Off to a winless 0-4 Valley Oak League record, the Mustang varsity basketball boys dropped a trio of games this past week. Oakdale fell to a 1-16 season start after their latest 0-3 road trip.

On Tuesday, Jan. 12 Oakdale fell to first place Weston Ranch (4-0) 60-21, Friday they lost to Lathrop 62-45 (2-2) and in non-conference action, Oakdale found themselves on the wrong side of a 66-24 Saturday loss to undefeated Liberty Ranch on Jan. 16.

“Our boys played hard. We just had too many turnovers and missed shots,” first year varsity basketball head coach Hondo Arpoika said following the Lathrop game.

He continued “The boys are competing every minute and are being physical; we have to capitalize on others’ mistakes and make the high percentage shots we are getting good looks at.”

The Mustangs fell behind 19-7 after the first quarter of Friday night’s road game against Lathrop (Jan. 15) and could not get back into it. Oakdale entered the second half down 35-21 after nearly matching the Spartans bucket for bucket in the second quarter. Much like they have for most of the season, Oakdale continued to be a competitive second half team. Oakdale was outscored 14-11 in the third and matched the Spartans 13-13 in the fourth quarter. Oakdale was led by junior Blake Whiting, who had a season high 16 points for the Mustangs. Varsity sharpshooter Mitch McDonald added 10 points for the Mustangs, going three of five from the line. New transfer Stanley Thomas scored his first points as a Mustang, finishing the night with three points.

Oakdale played their fourth consecutive road game when they clashed with Manteca (3-1) on Tuesday, Jan. 19 after The Leader’s press time. Oakdale returns home for a much needed three game home stand beginning Friday night when they host their Winter Homecoming game against East Union (1-3). Then they welcome Sierra (1-3) on Monday, Jan. 25 and Lathrop (2-2) on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Oakdale hopes to capitalize on the home stand, as their opposition has so far combined for a league record of 4-8.

JV/FRESHMEN

No scores or stats were reported to The Leader prior to the deadline. The clubs were in a pair of road games between Valley Oak League teams. On Tuesday the teams went to Weston Ranch and on Thursday, the boys went to Lathrop. Oakdale returned home on Tuesday, Jan. 19 following The Leader press time. Oakdale’s next home games will be Thursday, Jan. 21 against East Union with tip off at 4:15 p.m. for the freshmen and 5:45 p.m. for junior varsity.