The Oxnard Yellowjackets posted their closest victory since January 5th on Friday. They had just enough and edged Rio Mesa out 66-63. Given Oxnard's advantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 149th, while the Spartans are ranked 675th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Rio Mesa's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jackson Knowles, who scored 26 points along with eight rebounds. Knowles has been hot recently, having posted 16 or more points the last four times he's played. Rohan Gregory Stankey was another key contributor, scoring eight points along with 16 rebounds and three blocks.
Oxnard is on a roll lately: they've won eight of their last nine games, which provided a nice bump to their 21-5 record this season. As for Rio Mesa, they have been struggling recently as they've lost 13 of their last 16 matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 8-16 record this season.
Oxnard will look to defend their home court on Monday against the Chargers at 7:00 p.m. Dos Pueblos is coming into the match on a four-game losing streak. As for Rio Mesa, they will head out on the road to take on the Tritons at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Pacifica is out to stop a eight-game streak of losses at home.
