Ceres High’s junior-varsity boys basketball team lost 64-52 at Central Valley on Jan. 24.

The Bulldogs exacted payback with 56-46 home win against the crosstown-rival Hawks on Feb. 15 at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

“The lights were too bright the first time,” Ceres High head coach Darae Taylor said. “This time, we were more deliberate as far as what we wanted to do. We changed our mindset. We were locked in.”

“It was a really competitive game,” Central Valley leader Anthony Fareria stated. “They played hard. They were attacking. They were hungry. My kids never lost the urge to fight back.” 

The Bulldogs posted a 14-10 overall record and tied for second place with the Hawks and Beyer Patriots in the Western Athletic Conference standings with a 9-5 mark.

Central Valley compiled a 12-12 overall record.

“It’s been one of the best groups I’ve coached in a long time,” Taylor said. “They crushed expectations. Every kid made an impact. Nobody crushed us. I’m really proud of them.”

“I went into the season with no expectations,” Fareria said. “The kids were eager to learn. They were able to grow individually and as a team. I’m very proud of them. I thanked them for their hard work and dedication to the team. I told them to never lose that hunger to get better.”

Ceres High had three players score in double figures versus Central Valley during the season finale.

Raymond Cortez Jr. led the Bulldogs with 19 points.

Elijah Robinson tallied 14 points.

Caelen Eskridge collected 11 points.

Tavian Ellis, Felipe Morales and Jacob Morales chipped in with six, four and two points, respectively.

The Hawks had two players score in double figures against the Bulldogs.

Xavier Manor paced Central Valley with 12 points.

Parteek Sol tallied 11 points.

Sebastian Miranda collected seven points.

Julian Sanchez totaled three points.

Jacob Barajas, Jackson Dooley, Orion Joliff, Christian Mendonca and Karmpreet Sandhu all had two points.

Steve Duran and Jason Vallez both added one point.

Down 15-11, the Bulldogs outscored the Hawks 45-31 during the final three quarters.

“Shots weren’t falling for us,” said Fareria. Sometimes, you have nights like that

Ceres High earned bragging rights against Central Valley during the final week of the season.

“The rivalry is a big deal,” Taylor said. “The kids mark the game when they get the schedule. This time, they were more locked in as a group. Sharing the ball was big.”

Both crosstown games were staged in front of large crowds.

“We love when the gym is packed like that,” Taylor said. “The kids get to showcase their hard work.”