HUGHSON – Three road games in four days.
The Orestimba High girls basketball team did just that in Trans-Valley League action last week. The Warriors’ most recent game was Friday against Hughson High’s squad on Friday, leaving the Huskies den with a 37-27 win.
“I’m really proud of how the girls have played the last two games,” said Orestimba head coach Dwain Bell, who is also referring to Thursday’s game at Hilmar. “The ball just fell a little bit more versus Hughson.”
Defense in the first quarter set the tone for Orestimba (3-7 in the TVL, 8-18 overall), which outscored the Huskies by a 9-0 score. That carried into the second quarter, where the Warriors still outscored Hughson but by a 9-8 margin for an 18-8 halftime score.
Both teams scored 19 points each in the second half. But the opening quarter proved to be the difference.
Two Orestimba players scored in double figures in Friday’s road game. Forward Laylahni Garcia led the way with 12 points, including nine points in the second half. Another front court player in Ashlynn Bell followed with 11 points.
Other Warrior players who scored were Natalie Corella with six points, Salece Machado five and Mallory Solano three.
“Ashlynn carried us in the first half and Laylahni in the second half and then everyone else played their role and helped contribute to the win,” said Dwain Bell.
Hilmar 41, Orestimba 36
In Thursday’s game, Orestimba also jumped out to a fast start against the host Yellowjackets with a 16-7 lead.
But Hilmar outscored the Warriors 13-6 in the second quarter. Orestimba held onto a slim 22-20 halftime lead. Then the Yellowjackets went on a 21-14 run in the third and fourth quarters, combined, for the win.
Ripon 38, Orestimba 21
On Feb. 3 that was the first road game of the week, the host Indians were the ones who jumped out to an early lead, 13-3. Ripon led 21-8 at halftime.
Garcia finished with nine points for the Warriors and Ashlynn Bell followed with seven.
Orestimba had 20 rebounds in the game. Bell grabbed 13 boards and Garcia eight.
Upcoming games
Orestimba will close out league play this week.
On Tuesday, the Warriors played at Ripon Christian.
This Thursday, Orestimba closes out the regular season hosting Escalon that is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
Mike Bush is a multimedia journalist who was born and raised in the Stanislaus and Merced County areas. Follow him on X/Twitter @MikeBMultimedia and Instagram @mikebushmedia.
