Riverbank’s annual Ron Peterson Tip Off Tournament paid some dividends for the home team, as they took the title and got in some solid games of basketball over the recent three-day tourney, Thursday through Saturday.
“It was our fourth time in a row winning the tournament,” said a happy but tired head coach Jeff Jennings, with his team playing four games during a fast paced first week on the court. “Defensively I was very happy with our effort. I felt like we were able to maintain our pressure over the course of the tournament which isn’t easy.”
Riverbank opened up against Denair in Thursday evening play and took a 78-31 decision.
“We went up 26-2 in the first quarter and had 12 guys score,” explained Jennings.
Leading scorers were Curtis Porter III with 15 points, Rolaun Dunham with 14, and Reilly Nabors chipping in with 11.
Back on the court Friday, the Bruins put the hurt on the Oakdale Mustangs, putting a 69-26 win on the books and limiting the visitors to just seven points over the third and fourth quarters.
“Curtis Porter III had 14 points, as did Ylii Lopez and Rolaun Dunham had 12,” Jennings said.
In the finale on Saturday night for the tournament championship, the Bruins faced off with old foe Ripon Christian and handled the Knights in taking the title with a 72-56 victory.
“Saturday was our fourth game of the week so fatigue was definitely a factor but I felt that we were mentally tough and kept playing hard,” explained Jennings. “Our team depth was another big contributing factor. A lot of guys really stepped up off the bench which is a great sign this early in the season.”
For Riverbank, a fast start in the championship game was key, as they came out and played to a 21-4 lead after the first period. Ripon Christian could never make up the early deficit and the Bruins took the crown.
Dunham had a huge night in the title game, pouring in 28 points and was one of four Bruins in double figures. Tristin Rodgers added 16 points, 12 came from Porter and Nabors contributed 10 points on the night.
Tristin Rodgers was MVP and Curtis Porter III and Rolaun Dunham were All Tournament selections.
Calaveras ended with third place honors in the tournament.
Also playing in the Tip Off tourney were Summerville, Hilmar and Waterford.
One score was reported for the Riverbank JV team, a 61-25 win over Denair on Dec. 5.
After a busy weekend, the varsity Bruins hosted East Union in non-league play on Monday, Dec. 9 and took a 64-49 win off the court.
Next up, the team heads to the Del Oro Invitational and faces off with Casa Roble on Thursday, Dec. 12.
