River Islands is on track to claim its first boys basketball championship after racing past Hughes Academy 54-33 in Stockton on Friday.

The Central California Athletic Alliance first-place battle was competitive for half, but the streaking Riptide (5-0, 13-10 overall) held the Titans (3-2, 10-12) to four points in the third quarter to take a 36-23 lead.

“The guys played really hard and were locked into the game plan,” River Islands coach Justin Graham said. “Super proud of the effort that they brought. The last month has been exceptional for us. We’ve won eight straight and are in the driver’s seat to take the league championship, but we still have some work to do and the boys know that.”

Darius Radoc Factoran led River Islands with 19 points, while hitting 13 of 15 free throws. Charles Mapanao made three 3s on his way to 15 points. Graham lauded the efforts of center Lucas Ruiz for his tone-setting physicality in the post.

The Riptide return home next Tuesday for a CCAA contest against Turlock Christian.

Ripon Christian 73, Hughson 52

Jake Vander Veen spearheaded a balanced attack for the Knights (8-0, 14-9 overall), who remain at the top of the Trans Valley League standings.

Vander Veen racked up 18 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Amos Cady connected on three 3s and tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Dylan Segaar added 12 points and five rebounds. Mason Tameling (five rebounds, three assists) and Chase Bunnell (10 rebounds, four assists) tallied 10 points apiece.

Karam Kang and Kyree Morrell led Hughson (4-4, 11-13) with 15 and 14 points, respectively.

GIRLS SOCCER

Ripon Christian 2, Hughson 0

Kylie Koolhaas scored both goals, and senior goalie Morgan Schenk collected six saves to lead Ripon Christian (7-3, 12-7-1 overall) to the TVL road win.

Koolhaas hit a left-footed volley on a cross by Brooke Barnes for the early Knights lead. She completed the brace in the second half, connecting with a header after Alyssa Hofman’s free kick.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Ripon Christian 24, Hughson 22

Haley Kootstra scored nine points, and Vanessa Orozco chipped in six in the TVL win for Ripon Christian (3-5, 8-12 overall) on Thursday.

JV boys basketball

East Union 59, Sierra 48

Caleb Tarr buried four 3s and poured 22 points to highlight East Union’s cross-town win. Jace Bettencourt and Keiante Wakefield added 12 points apiece.

Jack Taylor made four 3s for Sierra and netted 21 points. Kiran Tran contributed 11 points.