SONORA, Calif – Ending the preseason winning four of its last five games, the Orestimba High boys basketball team looked to keep winning momentum going in its Trans-Valley League opener on the road on Friday.

But host Sonora had other ideas in its meeting against the Warriors. That led to a 67-35 win.

Both Orestimba (0-1 in the TVL, 5-9 overall) and Sonora (2-0 in the TVL, 11-6) are in their first year in the TVL. The Warriors were in the Southern Athletic League, while the Wildcats were members of the Mother Lode League until the start of the current school year.

The host Wildcats jumped out to a 13-4 lead in the first quarter. They expanded it to 25-10 at halftime en route to the win.

Los Banos 81, Orestimba 56

In a non-league road game on Jan. 7, Orestimba held a 16-14 lead in the first quarter.

The Warriors and Tigers scored plenty in the second quarter, which led to a 36-36 tie at halftime.

But the host Tigers took charge in the third quarter with their defense, holding Orestimba to nine points while scoring 22. That led to a 58-45 lead.

Los Banos outscored Orestimba 23-11 in the final 8 minutes of the game to secure the win.

Upcoming games

On Tuesday, the Warriors are looking to turn their fortunes around when they continue TVL play, hosting Ripon High’s squad.

This Friday, Orestimba travels to Hilmar (0-2 in the TVL, 4-12) for a league game, which is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

This Saturday, the Warriors will play another non-league game when they play at Aspire Langston Hughes Academy’s squad in Stockton. That game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

Orestimba resumes league action on Tuesday, Jan. 21 when it welcomes Hughson. This game is scheduled to also 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 @mikebushphotography.