Second year head coach Julie Ford has her girls basketball team off to a sizzling start in the early going. The varsity Lady Mustangs improved to 6-1 following a pair of home wins this past week. On Thursday night the girls dismissed visiting Ripon Christian 41-28 and 24 hours later they demolished Johansen 56-15 to complete their week. The Mustangs opened the first quarter on a 7-0 advantage over Ripon Christian as Sarah Bohrer connected on a corner three with 4:28 left in the opening quarter. Bohrer finished with eight points on the night. Oakdale led 13-4 after the first quarter. The Lady Mustangs struggled in the second quarter, only scoring six total points in the quarter but still had a 19-14 halftime lead.
The second half belonged to Oakdale as the girls outscored Ripon Christian 22-14 for the win. Zoe Gillen scored a game high 11 points in the win.
The next night Oakdale dominated their way to a home win over Johansen. Oakdale led 24-7 at the break and did not look back. For the second night in a row, Gillen led the team in points with 14, one fewer than the total of points scored by Johansen. Also scoring in double digits was Alejandra Vargas with 10. Everyone who stepped on the court for Oakdale scored at least two points.
“We have started slow the last few games, but Coach Ford had us hustling tonight. We hope to keep this momentum up during the season,” said second year varsity player Allissa Gutierrez.
Oakdale hosted Central Valley on Monday, Dec. 19 following The Leader’s presstime. Oakdale will then travel for four straight games beginning with a showdown with Hughson tonight, Wednesday Dec. 21 with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m. Oakdale will return home on Monday, Jan. 2 against Patterson.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Oakdale’s junior varsity girls are now 7-0 on the season following their 29-18 home win over Ripon Christian and a 44-18 win over Hilmar. Against Hilmar, Carolyn Hamilton recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds for Oakdale. Carly Maaske added 10 points for Oakdale and on the defensive side it was Kindra Branch who came away with 10 steals. The girls then went on to defeat Ripon Christian behind Hamilton’s eight points and six rebounds. Oakdale hosted Central Valley on Monday night following The Leader’s deadline. Like the varsity, the JV girls will have four straight road games coming up during the winter break.
FRESHMEN
The youngest Lady Mustangs went 1-1 this past week, with the win coming at home against Pacheco on Thursday, Dec. 15, a 43-16 victory. Aubree Ugalde scored a game high 10 points for Oakdale in the win. Friday night was not kind to Oakdale as the girls fell 47-14 at home to Johansen. Jazmine Martinez and Courtney Koelmans each scored six points for Oakdale, and Kayden Legan scored two. Oakdale will clash with Pacheco for the second time this preseason on Thursday, Dec. 22 on the road. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
