Valley Oak League play tipped off this week for Oakdale’s boys basketball teams, with all levels in action. The Mustang boys took their act on the road for a contest on Wednesday night, Jan. 7 and also were on the road Friday.

The road was not kind to the Mustangs as the team traveled to Manteca to face the Sierra Timberwolves in the opener. Oakdale fell to the host Wolves 60-36.

“We came and played well and won the first quarter. We did a good job on Hunter Johnson limiting his scoring and getting him into foul trouble. We really squeezed the post on 6’9 Patton as well and Sierra was not hitting the outside shot,” shared head coach Jeremy Fields. “That changed in second quarter as Sierra hit four 3-pointers, forcing us to come out and guard thus opening up the post for their big guys. They are tough to guard when they hit from the outside with all that size inside.”

Oakdale took the court two days later when they visited Kimball. The Jaguars clawed their way through the Mustangs, winning 65-34. Oakdale scored just 13 points in the first half, trailing 33-13 after two quarters.

The Mustangs (3-9, 0-2) looked to bounce back this week when they hosted Weston Ranch (8-6, 1-1) on Tuesday, Jan. 13 after The Leader went to press and take the court in front of the home crowd on Thursday night when they take on East Union (6-9, 0-2).

JV BOYS

In a highly competitive contest, the Oakdale boys fell short to Kimball 52-51 on Thursday night. Oakdale led 24-22 at the half, and took a 42-35 lead into the fourth. Kimball regrouped and outscored Oakdale 17-9 over the final eight minutes to get the win.

FRESHMEN

The youngest hoop boys were scheduled to open up their season at home against Weston Ranch on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The game was held after press time for The Leader.