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Bulldogs conclude preseason
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The Ceres High varsity boys basketball team entered the 15th Annual Surf 'N Slam Hoop Classic with an 8-1 record last week.

The Bulldogs failed to increase their win total at the eight-team tournament in San Diego, losing 69-63 to Woodinville, 60-37 to Casa Roble and 70-44 to Chief Stealth.

“It's definitely by far the best competition we've played all preseason,” Ceres High coach Jason Martin said.

“One win was what I was hoping for. We let one slip away.”

Brett Sayad, Steven Downs, Kevin Dupree, Ross Tate, Ray Green, Brad Muniz and Matt Schwark had 21, 12, nine, eight, six, four and three points, respectively, during the Bulldogs' six-point loss to Woodinville in double overtime on Friday.

Ryan Shelton, Tyler Hampton and Trent Arrivey combined for 55 points for the Falcons (2-4). Shelton scored a season-high 23 points. He made five 3-pointers. Hampton had 21 points, including three 3-pointers. Arrivey added 11 points.

Shelton sent the game into overtime when he converted three free throws with 1.5 seconds remaining. He was fouled while attempting a 3-pointer.

“We should have won,” Martin said. “We had a 15-point lead with five minutes to go in regulation.”

Ceres High outscored Woodinville 26-9 in the first half, including 18-0 in the second quarter.

The Falcons outscored the Bulldogs 34-17 in the second half to force overtime.

Each team scored 12 points in the first overtime.

Woodinville tallied 12 points in the second overtime, four more than Ceres High.

The Bulldogs had a successful preseason. They won eight of 12 games. “We did what we were supposed to do,” Martin said. “We beat teams we were better than. All of our losses were to real good teams. We got to keep working hard and getting better.”

Martin praised his players.

“Ross has been real solid,” he said. “His effort and aggressiveness weren't matched. “Kevin dominated the boards in a lot of the games. Matt and Brad improved. The kids without a lot of varsity experience (Brett, Steven and Ray) are coming along.”

Ceres High will play host to Modesto High today at 7:15 p.m.

“They should give us a real good test,” Martin said. “They haven't lost yet.” - By DALE BUTLER /Staff reporter of the Ceres (Calif.) Courier