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Boys Hoop It Up Over The Holidays
Rotary Classic
boys hoops 2
Oakdales junior varsity boys finished fourth at the Oakdale Rotary Classic this past week. Here, players wait for the rebound under a crowded rim against Downey. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

For nearly five decades, the Oakdale varsity and junior varsity boys have hosted the Oakdale Rotary Classic during Christmas week. The three-day tournament kicked off on Wednesday, Dec. 21 and wrapped up on Friday night, Dec. 23. Oakdale welcomed seven other schools to take part in the tournament.

The varsity boys finished the tournament in fourth place, going 1-2 over the three days. Oakdale knocked off Johansen on Wednesday night to advance in the winner’s bracket to face off against Davis. Oakdale fell to Davis but that set up the opportunity to take on Downey for third place honors. The Mustangs battled but fell to Downey 51-30. Oakdale’s first two scores were unavailable as of The Leader’s holiday press time. The varsity Mustangs are next scheduled to host Tracy on Friday, Dec. 30 with tipoff scheduled for 2 p.m. The long awaited Valley Oak League season begins with Oakdale hosting Sierra on Tuesday, Jan. 3 and Kimball on Thursday, Jan. 5. Tipoff for both games is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

JUNIOR VARSITY

The JV boys finished in fourth place in the tournament but like the varsity boys, they started the tournament off with a win. The boys were down a dozen to Los Banos to start the fourth quarter. The Mustangs chipped away at the deficit and forced overtime, where they battled to win 48-44. Twenty-two of the points came from Sam Medlin and Vince Roper, who each scored 11 for Oakdale. In the semifinals against Downey, Oakdale’s offense came out flat and couldn’t regroup. Downey nearly doubled up Oakdale for a 49-28 victory. In the third place game, Oakdale took on Pitman and once again could not overcome the slow start. Oakdale fell behind 27-19 at the half and were outscored 24-14 in the second half to fall 51-33. The JV Mustangs will now host three straight games including their first two VOL games. Oakdale will host Tracy on Friday, Dec. 30 at 12:30 p.m., then Sierra and Kimball to start the VOL season. Both games are scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

 

FRESHMEN

The freshman boys enjoyed some time off this past week. Oakdale returned to action on Monday, Dec. 26 for the first day of the Davis Tournament. The three day tournament took place following The Leader’s press time. Oakdale will host Tracy on Friday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m.