A 41-31 win over Sierra High's varsity girls basketball team on Dec. 29 propelled Riverbank to an 8-3 close to a sharp preseason campaign. The Lady Bruins hosted Modesto Christian (8-3) on Tuesday, past press time for The News, for a difficult start to a tumultuous Trans-Valley League schedule that includes seven teams with a combined 52-27 record against nonleague opponents this year.
It's a conference lineup that has already captured Riverbank's attention
"I think we looked past (Sierra) to the MC game and failed to execute our offensive effort," Riverbank coach Tim Carnes said. "It was not our best effort."
But it was good enough to get the win. Riverbank led Sierra 11-6 after a quarter, but needed a 13-10 fourth quarter advantage to pull away from a lead of only seven points after three periods of play.
"I give props to Sierra using several defensive changes that we failed to adjust to," Carnes said. "Sierra has shown consistent improvement throughout the preseason and should be recognized for it."
Janelle Luu scored 17 points with eight rebounds and four steals to lead Riverbank in the win. Olivia Luu added 11 points and eight assists while Tiffany Edgar tallied seven points with eight rebounds and six blocks. Angel Harrell (four points, four rebounds) and Vanessa Vargas (two points) also contributed in the win. Riverbank is third among TVL teams in a nonleague standing that includes Hilmar (11-2), Ripon (7-2) and Hughson (7-4). Modesto Christian's 8-3 record is a bit deceiving, considering their losses are to three of the best teams in the state. The Crusaders have won three consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section titles since 2009.
It's a conference lineup that has already captured Riverbank's attention
"I think we looked past (Sierra) to the MC game and failed to execute our offensive effort," Riverbank coach Tim Carnes said. "It was not our best effort."
But it was good enough to get the win. Riverbank led Sierra 11-6 after a quarter, but needed a 13-10 fourth quarter advantage to pull away from a lead of only seven points after three periods of play.
"I give props to Sierra using several defensive changes that we failed to adjust to," Carnes said. "Sierra has shown consistent improvement throughout the preseason and should be recognized for it."
Janelle Luu scored 17 points with eight rebounds and four steals to lead Riverbank in the win. Olivia Luu added 11 points and eight assists while Tiffany Edgar tallied seven points with eight rebounds and six blocks. Angel Harrell (four points, four rebounds) and Vanessa Vargas (two points) also contributed in the win. Riverbank is third among TVL teams in a nonleague standing that includes Hilmar (11-2), Ripon (7-2) and Hughson (7-4). Modesto Christian's 8-3 record is a bit deceiving, considering their losses are to three of the best teams in the state. The Crusaders have won three consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section titles since 2009.
