Ripon coach Justin Graham described Calaveras as “exact opposite” of his team.
They each played to their strengths in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV quarterfinal Monday, but it was ultimately the host Calaveras and its accuracy from the perimeter that prevailed, 64-61.
The upset-minded Indians (16-14), seeded seventh, trailed by as much as 13 in the fourth quarter but made a late run to give themselves some hope.
Victor Alvarellos made a layup and was fouled in the process with about 1.5 seconds remaining. Ripon had no timeouts left, and the game ended soon after he missed the free throw.
Six-foot-7 center Bronson Burrow churned out 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Indians. Nolan Young had 10 points, and Landon Gillespie contributed nine off the bench. Logan Gillespie, Ripon’s top scorer on the season, was hampered by foul trouble.
No. 2 Calaveras (24-7) countered by making 12 3s, six made by Elijah Malamed who totaled 20 points. Jay Clifton led all scorers with 22 points, hitting three 3s and all seven of his free throws.
“We are predicated on playing inside out, using our size to get a bunch of rebounds,” Graham said. “(Calaveras is) just a completely opposite team. They’re a small team that shoots and makes a lot of 3s, and that’s what they did tonight.”
Ripon used a press defense while Calaveras employed a zone to make up for the size discrepancy. Graham said Calaveras’ zone was so good that the Indians had trouble getting good looks, making just one of 10 attempts on 3s. Additionally, Ripon was 8-for-17 on free throws while Calaveras sank 12 of 14. No. 6 Venture Academy (23-5) visits Calaveras in the semifinal round Wednesday.
“Hats off to Calaveras, they’re a well-coached team,” Graham said. “It’s not the result we wanted or the way we wanted to end the season. If you look at our season on paper it seems ho-hum but for me, it was the most enjoyable season.”
Division I boys
Modesto Christian 82, Weston Ranch 52
The sixth-seeded Cougars (19-11) could not match the firepower and size of No. 3 Modesto Christian (25-5), which was anchored by 6-10 center Prince Oseya’s 23 points. He was one of five Crusaders to finish in double figures.
It was a close game for much of the first half, but MC pulled away in the second half while holding Weston Ranch to just seven points in the fourth quarter. Elijah Mobley and Khristian Holmes led the Cougars with 21 and 11 points, respectively.
“We got into a little bit of foul trouble and just really struggled to rebound the basketball,” Weston Ranch coach Nicholas Podesta said. “Their big guy did a really good job of protecting the rim, and we were just struggling to score. When we can’t score, we can’t set up the press.
“I tip my cap to Modesto Christian. They shared the ball and shot the ball really well, and their big guys really stepped up. When we’re struggling to score like we did, it’s going to be a tough night. There is not much margin for error against a team like Modesto Christian, especially when they’re at full strength.”
Weston Ranch is hopeful to make the NorCal Regional with an at-large berth. Modesto Christian travels to No. 2 Folsom (23-5) on Wednesday.
Division III girls
Lincoln 54, Manteca 47
Seventh-seeded Manteca (17-9) made a valiant charge early in the second half but ultimately could not overcome the 11-0 deficit it started with. The Buffaloes trailed 28-13 at halftime but was able to cut it to 32-25 at one point before No. 2 Lincoln (26-2) pulled away.
Izzy Sanchez netted 11 points and 11 rebounds for Manteca, while Marci Chaparro had 12 points, five steals and six assists.
“The girls played hard and I’m proud of them,” first-year Manteca coach Oscar Calix said. “This group was special to have for my first year. I’m excited for the future we have at Manteca and look forward to build from this year.”
