ALBANY — Fred Lavender poured in a game-high 22 points, and D’Angelo Finley dropped in 20 as Weston Ranch defeated Salesian of Richmond 69-66 the Albany Showcase on Saturday.
The Cougars (2-0) led 17-7 after the first quarter but held off Brandon McGhee (16 points) and the Pride (1-1), which had 11 different players score. Jaelen Ragsdale contributed 15 points for Weston Ranch.
The showcase is part of Weston Ranch’s challenging early-season schedule, which started with a thrilling 82-77 overtime win over Fresno-area powerhouse Immanuel in the Prep2Prep NorCal TipOff Classic and resumed with an 81-55 loss to Modesto Christian in a Foundation Game. It doesn’t get easier, as it hosts Beyer today and McClymonds of Oakland on Thursday.

Ron Peterson Tipoff
Ripon Christian 64,
 Riverbank 62
RIVERBANK — The Knights were able to nip their Trans-Valley League rival and tournament co-host behind Zach Cortwright’s 25-point barrage. Ty Beidleman chipped in with 12 points. Nik Keydeniers led three Bruins in double figures with 17.

WRESTLING
Venture Academy senior Aysia Cortez placed first in the 10th annual McNair Invitational in Stockton on Saturday.
She’s 5-1 in tournaments so far. In the McNair finals she grinded out a 7-2 decision win. Her other victories have come via pin.
Cortez’s only defeat came in the championship round of the Folsom Lady Eagles Invitational on Nov. 28. She lost her final match there on points. She’ll next compete in a tournament at LaPuente High of Southern California on Dec. 18-19.

GIRLS HOOPS
Lathrop JV Season Tipoff
LATHROP — The Spartans’ sophomore squad captured the inaugural tournament’s title with a 42-24 victory over El Camino. They also blew out Argonaut 46-12 in the second round.
Lathrop’s freshman team also participated, finishing with a 34-24 win over Buhach Colony’s sophomore squad. El Camino advanced to the finals with a 50-14 win against Lathrop’s freshmen.