Walter's Basketball Showdown

Kulberg’s record-setting effort not enough
WESTON RANCH—Derek Kulberg and his Manteca High boys basketball team couldn’t miss Friday.
Neither could host Weston Ranch.
Kulberg’s eight made 3-pointers set the Manteca program record in a single game, but the defending co-Valley Oak League champions of Weston Ranch broke a record of its own in a 88-79 barnburning victory.
The Cougars’ point total is the most the team has scored in its three-year varsity history. The previous mark was set Dec. 11 in its 82-44 season-opening win over West Campus.
The way Kulberg and Co. were shooting, Weston Ranch had no choice but to flirt with the century mark.
Kulberg, who twice tied the previous mark of seven 3’s set by Mike Officer in the late 1990’s, had game-high honors with 31 points.
“It’s cool for sure,” Kulberg said of his record-breaking performance, “but I wish we would have won. It was still a fun game to play.”
Buffalo point guard Ruben Cedano hit three of his five 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to keep his team in it, rounding out an impressive all-around performance with 20 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and five steals.
Matt Gomez added 18 points and four assists, as the Buffaloes (4-8, 9-16 overall) totaled 15 field goals from 3-point range.
“They were on like Donkey Kong,” said Weston Ranch guard Brandon Silva. “We couldn’t stop them — they were hot. We had to step up our defense in the second half, but they were still hitting.”
The Cougars (10-2, 20-6) were no slouches from the perimeter either, nailing seven 3’s and many more from just inside the arc.
“They hit outside shots, too, and they’re just a really good team that’s really talented,” Manteca coach Dave Asuncion said. “I couldn’t be more proud of our team.
“We have two more games left, and there’s still no quit in them even though we’re not playing for anything. We’re just playing for pride and doing that with heart.”
Silva, still hampered by a high-ankle sprain that kept him out for a week earlier in the regular season, shared team-high honors with 20 points to go with four steals.
James Nunnally had 18 points and eight boards, while Walter Jackson, who was held to five first-half points, finished with 20 and 10 rebounds.
Jackson poured in 13 of his points in the fourth quarter.
Weston Ranch coach Bill Slikker said a little trash talking was what helped light the fire under his standout senior.
“The worst thing you can do is get under Walter’s skin, as long as he doesn’t lose his focus,” Slikker said. “It was kind of like waking a sleeping giant.”
Weston Ranch led 42-36 at halftime, and the pace seemed to favor the home team despite Manteca’s collectively scorching touch from 15 feet and beyond.
The Buffaloes sank eight of their 3-pointers in the first half, and Slikker figured they would cool off the rest of the way out.
“In our gym, they shot lights out,” Slikker said. “I told coach (Ryan) Bono after the first quarter that we have the pace we want. I didn’t think they could hang with us.
“To my surprise, they did. I’ll play anybody at that pace. It was very physical and very fast. Both teams enjoyed that pace — no question.”
The bottom line is that the tempo is one Weston Ranch is equipped for.
Weston Ranch went on a 13-1 run in the third quarter, stretching its lead to 57-44 — its largest of the game — after Nunnally rattled one in from the post with 47 seconds left.
It wasn’t until Vinny Devencenzi intercepted a pass and tossed it downcourt to Nunnally for an emphatic two-handed dunk with 23 seconds left, making it 86-76, that the Cougars were able to sit comfortably.
And it was a victory Weston Ranch needed to keep pace with first-place Sierra (11-1, 17-7) with two games left on the VOL schedule.
But before those two teams match up, Weston Ranch will head to East Union Wednesday while Sierra hosts Manteca.
Should Sierra and Weston Ranch both win Wednesday, their Feb. 16 meeting will be for a share of the VOL championship.
Sonora (8-4) defeated preseason favorite Ceres (8-4, 19-6) 49-44 in overtime Friday to knock the Bulldogs out of the title race.

http://www.mantecabulletin.com/articles/2007/02/10/sports/sports1.txt

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