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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Amos Cady, Ripon Christian basketball
AOW Amos Cady

 Ripon Christian played three games in four days last week, knocking off two of the biggest threats to its Trans-Valley League crown along the way.

Cady, with his usual all-around production, played a key part in the Knights bouncing back from their home loss to rival Ripon on Jan. 17. The junior guard nearly posted two triple-doubles, averaging 15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 4.7 steals.

The week started on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Escalon (3-3 TVL, 13-9 overall), where the Knights lost on a buzzer beater last season. They hit an offensive lull after a strong start, scoring just 12 points total in the middle quarters while trailing 32-29 going into the fourth.

Ripon Christian dominated in crunch time, exploding for 24 points in the first 3 ½ minutes while powered by Mason Tameling’s personal 11-0 run. Cady was also instrumental down the stretch, scoring nine of his 18 points, as the Knights rolled to the 57-44 victory. In addition to the scoring, Cady swiped a career-high nine steals to go with seven rebounds and five assists.

Two nights later, the Knights vanquished Orestimba (0-6, 5-16) on the road, 74-31. Cady again netted 18 points, hitting three 3-pointers while gathering nine rebounds, seven assists and a pair of steals. He scored 12 of those points in the first half.

On Friday, Ripon Christian had an opportunity to jump back into first place as it welcomed Sonora, which had escaped Ripon (5-1, 13-9) with a come-from-behind earlier in the week to gain sole possession of the top spot.

The Knights dominated from start to finish, trouncing the Wildcats (5-1, 14-7), 55-31. Cady contributed with lock-down perimeter defense, finishing with 10 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists. Sonora was held to double figures in every quarter.

With the three wins, combined with Sonora stealing one at Ripon, Ripon Christian (5-1, 16-5) is now part of a three-way tie for first place in the TVL. The Knights’ next three are on the road, starting with Hilmar (2-4, 7-14) tonight and Hughson (1-5, 10-12) on Friday.