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Lady Mustangs Grab Hoops Win In Dramatic Fashion
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Caroline Hamilton scored 11 points against Hilmar and is shown here working on the Yellowjackets defender.Leader Photos By Dennis D. Cruz

In a non-conference showdown against Hilmar on Tuesday night, Dec. 19 the Lady Mustangs varsity basketball team came away with a 38-35 victory. Hilmar led 33-29 with 5:30 left to play; however, Oakdale would close the game out on a big run to rally for the win.

Down 33-31 Angie Lowry tied the game with 3:39 remaining and forced Hilmar to call timeout. Still knotted up at 33, Hilmar took a 35-33 advantage with 1:02 left. Over the final 62 seconds, Oakdale played fierce defense. Oakdale took the lead on a Grace Higle three ball from the corner with 37.2 seconds left.

On the defensive side Alicia Platt crashed the board and pulled down a clutch rebound and drew the foul in the crowded lane with 10.3 seconds left. Platt made both of her free throws to give Oakdale the thrilling victory.

“This was a big win for us. We want to finish the preseason strong and make a run during the regular season,” Higle said.

She finished the game with 16 points to lead all scorers. Fellow junior Caroline Hamilton finished the game with 11 points for the Lady Mustangs.

“Our team believes in Coach (Julie) Ford and what she is showing us.” Hamilton said.

The girls took on Central Valley in Ceres on Friday night, Dec. 22 following The Leader’s holiday press time. Oakdale closes out the preseason on Saturday, Dec. 30 at home against Livingston. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 2 p.m. The Lady Mustangs host Kimball on Tuesday, Jan. 2 in the Valley Oak League season opener, scheduled tipoff time is 7 p.m.

 

JUNIOR VARSITY

Oakdale hosted Hilmar on Tuesday night, Dec. 19 where Oakdale won 54-35. Kayden Legan scored 18 points in the win and Kendra Branch added 17. As a team, Oakdale made nine three-point field goals. Legan and Branch each connected on four of them. The girls started the game with a 21 point first quarter, and led 39-14 at halftime.

Oakdale took on Central Valley Friday evening, following The Leader’s holiday press time. Oakdale’s JV squad returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 30 against Livingston with tipoff scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

 

FRESHMEN

Originally scheduled to play Tracy West on Tuesday, the youngest Mustang girls ended up just scrimmaging against each other, due to transportation issues for the Tracy West team. Oakdale took on Central Valley this past Friday following holiday press time. Oakdale will host Livingston on Saturday, Dec.30 at 11 a.m. to wrap up the preseason.