CERES — A loss at Central Valley would have been disastrous to the East Union boys basketball team’s postseason hopes, and they were a few big plays, from emerging junior Robert Vaughn, away from letting that happen.
Vaughn poured in 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Lancers, who escaped with a 55-52 Valley Oak League victory Monday. The game was originally scheduled for Jan. 20 was but was postponed because of a leaky roof.
East Union (5-5, 10-10 overall) felt the absence of freshman guard Jordan Kron, who sat for disciplinary reasons.
The Lancers looked to Vaughn, a key contributor off the bench over the first half of the regular season, to lead the way.
“He’s stepping up,” first-year head coach Brett Lewis said. “He’s been playing very well and with lots of energy, and he really helped us out tonight. He and Tyler (Bylow) had a great game.”
East Union nursed a 21-20 lead at halftime and it was nip and tuck until the final heart-stopping minute of the contest.
Central Valley (2-8, 3-17) nailed a 3-pointer to go up by three late in the fourth, but Vaughn knotted it back up at 50-all with one of his four treys.
After the Hawks retook the lead, Vaughn assisted Bylow’s jump shot to tie it one last time. Bylow, who finished with 10 points, forced a turnover on Central Valley’s next possession and pushed it ahead to Vaughn, who capped the play and the final score with an and-1 layup.
Ricky Inderbitzin contributed 10 points and 20 rebounds for the Lancers, who play host to crosstown rival Sierra tonight. Sierra is looking for revenge after losing their last meeting, 67-64.
“I was not real happy with the win but it’s a win,” Lewis said. “We have to bring it now, because we don’t get to practice for (tonight’s) game against Sierra.”
Her dominant play opened things up for the Indians (4-1, 12-9) in the perimeter. Kendra Contente added 12 points and nine rebounds, and Sereena Hertel added six and eight.
Ripon went on a 17-4 run in the third quarter to run away with it, and nine of its 10 players ended up scoring.
Alexus Tillman led four Crusaders in double figures, hitting five 3-pointers for the bulk of her 19 points. Danielle Thomson, Brandi Henton and Marinna McKeever turned in 16, 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Ripon Christian (2-3, 8-11) was led by Mikaela Alger’s eight points. Standout post player Kelsey Tillema was held to seven.
Vaughn poured in 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Lancers, who escaped with a 55-52 Valley Oak League victory Monday. The game was originally scheduled for Jan. 20 was but was postponed because of a leaky roof.
East Union (5-5, 10-10 overall) felt the absence of freshman guard Jordan Kron, who sat for disciplinary reasons.
The Lancers looked to Vaughn, a key contributor off the bench over the first half of the regular season, to lead the way.
“He’s stepping up,” first-year head coach Brett Lewis said. “He’s been playing very well and with lots of energy, and he really helped us out tonight. He and Tyler (Bylow) had a great game.”
East Union nursed a 21-20 lead at halftime and it was nip and tuck until the final heart-stopping minute of the contest.
Central Valley (2-8, 3-17) nailed a 3-pointer to go up by three late in the fourth, but Vaughn knotted it back up at 50-all with one of his four treys.
After the Hawks retook the lead, Vaughn assisted Bylow’s jump shot to tie it one last time. Bylow, who finished with 10 points, forced a turnover on Central Valley’s next possession and pushed it ahead to Vaughn, who capped the play and the final score with an and-1 layup.
Ricky Inderbitzin contributed 10 points and 20 rebounds for the Lancers, who play host to crosstown rival Sierra tonight. Sierra is looking for revenge after losing their last meeting, 67-64.
“I was not real happy with the win but it’s a win,” Lewis said. “We have to bring it now, because we don’t get to practice for (tonight’s) game against Sierra.”
Trans Valley League girls
Ripon 51, Escalon 20
ESCALON — Senior center Lauren Feddersen anchored Ripon from the post, firing in 15 points to go with 16 rebounds.Ripon 51, Escalon 20
Her dominant play opened things up for the Indians (4-1, 12-9) in the perimeter. Kendra Contente added 12 points and nine rebounds, and Sereena Hertel added six and eight.
Ripon went on a 17-4 run in the third quarter to run away with it, and nine of its 10 players ended up scoring.
Modesto Ch. 74, Ripon Ch. 24
RIPON — The TVL’s top squad put the game away early as it took a 28-3 lead into the second quarter.Alexus Tillman led four Crusaders in double figures, hitting five 3-pointers for the bulk of her 19 points. Danielle Thomson, Brandi Henton and Marinna McKeever turned in 16, 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Ripon Christian (2-3, 8-11) was led by Mikaela Alger’s eight points. Standout post player Kelsey Tillema was held to seven.
— Jonamar Jacinto
