Hot shooting night leads Central Catholic past Ripon Christian in Gallo Invitational’s final day

Quinton Hamilton
·8 min read

Central Catholic coach Mike Wilson called Saturday night’s shooting performance the best he has seen from his team all season.

The Raiders made seven 3-pointers in their final game of the Mark Gallo Invitational to beat Ripon Christian 64-32, securing the tournament’s third-place spot for the second straight season.

Sophomore Jordan Magana was the catalyst for the Raiders’ perimeter attack with 19 points and five made threes, while senior Wesley Payne did most of his damage from inside the three-point arc, connecting on contested midrange jumpers and showing touch around the rim. He led the team in scoring with a season-high 20 points on nine made field goals. Freshman James McGee was the team’s third scorer in double figures, adding 13 points with two made threes for the tournament hosts. Magana and Payne were named to the All-Tournament team.

“It was our best shooting night,” Wilson said. “We came together as a team, considering we’ve got some adversity.”

Wilson knows the Raiders are far from a finished product. The injury bug bit them early as forward TP Wentworth broke his nose prior to the tournament and played in just the opening game. Wing Brendan Carter on Saturday played through an ankle injury he sustained in the semifinals. They also will be a different team when Mana Itete becomes eligible this month after transferring in.

“The adversity started already … and it’s not a chemistry thing, (it’s) injuries already,” Wilson said. “That’s really the only negative thing regarding our season so far, because everything else is positive.”

The Raiders scored 22 points in the opening quarter and took a 35-11 lead into halftime. They extended their lead to 30 points in the second half as the offensive outburst continued. It served as a great bounce-back game after Central Catholic lost to Luther Burbank of Sacramento in overtime in the semifinals.

“They’re fighters and they don’t quit and they have the potential to come back and be very scary,” Wilson said of his team.

Central Catholic’s Wesley Payne scores over Ripon Christian defenders during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Central Catholic won the game 64-32 to place third in the tournament.
Central Catholic’s Wesley Payne scores over Ripon Christian defenders during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Central Catholic won the game 64-32 to place third in the tournament.

Knights couldn’t find offense

The Knights struggled to score all night despite getting good looks. Ripon Christian, which entered the game averaging just over 55 points a game, scored just seven first-quarter points and four in the second quarter.

Jake Vander Veen finished with a team-high 12 points. Mason Tameling made the team’s only 3-point field goal in the first quarter.

“I know those guys, we’ve been watching them play all tournament and they just weren’t hitting their shots. That was really the difference,” Wilson said. “We prepared for the things that they do and we were worrying about their big kid and they’ve got shooters that are very consistent.”

Ripon Christian is a completely new team after graduating six seniors from last season’s Division V section championship team. It has good wins over Beyer, El Capitan and Gregori, lost a close contest to Calaveras in its season opener and fell to undefeated Patterson in overtime in the championship of the Riverbank Tournament.

The Knights did show flashes of brilliance. A third-quarter Jace Beidleman block led to a runout by Vander Veen, who drove into the paint and kicked the ball to Luke Crivello. Though he missed the 3-point attempt, Vander Veen snatched the rebound and put it in for a 3-point play that gave the Knights their 18th points of the game. Vander Veen and Beidleman were named to the All-Tournament team.

“We have a lot of new players to varsity, with only three returners,” said coach Mark Hofman. “So we’ve had some very good games and some very good wins and then some nights where we are not playing as well.”

Ripon Christian’s Mason Tameling attempts a shot over Central Catholic’s James Mcgee during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.
Ripon Christian’s Mason Tameling attempts a shot over Central Catholic’s James Mcgee during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.

Tournaments are a learning experience

This early in the season, Central Catholic and Ripon Christian are using tournaments to gauge where they are after a few weeks of practices. Both teams have integrated football players, some who have had only four practices so far this season. They finished out the tournament against two Division III playoff hopefuls with Central Catholic in the third-place game and eventual tournament champion Christian Brothers in the semifinals.

