While it rates as one of the bigger boys basketball upsets this season, it wasn't all that shocking to Oak Ridge coach Steve Scott.

His then-No. 12 Trojans stunned top-ranked Sheldon 39-35 in a Delta River League game last Wednesday in El Dorado Hills.

"On any given night, we can beat anybody if we play our game," said Scott, who is back coaching the Trojans after five years away.

Sheldon, which entered the game ranked No. 2 in Northern California by NorCalPreps.com and No. 15 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports, was held to its lowest point total this season.

Against Oak Ridge's active zone, Sheldon made 2 of 22 shots from the floor in a nine-point first half. Junior stars Dakarai Allen and D'Erryl Williams were hampered by foul trouble and combined for just 10 points.

Oak Ridge seniors Bryce Scott (Steve's son), Matt Howard and Scott Sanchez all made critical plays.

Scott scored a game-high 15 points and had nine rebounds. Howard (four steals) scored all nine of his points in the fourth quarter. Sanchez made a layup to put Oak Ridge ahead for good with 36 seconds to play. The 6-foot-5 Sanchez also had 13 rebounds.

"We knew we had to keep them away from the basket and limit their second-chance opportunities," Scott said. "We're good at taking charges (54 this season), we really hit the boards, and we did a nice job of being patient.

"While neither team shot well, and it was one of the more sloppier games on both sides, it also was a real tactical battle."

After beating Ponderosa 62-40 Friday, Oak Ridge finished the first half of league play 3-2, one game behind Sheldon and No. 2 Jesuit, and tied with No. 5 Pleasant Grove. Oak Ridge plays at Pleasant Grove tonight.

The Eagles beat Oak Ridge 73-66 in overtime in the league opener Jan. 11 in El Dorado Hills.

When Scott last coached at Oak Ridge, the Trojans played in the then-Division II Sierra Valley Conference.

But now Oak Ridge is playing in D-I and in arguably one of the toughest leagues in Northern California.

"The first five games have been exciting," Scott said. "The only downside is it's tougher to get into the playoffs."

Oak Ridge is No. 10 (Jesuit is No. 1 and Sheldon No. 2) in the first D-I power ratings released Monday. The top 16 teams in the 34-team D-I field qualify for the postseason.

Durable Huskies – Sheldon bounced back from its loss to Oak Ridge by beating Pleasant Grove 74-57 Friday. Up next is a tough triple: At No. 15 Folsom tonight and at home against Jesuit on Friday and Salesian (20-2) of Richmond on Saturday.

Salesian, the defending CIF Northern California Regional Division IV champion, is ranked No. 1 in NorCal and No. 3 in the state. Sheldon this week is ranked No. 6 in Nor Cal and No. 18 in the state.

Wildcats challenged – Franklin is being challenged in its quest for a fourth consecutive Delta Valley Conference championship.

Laguna Creek cut the Wildcats' league lead to a game with a 75-66 win Friday. Barry Ogalue scored 34 points, Shaquille Cornelius 21.

THE BEE'S TOP 20

PR – previous ranking; records through Sunday

– Bill Paterson