The Oakdale varsity boys basketball season came to an end this past week as the boys wrapped up their season on the road. Valentine’s Day saw the Mustangs (10-18, 3-11) go to Sierra to play the Timberwolves (13-14, 8-6). Unfortunately the Wolves showed no love to the Mustangs and defeated the visitors 62-51.

Although the team did not win the game, the 2017-2018 season saw a major improvement over recent years.

“We are pleased with the progress we’ve made this season,” said third year head coach Hondo Arpoika.

The highlights of the team’s season included a sweep over East Union (4-23, 0-14) and defeating fourth place finishers and playoff bound Manteca (12-15, 8-6). The team also battled toe-to-toe with unbeaten Central Catholic, holding them to a season low 55 points.

“The Central Catholic game was a big one for us. We held them to 55 points; it was a battle until the end when it got away from us late, which could be said for a lot of our league games this season,” Arpoika said. “We will find a way to win the close games next year. We need to eliminate the bad things that include turning the ball over, we need to find a way not to force shots and instead find the open man and allow higher percentage shots to happen.”

March 17 spring ball starts up following the dead period and the team will look to improve on those items. Coach Arpoika said the team’s big goal this offseason is to find a point guard.

Oakdale’s future on the hardwood seems bright as both the junior varsity and freshman teams showed strides this season. The junior varsity team finished with nine wins and included four freshman players on the team. Coach Bobby Monges and the freshman team won the Valley Oak League title and lost just two league games this season.