Beidleman, Crivello and Amos Cady are returners from last year and already have seen their roles increase. Vander Veen, who transferred in, was granted immediate eligibility by the section because of a valid change of residence. The players and coaches are learning each other on the fly.

“I learned that we’ve got two ways to go. When you have (seniors) for two or three years, you forget when a new class comes in you have to start from day one,” Hofman said. “But we’ll be fine. Give us a couple weeks.”

Central Catholic will be challenged during its nonleague schedule. In addition to its own Mark Gallo Invitational, the Raiders play at a tournament in Santa Cruz and will compete at a tournament at Marin Catholic where they open up with Martin Luther King High of Riverside.

It is a chance for Magana to continue to grow as a point guard and leader, McGee to continue gaining valuable experience as a freshman starter and four-year varsity players Payne and Wentworth to lead their team through tough games.

“We’re not scaling down by any means,” Wilson said of the Raiders’ nonleague competition. “It’s always about who’s going to show us different looks, who’s super physical to prepare us for not just right now but the whole season. Because we may not make the playoffs, but we always plan to make the playoffs and go as deep as we possibly can. To win in that environment, you have to be able to score against really physical, tough, defensive teams, then be able to stop their guys.”

Boys Basketball Scores

Gregori 68, Sonora 67: The Jaguars finished the Mark Gallo Invitational with two straight wins and took home ninth place in the tournament. Jayson Powers continued his strong week of play with 23 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three blocks Friday and was named to the All Tournament team Saturday. Gregori is 5-5 and plays Bradshaw Christian Dec. 11.

Downey 51, Washington Union 37: The Knights beat Washington Union of Fresno for their second win this season and second in the Mark Gallo Invitational. Downey took seventh place in the tournament and will have time off before opening the Bradshaw Christian Tournament with River Valley Dec. 20. On Dec. 27, Downey opens the Modesto Christian Holiday Hoop Classic against Campolindo.

Downey’s Reuben Lewis drives to the basket as El Capitan’s Anthony Jones defends during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. El Capitain won the game 54-44.
Downey’s Reuben Lewis drives to the basket as El Capitan’s Anthony Jones defends during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. El Capitain won the game 54-44.

Central-Fresno 54, Pitman 44: The Pride took home 10th place in the competitive Clovis West Nike Invitational on Saturday afternoon after falling to Central of Fresno. The Pride went 1-3 in the tournament, beating South of Bakersfield. They are 8-3 overall.

Oakdale 51, Johansen 41: After falling to Venture Academy in the Frank Godinez Tournament at Turlock High, Oakdale bounced back with a pair of wins, beating Davis Friday and Johansen Saturday. In their win over the Vikings, the Mustangs captured the consolation championship.

Patterson 77, Calaveras 57: Patterson guard David Nnaji helped the Tigers earn the Tigers Winter Classic championship with 30 points. Patterson remains unbeaten at 7-0 early this season. It takes on Ripon on Dec. 12, Cosumnes Oaks on Dec. 19 and Central Catholic on Dec. 21.

Beyer 48, El Capitan 42: Beyer won its second straight game and finished as the Mark Gallo Invitational consolation champions. Prince Major was named to the All-Tournament team after a number of outstanding shooting performances that included 30- and 21-point outings during the week. Beyer travels to Central Valley on Dec. 15 and hosts Riverbank on Dec. 20.

Beyer’s Marcus Pandey advances the ball during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament game with Washington Union at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Beyer’s Marcus Pandey advances the ball during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament game with Washington Union at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.

Big Valley Christian 86, Denair 40: The Lions coasted to victory in Saturday’s tournament game at Denair High. Big Valley beat Turlock Christian and Waterford in the event. It takes on Rio Vista next on Dec. 14.

Girls Basketball Scores

Escalon 47, Merced 43: On Friday, Escalon won its second tournament this season, beating the Bears in the Johansen Tournament championship. The Cougars are 7-0 to start the season and will play Orestimba on Dec. 12 and Pitman on Dec. 15.

