Basketball Roundup: Knights open league with win over Escalon, Oakdale squeaks past Sierra
Escalon’s gameplan was clear: slow down Ripon Christian’s two main scoring threats – guards Eli Terpsma and Griffin De Abreu. In the second quarter, the Cougars strayed from the traditional man-to-man defense and threw in box-and-1 or triangle-and-2 schemes to try to throw the Knights offense off.
Ripon Christian coach Mark Hofman said he was happy with his team’s execution in three main aspects of Friday night’s 61-53 Trans-Valley League win over Escalon.
The Knights (9-6, 1-0) did a good job closing out on shooters, they received contributions from key role players and they controlled the rebounding battle.
“They have three-point shooters all over and we talked about getting out on shooters,” Hofman said. “If they drive, give them that, and they did it ... they took away their three-point shooting. We (also) had contributors from guys that were not our main scores. Trey Fasani hit three shots right away. Justin Hofman had a layup here, a free throw there. I thought Thys (Van Der Hoek) really controlled the middle with his rebounding and defense.”
The Knights led 17-8 at the start of the second quarter, when Escalon switched its defensive scheme. Van Der Hoek, Isaac Bos and Rodger Postmus stepped up, scoring 10 of the team’s 14 second-quarter points to give them a 31-22 lead going into halftime.
“They had to be confident enough to stand up and hit the shot, or get the ball and attack the open space and make something good happen.” said Hofman.
Escalon (11-6, 1-1) chipped away at the lead throughout the second half. They got within six points late in the fourth quarter when Joey Fross drained a wing three-pointer making it 59-53 with 8.3 seconds left. Fross scored 16 of his team-high 20 points in the second half.
“If he came out in first half like that would have been in trouble,” Hofman said. “The second half was great for him ... he’s a very tough assignment.”
De Abreu, who led the Knights with 19 points and added nine rebounds, capped the scoring at the free throw line to seal the win.
Van Der Hoek had a 12-point, 13-rebound double double for Ripon Christian and Escalon forward Russell Weinbrect tied Fross with 20 points.
The Knights host Denair (12-3) Saturday, Jan. 8 and the Cougars will play Ripon (5-11, 2-0) on Wednesday, Jan. 12.
Big Valley Christian 79, Tioga 25: The Lions kicked off Central California Athletic Alliance play with a big victory the winless Timberwolves. Big Valley scored 25 and 24 points in the second and third quarters, respectively.
Ripon 62, Riverbank 42: Ripon opened the game on an 11-0 run and outscored the Bruins 21-3 in the first quarter en route to a blowout TVL win. With the win, Ripon advances to 2-0 in league.
Hughson 57, Hilmar 50: The Yellowjackets ended the first quarter ahead 18-7, but were outscored 50-32 in the final three quarters. The win is Hughson’s second of the season.
Patterson 60, Merced 46: The Tigers won their Central California Conference opener on the road against the Bears. They advance to 3-1 in road games this season.
Oakdale 48, Sierra 45: Center Jackson Holt led Oakdale with 18 points as the Mustangs picked up the road win, ending their four-game losing streak. The Mustangs are 1-2 in Valley Oak League play.
Girls Basketball
Big Valley Christian 49, Tioga 40: bv 4-5, t 4-2 The Lions took a one-point lead into halftime but a 16-point fourth quarter helped them seal their fifth win. They are 5-5 heading into their first league game Tuesday against Stone Ridge Christian.
Lincoln 71, Turlock 20: The Bulldogs struggled in their final non-league game. Junae Mahan scored a game-high 26 points for the Trojans. Forward Kodi Nairn and guard Emilie Snyder led the Bulldogs with nine points each.
This story was originally published January 8, 2022 at 8:46 AM.
