Preview: Weston Ranch Cougars vs. Modesto Christian Crusaders
Weston Ranch is 0-3 against Modesto Christian since January of 2018 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Weston Ranch Cougars will head out on the road to challenge the Modesto Christian Crusaders at 7:00 p.m. One thing working in Weston Ranch's favor is that they have posted big point totals in their last 19 games.
Weston Ranch scored the most points they've had all season to find success on Wednesday. They claimed a resounding 131-35 win over Linden at home. Weston Ranch has made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won 17 matches by 27 points or more this season.
Mateen Rafiq was his usual excellent self, going 14 for 22 from beyond the arc en route to 42 points and 4 assists. He hasn't dropped below two steals for 19 straight games. Richard Banks was another key contributor, dropping a double-double on 20 points and 16 assists.
Meanwhile, Modesto Christian stacked a 12th blowout win onto their ever-increasing hoard on Wednesday. They were the clear victor by a 59-36 margin over West. Given Modesto Christian's advantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 33rd, while West is ranked 341st), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Weston Ranch pushed their record up to 24-3 with that victory, which was their 16th straight at home dating back to last season. They've been dominating during the matchups in that stretch too, as they've won by an average of 49.7 points. As for Modesto Christian, they have been performing incredibly well recently as they've won ten of their last 11 games, which provided a nice bump to their 23-4 record this season.
Weston Ranch was taken down by Modesto Christian 82-52 in their previous meeting back in February of 2022. Can Weston Ranch avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
