Inderkum defeats Woodcreek to earn fourth straight Capital Valley Conference boys basketball title, then shuts out Moreau Catholic in final quarter for 18th win in a row

For the first time in more than a month, it appeared the Inderkum boys basketball team might have a game come down to the wire, holding a two-point lead entering the fourth quarter against Moreau Catholic in the second of back-to-back contests at the Super Saturday showcase event at San Joaquin Delta College.

But the Tigers showed no signs of fatigue, holding Moreau Catholic scoreless during the final quarter and producing 16 unanswered points to secure a 74-56 victory, the program’s 18th in a row, tied for the second-longest winning streak in the state entering the final week of the regular season.

Malachi Johnson had 24 points and 14 rebounds for Inderkum (24-1), which followed a 66-46 Capital Valley Conference League victory Friday against Woodcreek (21-6).

Malachi Johnson of Inderkum | Dave Gershon photo

The Tigers secured their fourth consecutive title and extended their Capital Valley Conference winning streak to 47 in a row since 2021.

Inderkum continued to feed off that momentum by building a 15-point, first-half lead against Moreau Catholic, which rallied to cut the deficit to 41-39 at halftime.

The Mariners (19-5) kept pace throughout the third quarter, with Inderkum maintaining a 58-56 advantage, before the Tigers pulled away during the final eight minutes.

Siincere Hudson added 14 points, nine assists and five rebounds, with LJ Chadwick contributing 12 points for Inderkum against Moreau Catholic, which was led by 13 points from Kellen Hampton.

Jaeden Claxton scored eight points and Jaeden Goodman had seven points for Inderkum, which halted a four-game winning streak for Moreau Catholic.

Jaeden Goodman, left, of Inderkum against Max VanLaningham of Woodcreek | Dave Gershon photo

Since a 60-40 setback Dec. 26 against Mission Bay (19-7), the Tigers have had only one game decided by less than 10 points, a 78-70 triumph Jan. 31 against Vista del Lago.

Following a 60-48 triumph Jan. 16 in its first meeting against Woodcreek, Inderkum grabbed momentum early in Friday’s rematch, establishing a nine-point advantage after the first quarter and never relinquishing control.

The Tigers earned their eighth consecutive victory against Woodcreek, which was led by 17 points and seven rebounds from Max VanLaningham.

Taylen Goodman of Inderkum, left, and Max VanLaningham from Woodcreek | Dave Gershon photo

Zach Bualat added 10 points and Michael Kirby, Jr. contributed nine points for the Timberwolves, who conclude the regular season Wednesday against Bella Vista (9-17).

Inderkum competes Wednesday against Rio Americano (17-9), followed by a matchup Friday with Ponderosa (5-21), looking to secure a potential top seed in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 playoffs.

Siincere Hudson of Inderkum, left, against Zach Bualat from Woodcreek | Dave Gershon photo

Stockton Lincoln (23-3), Folsom (22-3) and Modesto Christian (20-7) are also in contention.

Inderkum reached the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 semifinals last season, losing to eventual winner Modesto Christian.

The Tigers are still searching for their first boys basketball section championship.