Mountain House 60, Ripon Christian 37: Maddie Yonker’s 18-point, 10-rebound double double was not enough to propel the Knights to victory against Mountain House in the consolation championship of the Gregori High Tournament. Yonker is off to a great start to her senior campaign, averaging 17 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.2 steals and two blocks per game for the 3-2 Knights.

Tracy 48, Beyer 45: Beyer lost a narrow contest for third place in the Gregori High Tournament on Saturday afternoon. The Patriots beat Enochs 57-46 to open the Tournament on Dec. 7 but fell to Manteca and Tracy on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Beyer takes on Central Catholic on Dec. 18.

Beyer’s Kylie Kulina scores on a layup past Manteca’s Brea Vieira during the tournament game at Gregori High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Beyer’s Kylie Kulina scores on a layup past Manteca’s Brea Vieira during the tournament game at Gregori High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.

Argonaut 59, Central Catholic 25: The Raiders fell to the Argonaut QB Club Tournament host Saturday, losing their third straight game. After winning three straight games, the young Raiders have lost three games in a row. They look to get back in the win column Monday against Davis.

Manteca 65, Gregori 51: After beating Ripon Christian and Tracy to reach the championship of its own tournament, Gregori fell to Manteca in the final. The Buffaloes are ranked No. 13 in the section by MaxPreps and are 8-0 to start the season. The Jaguars are 5-5 through their first 10 games and play their next three games on the road, visiting Hughson on Dec. 11, East Union on Dec. 15 and Merced on Dec. 19.

Pacific Grove 49, Hilmar 45: Hilmar could not extend its win streak to three games Saturday on the road against the Breakers. The Yellowjackets play Millennium on Dec. 12, Davis on Dec. 14, Orestimba on Dec. 15 and Summerville on Dec. 16.

Downey’s Joseph Ramirez grabs a rebound during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament game with El Capitan at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.
Downey’s Joseph Ramirez grabs a rebound during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament game with El Capitan at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.
Central Catholic’s Manjot Mann shoots over ripon Christian’s E J Bruno during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Central Catholic won the game 64-32 to place third in the tournament.
Central Catholic’s Manjot Mann shoots over ripon Christian’s E J Bruno during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Central Catholic won the game 64-32 to place third in the tournament.
El Capitan’s Braylen Centeno looks to pass as Downey’s Reuben Lewis defends during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
El Capitan’s Braylen Centeno looks to pass as Downey’s Reuben Lewis defends during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Downey’s Sumer Pannu shoots a three-point basket during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament game with El Capitan at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Downey’s Sumer Pannu shoots a three-point basket during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament game with El Capitan at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Beyer’s Charles Booker drives to the basket on Washington Union’s Damien Burks advances the ball up the court during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament game with Washington Union at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Beyer’s Charles Booker drives to the basket on Washington Union’s Damien Burks advances the ball up the court during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament game with Washington Union at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Gregori’s Jordan Aubrey scores on a layup during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament game with Liberty Ranch at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Gregori’s Jordan Aubrey scores on a layup during the Mark Gallo Invitational Basketball Tournament game with Liberty Ranch at Central Catholic High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Gregori’s Veronica Whitten shoots over a Tracy defender during the tournament game at Gregori High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Gregori’s Veronica Whitten shoots over a Tracy defender during the tournament game at Gregori High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Gregori’s Lilly staggs defends on Tracy’s Gabriella Hernandez during the tournament game at Gregori High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Gregori’s Lilly staggs defends on Tracy’s Gabriella Hernandez during the tournament game at Gregori High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Gregori’s Audrey Pacheco takes a shot under pressure from a Tracy defender during the tournament game at Gregori High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
Gregori’s Audrey Pacheco takes a shot under pressure from a Tracy defender during the tournament game at Gregori High School in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.