jchambers@oakdaleleader.com
The Riverbank Bruins put together a decent season, but the squad knew they had business to take care of in the season finale and that's exactly what Riverbank did during its 50-40 Trans-Valley League win over the Hughson Huskies on Feb. 20.
The Bruins fed off an energized Riverbank crowd to eliminate a six-point halftime deficit and outscore the Huskies over the game's final two periods of play. The victory was sweet revenge for a Bruin team that fell to Hughson 64-58 in their last meeting.
Riverbank proved once again how difficult a team they are to contend with on their home floor, raising the season mark to 6-3 inside the Riverbank High gym.
The contest was the Bruins' final game in the cozy home gym, which is now giving way to the school's new facility that will be housing all of the indoor athletic programs. This fact alone was enough to power the Bruin squad to a highly anticipated victory.
The importance of the contest was obvious to each of the Riverbank faithful in attendance. When the Bruins opened the third quarter on fire, outscoring Hughson 17-9, the gym was as loud as it has been in school history. The energy unquestionably had a positive effect on a Riverbank basketball team trying to send a school landmark off on a high note.
Riverbank's win also marked the last contest for Bruin head coach Jeff Jennings' 10 seniors, all of whom made their presence felt in the squad's third TVL win.
Senior Mohamed Ali turned in a game-high 12 point effort, including two huge 3-pointers, the second of which likely breaking the Huskies attempt at a comeback.
Donovan Wallace also had a positive impact on the game, converting on a three-point play that sent the fans into hysteria. The athletic Wallace proved to be a menace on the boards against Hughson, constantly out rebounding a bigger, taller Hughson front court.
The victory provided an up-and-coming Riverbank program with a healthy foundation to build on in the off season, along with giving the returning Bruins a taste of what to expect in the always challenging TVL.
The Bruins also got impressive outings from Jose Moreno and Eric Page. Page was the Bruins sparkplug, providing the team with effort and enthusiasm every second he was on the court. The leadership of both players will be greatly missed.
The win also pushed the Bruins into double-digits in the win column for the first time since the school's playoff run back in the 2004-05 season. With a steady climb in the right direction Riverbank will be poised to grab that return trip to the postseason when they come into camp for next season's grind.
The Riverbank Bruins put together a decent season, but the squad knew they had business to take care of in the season finale and that's exactly what Riverbank did during its 50-40 Trans-Valley League win over the Hughson Huskies on Feb. 20.
The Bruins fed off an energized Riverbank crowd to eliminate a six-point halftime deficit and outscore the Huskies over the game's final two periods of play. The victory was sweet revenge for a Bruin team that fell to Hughson 64-58 in their last meeting.
Riverbank proved once again how difficult a team they are to contend with on their home floor, raising the season mark to 6-3 inside the Riverbank High gym.
The contest was the Bruins' final game in the cozy home gym, which is now giving way to the school's new facility that will be housing all of the indoor athletic programs. This fact alone was enough to power the Bruin squad to a highly anticipated victory.
The importance of the contest was obvious to each of the Riverbank faithful in attendance. When the Bruins opened the third quarter on fire, outscoring Hughson 17-9, the gym was as loud as it has been in school history. The energy unquestionably had a positive effect on a Riverbank basketball team trying to send a school landmark off on a high note.
Riverbank's win also marked the last contest for Bruin head coach Jeff Jennings' 10 seniors, all of whom made their presence felt in the squad's third TVL win.
Senior Mohamed Ali turned in a game-high 12 point effort, including two huge 3-pointers, the second of which likely breaking the Huskies attempt at a comeback.
Donovan Wallace also had a positive impact on the game, converting on a three-point play that sent the fans into hysteria. The athletic Wallace proved to be a menace on the boards against Hughson, constantly out rebounding a bigger, taller Hughson front court.
The victory provided an up-and-coming Riverbank program with a healthy foundation to build on in the off season, along with giving the returning Bruins a taste of what to expect in the always challenging TVL.
The Bruins also got impressive outings from Jose Moreno and Eric Page. Page was the Bruins sparkplug, providing the team with effort and enthusiasm every second he was on the court. The leadership of both players will be greatly missed.
The win also pushed the Bruins into double-digits in the win column for the first time since the school's playoff run back in the 2004-05 season. With a steady climb in the right direction Riverbank will be poised to grab that return trip to the postseason when they come into camp for next season's grind.
