On Jan. 13, 2026 the Ripon High Girls Varsity basketball team played in their second league game of the season against Orestimba. They played an intense and aggressive game taking home the victory with a 45-41 win.

This group of girls, consisting of seniors, juniors, and a sophomore, is a hard working team, always pushing themselves until the final buzzer of the game. Never quitting, these girls keep their heads up and work together to win. 

The game was close the entire time, switching back and forth between who was in the lead. The two teams ended the first quarter tied with 11. In the second quarter Ripon was only able to score 4 points, while Orestimba got 8, ending the first half 15-19, Orestimba in the lead. However, Ripon came back in the second half scoring 30 points and were in it to win. They finished the game strong with the final score of 45-41.

Key players in the game were Junior Anandjap Dhami and Junior Itxel Reynoso. Dhami scored 12 points and got 14 rebounds and Reynoso scored 11 and had 3 steals. 

One thing Reynoso reflects on about how they can improve their game is, “talking more on defense or […] our spacing on offense, just like working together as a team.”

Another beneficial player was Senior Scarlett Ponce with 9 points and 4 assists. Ponce had a really great takeaway and a very enjoyable time playing in this fast paced and exciting game. 

Ponce would like to give a, “shout out to my team because I love them all and we are one big family and we did really great.” 

This shows the strong and important team bond and comradery that is so necessary to excel in a team sport

On Thursday Jan. 15 the girls will have the opportunity to play against Ripon Christian, the hometown rivals. This will be their first game against RC this season, so come out to watch this intense rivalry and see who will take home the win. Good luck girls!