Ripon’s girls basketball team warded off host Ripon Christian 37-30 on Thursday to maintain its lead in the Trans-Valley League.

The Indians (9-0 TVL, 16-9 overall) were balanced, as usual. Anandjap Dhami led them with seven points, while Kaylee Lehmkuhl, Shayla McKeon and Scarlett Ponce each had six.

Ripon led 24-19 at halftime, but both teams struggled to make shots late in the game, with each scoring just three points in the fourth quarter.

Reagan Van Der Hoek scored seven points for Ripon Christian (4-5, 8-10). Haley Kootstra made two 3s for her six points. The Knights made just one of 10 free throws.

Ripon hosts Sonora tonight, and Ripon Christian heads to Escalon.

Lathrop 38, Livingston 36

Battling for a spot in the playoffs, the Spartans (5-7, 11-14 overall) held on for an important Western Athletic Conference win.

It was a back-and-forth affair, as Lathrop held the Wolves (5-7, 10-14) to just three points in the first quarter but wound up trailing 15-14 at halftime.

Faith Allen came through with two and-1 conversions, finishing with 13 points, five rebounds and three steals.

Shakara Porter netted 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, three blocks and three steals. Audrina Fisher contributed nine points and five boards. Kira Davis had six points and two steals.

Patterson 47, Manteca 45

Visiting Patterson (6-5, 20-7 overall) shot out to a 17-6 first-quarter lead in the Valley Oak League tilt but could not break away from the pesky the Buffaloes (3-7, 8-16).

Kalaja Reese anchored Manteca with 18 points, and Michailla Springs had 10.

BOYS SOCCER

Central Valley 3, Lathrop 1

Lathrop (6-5-2, 9-8-4) scored first but ultimately could not manage the blustery conditions against the WAC-leading Hawks (10-1-2, 15-6-6) at River Bluff Regional Park in Ceres.

Angel Barajas scored the opening goal off through ball from Josiah Reynaga. Central Valley tied it before the end of the half, then took advantage of the strong tail wind in the second half to race away victorious.

Goalie Julian Ceja finished with nine saves for Lathrop, which was without its top point scorer Andres Garcia (illness).

Frosh girls basketball

Livingston 35, Lathrop 22

Kaliyah Urrutia handled much of the scoring for the Spartans, who fell to 10-2 in the WAC. She scored 16 points to go with five rebounds.