Tago posts double-double as Riverbank advances to section semifinals
Riverbank girls basketball coach Janelle Luu has high praise for junior Rayne Tago, and for good reason.
The 5-foot-10 center dominated the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV quarterfinals against sixth seed Liberty Ranch, scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in the Bruins’ 56-40 win.
Eleven of her 14 rebounds were offensive boards and she added four steals and two blocks.
“Rayne is our heart,” Luu said. “She’s our engine, she is our workhorse. She’s everything you can ask for as a leader, as a player, as a teammate. She is the epitome of a basketball player and a person and you can see that on the floor.”
Tago’s impact goes beyond the court. Recently, she has been giving her teammates notes before games.
“We’ve been doing that daily to prep before the game,” she said. “It’s just words of encouragement. We just want to have that inside mentality of us as a family, together.”
Tago scored the Bruins’ six first-quarter points and junior Chancis Gamez picked up the scoring in the second, putting up 10 of her team-high 19. The Bruins took a 22-21 lead into halftime.
The No. 3 seed Bruins (25-3) opened the second half with eight straight points. Tago didn’t miss a beat. She hustled for steals, dove for nearly every loose ball and continued her dominance on the boards.
“If it means I have to take any injury or any obstacle during the game, I’ll do it. Whatever it takes.” said Tago, who played in just her 13th game this year after transferring from Patterson.
Taylor Macias and Gamez connected on two fourth quarter threes, powering the Bruins to an 11-point lead, but with 2 minutes, 35 seconds remaining, Tago picked up her fifth foul.
Despite playing the rest of the game without their steadying presence, the Bruins outscored the Eagles 8-0.
“They are battle tested,” Luu said. “They have gone through it. Last year’s playoff run helped us gain some experience and the TVL is a tough league. They fought to get that co-champ title so I feel like they’re ready.”
The Bruins host TVL opponent Escalon, which upset No. 2 seed Calaveras on Tuesday. It is the program’s first section semifinal appearance in at least 18 years. They beat the Cougars twice during league play. Riverbank secured a 58-56 win on a buzzer beater Jan. 3, and on Jan. 24, it won 53-37.
“It’s going to be an absolute blast,” Luu said.
Girls basketball
Colfax 67, Orestimba 16: The Warriors surrendered 44 first-half points in the Division IV quarterfinals. Orestimba finished 12-0 in Southern League play and won 22 games overall.
Marysville 76, Hughson 18: The TVL co-champion Huskies fell in the Division IV quarterfinals at No. 4 Marysville. Hughson finishes with a 22-7 record. It had its first 20-win season since 2019-20 and the most wins in more than 18 years.
Escalon 48, Calaveras 46: The Cougars never trailed as they pulled off another upset, taking down the second-seeded Redhawks and ending their 13-game win streak. They play Riverbank in the Division IV semifinals Tuesday.
Bret Harte 57, Ripon Christian 30: The Knights’ season ended in the Division V quarterfinals Thursday night. Maddie Yonker scored a team-high 15 points.
Big Valley Christian 34, Millennium 31: After losing twice during CCAA play, the Lions beat Millennium in the Division V quarterfinals. They travel to top-seeded Bret Harte Tuesday.
Boys soccer
Oak Ridge 1, Modesto 0: The Panthers were shut out at home in Thursday’s Division I quarterfinal against the Trojans. They finish with a 13-2-5 record.
Central Valley 2, McClatchy 0: Yahir Perez and Alexis Cervantes scored in the Hawks’ playoff win. Central Valley, the Division I No. 6 seed, meets Whitney in the semifinals Friday.
Granite Bay 3, Davis 1: The Spartans were unable to upset their second team this postseason, losing to the No. 2 seed in Division II Thursday. Their 16 wins is more than the past four seasons combined.
Golden Valley 3, Patterson 2: The Tigers could not force overtime in their Division III quarterfinals matchup with the Cougars. Patterson took a 2-1 lead in the second half but gave up two unanswered goals.
Riverbank 4, Sonora 1: The Bruins scored two goals in each half in their Division V semifinals win. They advance to the finals at Cosumnes River College Friday at 4 p.m.
