Ripon Christian is closing in on a sixth consecutive Trans Valley League boys basketball championship after routing rival Ripon 74-49 at home Thursday night.

The Knights (9-0 TVL, 16-9 overall) broke it open with 15 unanswered points in the second quarter, leading to a 37-16 halftime lead.

Jake Vander Veen scored nine of his game-high 24 points in the quarter, also finishing with six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Mason Tameling knocked down four 3s and totaled 14 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Ben Bulthuis and freshman Jeremiah Lambdin (10 rebounds) contributed eight points apiece. Chase Bunnell turned in seven points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Ripon Christian is back in action tonight at third-place Escalon. A win clinches at least a share of the crown.

For Ripon (2-7, 7-18), Sam Stewart hit three 3s and netted 11 points. Gino Calderara and Tip Paini pitched in eight points apiece. The Indians welcome second-place Sonora tonight.

River Islands 45, Millennium 27

The Riptide (7-0, 15-10 overall) secured an outright claim to its first-ever championship in the Central California Athletic Alliance.

River Islands closes league play on Feb. 12 at home against Holt Academy but has two tough non-league contests beforehand. First up is Southern League leader Stone Ridge Christian on Saturday in the Venture Academy Showcase at Delta College.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Ripon Christian 31, Ripon 23

With postseason positioning at stake, Ripon Christian (3-5 TVL, 8-12 overall) got the needed home win behind Bella Arganbright’s 13 points. Annika Jung contributed with eight.

Ripon (5-3, 12-12) got 10 points from Lauren Peters and nine from Scarlett Ponce, who made three 3s.

Lathrop 49, Livingston 14

At Greg Leland Gym, the Spartans (12-0, 26-0 overall) secured at least a title share in the Western Athletic Conference, their first since running the table in 2023. They’ll go for sole possession next Tuesday against Central Valley back at home.

Lathrop staked a 30-9 halftime lead and held the visiting Wolves (2-9, 5-17) scoreless in the final period and did it with reserves.

Jaleiyah Ray continued her recent tear with 13 points. Shakara Porter pitched in eight points and six boards. Audrina Fisher and Aisha Wiseman added six points apiece.

BOYS SOCCER

Manteca 3, Mountain House 0

Senior forward Jesus Gomez capped off his productive week in the Valley Oak League with another goal. He accounted for five in the Buffaloes’ 6-0 triumph Tuesday at Central Catholic.

Gio Castaneda and Mateo Esparza contributed one goal apiece. Kevin Mundo, Eli Navarro and Julian Oregel each had an assist. Alberto Gutierrez came up with four saves, including a penalty stop in the final 10 minutes.

Manteca (5-6 VOL, 11-10-4 overall) hit 11 wins in a season for the first time since 2016.

Frosh girls basketball

Lathrop 34, Livingston 30

The Spartans are now in the share of the lead atop the WAC standings.

Alexa Garcia keyed the big win with 10 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Elsa Johnson chipped in four points, nine rebounds and seven steals. Ariyanna Miller amassed eight points and five steals.