Yuba City senior guard Anthony Medina (5) shoots a three pointer in the Honkers’ 57-47 defeat to River Valley on Monday, January 22.

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The River Valley Falcons picked up their first league win in the Capital Valley Conference in a 57-47 win over their cross-town rival in the Yuba City Honkers on Monday, January 22.

It was a battle of winless teams in the CVC, but the hometown bragging rights meant more and it was apparent in the gym as both schools showed up with pride and school spirit.

River Valley took a 16-9 lead at the end of the first and were successful with driving the ball into the paint and getting the ball into the low post for easy scores.

In the second quarter, River Valley did get into foul trouble with three minutes and 40 seconds left and Yuba City was able to climb back into the game as they started hitting shots. 

The Falcons led 28-27 at the half. 

In the third quarter, River Valley quickly got into foul trouble again and was in the penalty with six minutes and 32 seconds left in the third quarter, but the Honkers failed to capitalize on the opportunity and get to the foul line.

Yuba City head coach Terry Evans, who was visibly frustrated postgame, told the Dispatch they had a lot of self- inflicted wounds during the game.

“There’s no morale victories,” Evans said. He added that he is frustrated with the offense not being run for a full game.

The Honkers were doubled up on rebounds by the Falcons (37-18) in the game and also didn’t take full opportunity of River Valley being in the penalty super early in the third quarter.

Yuba City was led by junior forward Abhi Mehata with 15 points and senior guard Anthony Medina added 12 points and six rebounds.

The game was knotted up at 41 heading into the fourth quarter where it was the Falcons show, and they protected their home court for the first win over Yuba City since the 2021- 22 season.

River Valley came out in the fourth more hungry for the win as junior forward Yuvraj Dosanjh led the Falcons in points with 15 and senior forward Munneth Gill had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

River Valley Head Coach Brian Lowe told the Dispatch working the ball inside throughout the game is what put them over the edge. 

Lowe expressed the play of junior guard Tarun Nijjar was huge in the victory as he ran the show. Nijjar had eight points, seven rebounds, four assists and played the entire game.

Lowe told the Dispatch for the second half of the CVC schedule they need to continue to get the ball inside.

The Falcons hosted Bella Vista and Roseville this week and will next travel to Antelope on Monday, February 5.

Evans told the Dispatch he is leaving the second half of the CVC schedule in the hands of the seniors — if they want to change the momentum and transfer what they do in practice, then it’s up to them.