Basketball Recap: Ceres Comes Up Short

Ceres lost against Johansen back in January of 2024 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Wednesday. The Ceres Bulldogs came up short against the Johansen Vikings, falling 62-37. While losing is never fun, the Bulldogs can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California basketball rankings (they are ranked 837th, while the Vikings are ranked 362nd).

When it comes to explaining why Ceres lost, don't look at Tremond Karriem. Despite the final result, he posted no points and ten rebounds. That's the most rebounds Karriem has posted since back in February of 2024. Another player making a difference was Manuel Ortega, who put up five points in addition to eight rebounds and three steals.

Even though they lost, Ceres smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 18 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in seven consecutive contests.

Wilbert Gaxiola was his usual excellent self, putting up 33 points for Johansen. With that strong performance, Gaxiola is now averaging an impressive 15.5 points per game. The team also got some help courtesy of Ivan Martinez, who posted eight points.

Ceres has traveled a rocky road recently having lost three of their last four games, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-10 record this season. As for Johansen, their victory was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 11-5.

Ceres will head out to take on Lathrop at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Ceres is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 54.5 points per game this season. As for Johansen, they will host Pacheco at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Johansen is facing Pacheco at the right time seeing as Pacheco is stuck on a three-game losing streak.