LIVINGSTON — Shorthanded for much of its pre-league schedule, the Ripon boys basketball team is rounding into form as it begins its Trans-Valley League title defense.
The Indians started TVL play Wednesday with a 60-57 win at Livingston, which trailed for most of the game and hit baskets late to make it look closer. Ripon (1-0, 6-10 overall) led 32-23 at halftime.
“We were pretty much in control the whole way,” Ripon coach Justin Graham said. “It was a nice bounce-back win after a tough one at Liberty Ranch last night. That one hurt the pride a little bit.”
The Indians came up short 55-48 in their non-league tune-up Tuesday against Liberty Ranch, which dispatched them last year in route to a runner-up finish in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoffs.
Malik Taylor led the way in the TVL opener, scoring 15 of his 18 point s in the first half. Nico Ilardi contributed 13 points, and Troy Brogan had nine while pulling down six rebounds.
Ripon expects a stiffer test Friday when it plays host to Hilmar (1-0, 14-3).

Ripon Christian 58, Hughson 41
HUGHSON — Ripon Christian (1-0 TVL, 10-3 overall) charged out to a 24-5 lead in the first quarter and outscored the host Huskies (0-1, 4-12) 19-3 in the third before coasting.
Will Gilbert sparked the Knights on both ends of the court, finishing with a team-high 11 points while anchoring the defense. Jacob and Braden Van Groningen scored 10 points apiece. Lukas Van Groningen and Reed Van Der Hoek each had eight.
Ripon Christian will have its six-game winning streak tested today in an intriguing non-league contest against visiting Sonora, the reigning SJS Division IV champion.

Gregori 50, Manteca 44
Jordan Burciaga gave Manteca (7-10) a chance during the final minute when he buried a 3-pointer to lose the host Buffaloes in by four, but Gregori (14-3) was able to hold on for the non-league victory.
“The boys have definitely turned the corner after getting whooped pretty good by Central Catholic (in the Valley Oak League opener last week),” Manteca coach Jason Hitt said. “They came out and played really tough against one of the top teams in the section. Our 20 turnovers didn’t help, but I think our defense has gotten a lot better. Holding a team like Gregori to 50 is really good for us, we just have to put the ball in the hole.”
Burciaga finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season. Nick Bell contributed 12 points and 11 boards. Spencer Briscoe drained three 3s for his nine points. Sophomore Kyle Monk paced the Jaguars with 16 points.
The Buffs return to VOL play Friday against rival Sierra at home.

Sierra 42, Oakdale 36
OAKDALE — Sierra (1-1 VOL, 10-6 overall) slumped offensively for three quarters, but a 22-point outburst in the fourth quarter gave the Timberwolves the lift they needed to return home victorious.
They got some key buckets from Isaiah Sanchez down the stretch. He ended up with 11 points overall, and Kendrick Currey led the team with 13.
“Good team effort and happy that we found a way to win,” Sierra coach Eddie Morales said. “Oakdale made us work, and now we’re going to focus and prepare for Manteca on Friday.”

GIRLS SOCCER
East Union 8, W. Ranch 0
Thania Valencia recorded a hat trick and assisted Cynthia Romero’s goal in the lopsided VOL tilt.
East Union improved to 3-0 in league and 5-4-2 overall going into a tough three-match week that includes games at reigning champion Sierra and Manteca.
Taylor Campbell buried two second half goals, Taylor McMahon scored one and assisted another, and Melanie Gonzales contributed a goal. Hailey Sims chimed in with two assists.
Weston Ranch (0-3, 0-9-2) had one shot on goal. Starting goalie Kehura Ellerbe came up with six saves, and reserve Evelyn Soria had four.

JV girls soccer
East Union 6, Weston Ranch 1
East Union’s Melissa Gonzales and Taylor Theiss struck for two goals each, while Brittney Barrington and Carlee Canady scored one apiece.
Samantha Hernandez accounted for the Cougars’ only goal.