Basketball Recap: Emalina Latu Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat Manteca

Sierra hadn't done well against Manteca recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Thursday. The Sierra Timberwolves came out on top against the Manteca Buffaloes by a score of 57-49. The Timberwolves have seen this before: they got the W the last time they saw the Buffaloes, too.

Sierra's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Emalina Latu, who almost dropped a double-double on 18 points and nine rebounds. Another player making a difference was Mya Everett, who posted ten points in addition to five rebounds and five blocks.

Manteca's loss came despite strong showings from Talia Shelbourne and Michailla Springs. Shelbourne went 9 of 18 on her way to 22 points and four steals, while Springs had 20 points and six rebounds. Those 22 points gave Shelbourne a new career-high.

Timberwolves

Previous 2 Games

01/09/25 @ Manteca	57-49
01/07/25 @ Oakdale	52-41

The victory made it two in a row for Sierra and bumps their season record up to 7-7. As for Manteca, they have been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six games, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-11 record this season.

Sierra will head out to face off against Central Catholic at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Sierra is facing Central Catholic at the right time seeing as Central Catholic is stuck on a five-game losing streak. As for Manteca, they will host East Union at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.