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Varsity Bruin Basketball Ends Season With High Spirits
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Riverbank boys lost their last two basketball games and failed to reach the playoffs.

But Bruin coach Jeff Jennings was happy with the 65-50 effort against Ripon, noting that Riverbank played hard all year and ended holding fourth place in the league with a 6-8 record.

Adan Mercado made a phenomenal 27 points against Ripon "for a fitting end to his great high school career," Jennings added.

Playing against Ripon before a home crowd on Friday, the Bruins trailed 31-22 at halftime, bounced back to 19-15 in the third quarter, but lost the last period by 19-9.

"The game was close, with only three or four points between us until the fourth quarter," said Jennings.

Kevin Cole and Brandon Worsham were next, behind Mercado, with six points each.

In Tuesday's away loss, 74-65 to Livingston, the Bruins were struck down the first period, 20-11, then reclaimed the lost ground by 21-11 in the second quarter. Riverbank again led the third quarter, 14-12, but Livingston went on a 31-19 scoring spree in the final period.

"We had too many turnovers, especially at crucial times," said Jennings, "and Livingston made some big shots."

Mercado and Cole led the scoring with 16 points each, and Mike Tinajero hit 15.