The Ripon High girls basketball team had its best scoring output of the season in Monday’s 67-30 shellacking at Escalon, and the Indians have their defense to thank.

It was the third straight Trans-Valley League contest in which Ripon (6-1, 17-4) held an opponent to 35 or less points. After a slow first quarter, the Indians pulled away with a 24-10 second-quarter run and outscored the Cougars (2-6, 8-14) 16-2 in the final period.

“Our defense is getting better,” Ripon coach George Contente said. “We had 14 steals for the game, we boxed out well and made good outlets. Our defense has turned into our offense.”

Sidtia Sidtikun led the way with 19 points, five rebounds and five steals. Kelsey Alexander added 13 points, and Ruth Waters chimed in with 11.

Ripon continues its busy week Wednesday at home against Hughson before hosting Riverbank Friday.



Southern League

Ripon Ch. 61, Waterford 14

In Waterford, the Knights (8-1, 14-6) rolled to a 16-0 lead before allowing a point early in the second quarter.

Ripon Christian was paced by its guards, as Jenny Wickham amassed 19 points, Teagan Manus added 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Kaylie Colyn scored 11 points while contributing eight rebounds, five assists and four steals. The team only committed nine turnovers.

Ripon Christian has one more tune-up, Thursday at Denair, before Friday’s first-place showdown with visiting Turlock Christian.



Sophomore

Ripon 39, Escalon 27

The Indians were in full control from start to finish behind Karisa Carlson’s 13 points. Melanie Ulrich chipped in with seven.



Ripon Ch. 36, Waterford 20

Shorthanded because of illnesses, RC still had little trouble getting past Waterford.

Michaela Aimone grabbed 16 rebounds while scoring 12 points and blocking a pair of shots. Pamela Radach added eight points, 11 boards and four blocks. Alex Eastham also contributed eight points.