already wrapped up, Sonora High wants to close its season on a high note.

The Wildcats overcame an early deficit, and Elise Amend scored the game-winning layup with 3 seconds remaining in a thrilling 44-42 victory at Manteca Tuesday.

The upset-minded Buffaloes led 25-18 at halftime and had a chance to send the game into overtime after Karlesha Thompson (eight points) sank the tying free throw with 8.1 seconds to go.

After a timeout, Sonora’s deciding play was set up by a perfectly-timed pass to Amend who was hit in stride past halfcourt for the transition layup.

Sonora’s Anneka Pisula led all players with 19 points. Mia Ramirez paced the Buffaloes with 14 points, and Jessica Reeder turned in 10.

Manteca struggled from the free-throw line, where it was 11 for 30.

LATHROP — Klasey Kachalkin caught fire and never cooled off for East Union (11-4, 16-9), hitting seven 3-pointers to account for most of her game-high 24 points.

Alison Telles and Kristen Piasecki pitched in with nine points apiece, and Victoria Ramos contributed eight. Piasecki also handed out 10 assists.

CERES — Alison Armstrong managed to produce 10 points and five rebounds despite playing only the second half for Sierra.

Shelby Shirron was solid all around, recording seven points, six rebounds, four blocks and three steals. Jessica Lopez added four assists.

Brittany Martinez checked in with game-high honors with 14 points.

RIPON — Visiting Ripon (7-2, 21-4) opened with a 21-8 run and never looked book.
Tia Sitikun spearheaded the Indians with 14 points, with Katherine Ratto adding seven. Natalie Van Gronigan had 10 points for Ripon Christian.

LATHROP — Two players accounted for nearly all of Lathrop’s scoring, as Celina Desartis and Melissa Wisnieski poured in 20 and 10 points, respectively.

Mariah Burrola led East Union’s balanced scoring with 11 points, and Alyssa Gonigan pumped in 10 more.