Riverbank’s varsity boys basketball team stumbled on their home court against Patterson in non-league play this week, facing a tough inside defense from the Tigers.

Although tied 9-9 going into the second quarter, the Bruins ended the half down 28-20. They didn’t catch up, finishing with a 63-49 loss to the visiting Patterson team. The Lopez brothers led Riverbank scoring, with Ylii netting 20 points, and Wolfgang tallying 13.

This past weekend saw the Bruins travel to Loomis for the three-day Del Oro Tournament.

In that tournament, the Bruins won one and lost two in the three games, losing to Rodriguez by five, beating Inderkum and then losing to Natomas on Saturday, by just five points.

Coming up, Riverbank was to go to Angels Camp to take on the Bret Harte Bullfrogs on Tuesday, Dec. 16, then travel to Sonora against the Wildcats on Friday, Dec. 19. Next week, the Bruins travel to Citrus Heights for the two day Mesa Verde Challenge Dec. 22-23.

JV boys basketball also saw the Junior Bruins lose to Patterson, but by only a four-point margin, 46-42. The JVs also travel to Sonora on Dec. 19, then compete in the Johansen Tournament in Modesto Dec. 20-23. After Christmas, the Junior Bruins will participate in the Oakdale Tournament, Dec. 26-27, and 29.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Lady Bruins were busy last weekend, traveling to Stockton for the Lincoln Tournament Dec. 11-13. The varsity girls won the second game against the Lady Patriots of Beyer High School, 51-47. Coach Lupe Galindo named senior point guard Daisy Nunez (12) player of the game with 23 points, including five 3-pointers.

In their final game of the tournament, RHS lost to Gregori High School of Modesto, 56-38.

This week, Riverbank girls were to host Oakdale on Tuesday, Dec. 16, then Beyer on Friday, Dec. 19.

Riverbank’s freshmen traveled to Oakdale previously, falling in a contest there as the team got started on its season.