Never mind the 64-43 blowout win over visiting Johansen.

Sierra High coach Scott Thomason was more concerned Friday about how his team executed in the non-league affair.

“We played sloppy,” he said in this final tune-up game before next week’s Valley Oak League opener against Oakdale. “We can’t afford to play like this once league starts.”

Despite all that, the Timberwolves (9-3) had their way with Johansen (0-9) early on.

They not only controlled the boards – Carson Anderson, for one, had seven rebounds, three blocks and two steals – but forced some turnovers and reeled off a few runs thanks in part to a balanced scoring attack led by 6-foot-2 senior forward Victor Elijah, who had a game-high 20 points.

“I just tried to get to the right spots (on the low post) and get my teammates involved,” he said.

Thomason added: “Victor dominated the paint.”

Parmvir Singh helped out, chipping in with nine points while sophomore forward Eduardo Jasso and Jamille Grady both added eight. Bikram Thiara hit for seven.

After jumping out to a 20-12 first-quarter lead, Sierra began to pull away from that point on. Grady and Thiara forced a turnover with their trapping defense and Elijah drew a charge just prior to that.

Elijah and Anderson took advantage of their size, scoring in the post against the smaller Vikings. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, had a 33-21 advantage at the half.

They opened the second half with an 11-3 run. Elijah had eight of those points, hitting all four of his free throws in the process.

Jasso added a put-back shot and a drive to the basket while Grady canned a trey, pushing Sierra’s advantage, 53-33.

“We have to get back to work and clean up some things,” said Thomason.

Elijah agreed.

“There’s a lot that we can improve on – we can do better,” he said.

Christian Martinez led Johansen with 11 points. Baldev Singh netted 10.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.