STOCKTON — Weston Ranch kicked off Wednesday’s non-league game against visiting Downey with plenty of good energy.

Near the conclusion, the Cougars’ near 30-point cushion had dwindled down to 10. They came away with a 66-54 victory.

“We need to play harder,” said coach Chris Teevan, who kept his reserves in for the closeout.

It was a far cry from the beginning, where Weston Ranch (5-1) jumped out to a 25-10 first-period lead.

“Our starters played with good energy,” Teevan said.

That group led by sophomore big man Gavin Wilburn, freshman Donjae’ Lindsey, senior Antwann Taylor, and juniors Makhi Turner and Raul Melgarejo, methodically executed the half-court offense.

It didn’t take long for the Cougars’ pressure defense began to fluster Downey (3-5).

From there, Weston Ranch soon got into its running game, with the Knights unable to keep up with that pace. Charles Jemison scored on a pair of layups and Lindsey scored rolling to the hoop.

Micah Vasser hit a 3, giving the Cougars a 34-14 lead midway through the second.

Downey closed out the half with a 10-2 run, cutting the deficit, 39-26.

Melgarejo found his outside range in the third, connecting on a pair of treys, while Wilburn twice hit Taylor down low for the inside basket.

Wilburn finished with 10 assists.

Turner and Lindsey led the Cougars in scoring with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Melgarejo added nine points, seven rebounds, and a steal while Taylor chipped in with nine points, six rebounds, one steal and a block.

Malachi Butler had a game-high 12 points, helping the Knights finish out with a 15-3 run.

Weston Ranch will travel to McNair on Friday.