With a starting lineup featuring a pair of sophomores and three juniors, the precocious Manteca High girls varsity basketball team got past visiting Turlock in a non-league affair Wednesday, 68-59.
"They're a solid team," said Buffaloes coach Ryan Bono of the Central California Athletic League Bulldogs. "They have some tall and athletic players."
Manteca (2-0) had to scrap on the boards and on defense, especially with Turlock's ability to shoot from beyond the arc.
"(The Bulldogs) hit some clutch 3s throughout the game," Bono said
Turlock (0-3) kept pace with the Buffaloes for the better part of three quarters. Jaydon Williams, a 6-foot senior forward, along with Hollie Salsig both sank treys to help their team stay within reach.
Nursing a 40-38 lead, the Buffaloes closed out the third by scoring seven unanswered points highlighted by Jayda Jackson's 3-pointer.
Sophomore guard Kyaria Jacobs scored on a drive — she had a pair of similar drives to the hoop in the second quarter as well — and Jackson hit a free throw to give Manteca its biggest lead early in fourth, 50-38.
Jackson, a 5-7 junior wing, led all scorers with 23 points. She also had six rebounds and a pair of steals.
Sophomore Jaslyn Woods netted 11 points with five steals and five boards.
Junior Paige Peterson had eight rebounds to lead the Buffaloes. She along with junior Marissa Serrano both scored 10 points. Jacobs finished with nine.
Turlock made the game interesting in the final minute when Natalie Jimenez hit for three, closing the gap to 65-59 and a two-possession game.
The first half featured three ties and four lead changes.
The Bulldogs started off hot, drilling a pair from 3-point range and adding another bucket to take a quick 8-0 lead.
The Buffaloes answered back with four unanswered field goals. Serrano had a 3, and Woods scored off a steal.
Turlock re-took the lead on baskets by Williams, Mackenzie Campbell and Jada Washington.
A steal by Jackson led to an and-one hoop and Victoria Villalvazo's floater tied the game at 14-14 after one.
Manteca reclaimed the lead for good with a 10-4 run in the second.
Williams led Turlock with 16 points and Sofia Andres and Jimenez chipped in with 12 and 10, respectively.
Manteca will host Los Banos on Tuesday.