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LARGE SCHOOLS
(Central California Athletic Conference, Central California Conference, Valley Oak League, Western Athletic Conference)
1. (1) Manteca (14-6) — The Buffaloes hold onto the top spot despite a 63-56 loss to a very good Kimball team. Manteca’s lone victory of the week was a 68-53 win over Weston Ranch.
2. (2) Lathrop (16-5) — The Spartans had a perfect 3-0 week, scoring 60-plus points in each victory and winning by an average margin of 45 points.
3. (3) Atwater (16-6) — Rolled through the Central California Conference with a perfect 3-0 week, beating Merced 65-43, Golden Valley 68-19 and Buhach Colony 62-39.
4. (4) Modesto Christian (7-12) — Let’s face it, the Crusaders play a tougher schedule than anybody in these parts. And a case could be made that they’re the No. 1 team. But for now, they hold firm at the fourth position.
5. (t5) Turlock (14-7) — Last week, the Bulldogs shared the No. 5 slot with crosstown rival Pitman, but they shook they knocked the Pride into the ranks of teams on the bubble by virtue of a 56-47 head-to-head win. There was that head-scratching, 56-53 loss to Gregori, so Turlock better beware, knockin’ oil the door and wants a spot in the front row.
On the bubble: Beyer, Central Catholic, East Union, Enochs, El Capitan.
SMALL SCHOOLS
(Trans-Valley League, Mother Lode League, Southern League, Central California Athletic Alliance)
1. (1) Sonora (14-5) — A perfect 4-0 run sets up a Mother Lode League showdown with No. 2 Calaveras on Thursday night at 7:30 at Bud Castle Gymnasium.
2. (2) Calaveras (14-3) — The Indians get a chance to avenge an earlier loss to the Sonora and, potentially, grave the No. 1 spot in the Front Row.
3. (3) Mariposa (17-1) — But don’t sleep on Mariposa. The Grizzlies are looming and making a strong case that they’re the No. 1 team in the region. Milea Appling had 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in a win over Waterford, then 27. points, 11 boards, 6 dimes and 4 steals in a win over Gustine.
4. (4) Livingston (14-8) — Yes, the Wolves did lose 56-47 to Ripon in a head-to-head Trans-Valley League matchup. But it was Livingston’s first league loss of the year, so we’re cutting them a little sack. The Wolves stay at No. 4
5t. Ripon (13-7), Ripon Christian (13-7), Hughson (13-8) — Ripon followed its win over Livingston with a loss to Ripon Christian, which, in turn, lost to Hughson, a team that Livingston beat by 28 points. This next week in the TVL should help us sort through the mess. But for now …
