NEWMAN – In two Trans-Valley League home games last week, the Orestimba High girls basketball team came away with a split.

Taking on Ripon Christian High’s squad on Thursday, Orestimba (2-3 in the TVL, 7-14 overall) came close. But the visiting Knights posted a 36-32 win.

This game started slowly for the host Warriors, as RC led 17-8 at halftime.

“We put up 24 shots in the first half but only made four,” said Orestimba head coach Dwain Bell.

Then in the third quarter, both teams started to pick up the offensive rhythm that led to the Knights holding a 30-19 lead entering the final quarter.

“We made a strong push in the fourth quarter,” said Bell, whose Warriors outscored RC 13-6.

This was the Warriors’ eighth loss of the season in which they lost by four points or less.

“I’m proud of how our girls compete and our in every game, but I feel like we are better than some of these teams we have lost to,” Bell said. “We have to get off to a strong start and keep that momentum throughout the whole game. We have seven games left to prove that we belong and to make a run at the (CIF Sac-Joaquin Section) playoffs. I believe if we play the way I know we can, we will make that run.”

Ashlynn Bell was the Warriors’ leading scorer with 10 points. Natalie Corella and Salece Machado followed with six points each, Laylahni Garcia five, Mallory Solano three and Mirella Fregoso two.

Orestimba 29, Hughson 24

Corella scored 13 points inside the Warriors’ gym on Jan. 20.

“We did pretty good defensively versus Hughson,” said Dwain Bell, whose squad led 25-18 at halftime. “Our defense was spectacular all game long.”

This was a physical game for the Warriors, who were whistled for 18 fouls including three technicals. The Huskies were called for 17 fouls.

“I’m very proud of how my girls kept their composure and finished the game,” Bell said. “We just have to get more consistent on offense to match our defense.”

Fregoso scored seven points for the Warriors. Machado followed with six points, Solano three and Ashlynn Bell three.

On Monday, Orestimba played at Escalon. The final score was not available in time for deadline.

This Friday, the Warriors will host Sonora in a 5:30 p.m. game.

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.