East Union moved to within a game of the Valley Oak League’s top boys basketball team on Wednesday after holding off Kimball 53-50 at Dalben Center.

Anthony Sy sealed it as time expired by blocking a 3-point attempt in the corner. The Lancers (4-2 VOL, 15-8 overall) remain tied for second with four games remaining, but Central Catholic’s win over first-place Manteca gets them closer to the league lead.

“I am so proud of our effort and composure we showed as a team tonight,” EU coach Dutch Ell said. “Credit to Kimball (3-3, 14-9), they hit some big shots in the fourth to bring the game to three points.”

Dylan Lee paced the Lancers with 20 points and seven rebounds. Sy finished with 19 points. Alex Cuevas and Ian Metcalf scored six points apiece.

East Union travels to Oakdale on Friday.

Sierra 60, Oakdale 44

The host Timberwolves (2-4 VOL, 11-10 overall) set the tone with a 19-5 first quarter.

Anthony Grady and Joshua Seals led the charge with 14 and 11 points, respectively. Niko Klose fired 17 points for Oakdale (0-6, 6-17). Sierra also won the freshman game, 56-25.

Sierra welcomes Central Catholic on Friday.

Ripon 52, Hilmar 36

There were 47 fouls and four technical called in a Trans-Valley League contest that Ripon coach Justin Graham described as “wild.”

His Indians (5-2 TVL, 8-14 overall) were able to take advantage of their opportunities at the free-throw line, sinking 27 of 33 attempts to make up or their meager 11 field goals.

Marcus Madoski did much of the scoring with 22 points, and Jack Schoolland chipped in with nine. The host Yellowjackets (2-5, 8-15) were able to make a game of it after trailing 23-11 at halftime, closing the gap to four points, 34-30, by the end of the fourth quarter before foul trouble ultimately caught up to them.

GIRLS SOCCER

Sierra 3, Kimball 3

Both teams were hoping to get a more positive result that would benefit them in a crowded VOL race for the title and one of four postseason berths.

Jocelin Roa struck for two goals at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium, and Hailey Cruz had the other for the host Timberwolves 2-2-3 VOL, 9-6-3 overall). Presley Perez had an assist, and goalie Annika Beall racked up nine saves to help preserve the tie. The JV team lost, 2-0.

Kimball (3-1-2, 5-2-4) had goals from Payton Phillips, Alivia Peterson and Emily Chacon.

JV girls basketball

East Union 36, Kimball 18

Izzy Avalos highlighted the lopsided road win for East Union on Tuesday with 13 points, six steals and two blocks.

MJ Simon added nine points and three steals. Caliyah Lopez pitched in eight points and five steals.

Izzy Avalos 13 points, six steals, two blocks

MJ Simon nine points, three steals

Caliyah Lopez eight points, five steals

Frosh boys basketball

East Union 47, Kimball 46

Anthony Oteri beat the buzzer with a 3-pointer to punctuate a 14-point, 12-rebound effort. He also had a put-back layup with 16 seconds left that tied it.

Jackson Fay finished with 15 points and four rebounds. Kirk Simoni contributed 10 points and six boards.

Frosh girls soccer

Ripon 11, Merced 0

The Indians’ first-year freshman squad improved to 3-0 in its independent schedule.

Nakayla Winfrey recorded a hat trick, while Claire Genasci and Kylee Machado each had a brace. Avery Osburn and Samantha Lackey added a goal apiece.