A slow start doomed the Oakdale varsity Mustang boys basketball team this past week. On Wednesday night, Dec. 20 the boys hosted Riverbank but fell behind early and never regrouped in the 64-36 home loss. Oakdale scored six first quarter points against the Bruins and could not get out of their offensive funk. Senior Drew Legan scored a team high 13 points for Oakdale. Legan scored 10 of his points in the second quarter, a quarter where Oakdale scored 12 total points.
The Mustangs were down 25-18 at the break and in the second half Riverbank outscored the host team 39-18. Center Sam Medlin and Wyatt Waterworth scored eight points each for Oakdale. The Mustangs looked to turn their misfortunes around on a road trip to Livermore Friday night, Dec. 22 in a non-conference game. The game was held following The Leader’s holiday press time. Entering the game Oakdale had a record of 3-5.
This week, Oakdale will be hosting the 48th annual Oakdale Rotary Classic from Wednesday, Dec. 27 through Friday, Dec. 29. Oakdale welcomes Hughson, Downey, Patterson, Davis, Ripon Christian and Los Banos for the tournament. Oakdale’s first game will be Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. against Los Banos. Wednesday night will be the third annual Flannel Night theme (where the fans are encouraged to wear flannel in the stands) and Thursday night will be Hawaiian Night.
The team will have their Valley Oak League season opener at Kimball on Wednesday, Jan. 3 and will be home on Friday, Jan. 5 against Weston Ranch. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
A thrilling comeback saw the junior varsity boys knock off Riverbank 57-49. Down 33-16 at the break, Oakdale started the third quarter on a 23-3 run and never let up. Oakdale buckled down on defense that turned into 19 steals for the Mustangs. Jonah Norman had a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds. Norman was also responsible for four steals. Jaiden Williams posted 13 points and six assists. Williams also shot 80 percent from the free throw line making eight of 10 from the charity stripe. The junior varsity will also play in Oakdale Rotary Classic this week, hosting Davis in their first game scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Los Banos, Pitman, Argonaut, Downey, Ripon Christian, Davis and Hughson are all scheduled to take part along with the host JV Mustangs.
Oakdale will travel to Tracy to take on Kimball in the start of VOL play on Wednesday, Jan. 3 with tipoff at 5:30 p.m. and have their home opener on Jan. 5 against Weston Ranch.
FRESHMEN
The freshman boys defeated the visiting Bruins 51-44. Zac Alosio scored a game high 19 points for Oakdale. Carson Cripe scored 16 points in the win. During winter break the team will be playing in the Davis Winter Tournament that began on Tuesday, Dec. 26 and concludes on Thursday, Dec. 29. When the team opens Valley Oak League action, they will be on the road at Kimball with tipoff scheduled for 4 p.m. in the Jan. 3 contest.
