Central Valley High School's varsity girls basketball team almost fell victim to Lathrop's first-year program on the road last week.

The Hawks escaped with a 29-26 win over the Spartans on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

"My girls took them for granted because they're a new school," Central Valley head coach Jesse Padilla said. "We deserved to lose. We played terrible. We had so many turnovers."

Phylicia Martinez led the Hawks with 12 points, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal.

Alyssa Long had six points and one assist.

Eva Noorzai collected five points, eight rebounds, two steals, one assist and one block.

Vivien Fermil scored four points and dished out two assists.

Amanda Lopez added two points.

Central Valley held a 23-20 advantage at the end of the third period.

Both teams scored six points in the fourth.

"They got closer and closer but never took the lead," Padilla said. "They were scrappy."

Cougars top Hawks

Weston Ranch held on for a 45-36 win over Central Valley on Thursday in Stockton.

The Cougars forced 15 turnovers on their way to building a commanding 32-18 lead in the second quarter.

Central Valley outscored Weston Ranch 18-13 after halftime.

"They pressed and we made dumb passes," Padilla said. "When we slowed it down and played our pace, we were right there with them."

Martinez tallied 18 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal against the Cougars.

Long had five points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block.

Naranjo finished with five points, one assist and one steal.

Fermil totaled five points, one block and one steal.

Central Valley (4-9, 1-1) will play host to Manteca on Thursday and travel to Sonora on Friday. Both games begin at 7:15 p.m.