In a clash that featured the Valley Oak League's bottom two varsity boys basketball teams, Central Valley High School escaped with a 72-64 victory over Lathrop's winless first-year program last Wednesday on the road.

"The kids played well," Hawks head coach Darryl Dickson said.

Greg Mathews, Central Valley's high-flying junior, poured in 21 points.

"He played a great game," Dickson said. "He was really aggressive."

Backup point guard Tyree Jones scored 11 of his career-high 13 points in the fourth quarter for the Hawks.

"That was actually his best performance of the year," Dickson said.

Central Valley led by as many as 20 points in the first half.

Coach Dickson pulled his starters midway through the third quarter.

The Spartans got within six points in final period.

Jones made all six of his free throws to seal the victory.

"It got hectic in the fourth quarter," Dickson said. "Our reserves did a good job holding on. I left them in because I wanted them to get experience in a tight game."

The Hawks (4-15, 2-8) will host Oakdale on Wednesday and Manteca on Friday. Both games will begin at 7:15 p.m.

"At this point of the season, it's about development instead of wins and losses," Dickson said.