If the Ceres Bulldogs were riding high off their 61-31 takedown of the Pacheco Panthers last Friday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. Ceres was just a bucket shy of victory on Wednesday and fell 57-56 to Johansen. Ceres was given a dose of their own medicine in this game as Johansen apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in January.
Manuel Ortega and Carey Mastin certainly did their best on Wednesday to avoid the loss. Ortega shot 4-for-9 from downtown and dropped a double-double on 29 points and 11 rebounds, while Mastin almost dropped a double-double on 15 points and nine assists. Ortega has been hot recently, having posted 15 or more points the last four times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Tremond Karriem, who scored no points along with nine rebounds and four steals.
Wilbert Gaxiola was a one-man wrecking crew for Johansen as he scored 24 points. Another player making a difference was Caidan Bounmany, who scored 11 points.
Ceres' loss dropped their record down to 15-9. As for Johansen, their win ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 11-14.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Ceres will take on Los Banos at 7:15 p.m. on Friday. Ceres has been dominant on offense recently, as they've racked up an incredible 233 points over their last four contests. As for Johansen, they will stay at home for another game and welcome Lathrop at 7:15 p.m. on February 2nd. Hopefully Lathrop focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 13 on Wednesday.
