Matt Schwark and the Ceres High varsity boys basketball team lost 64-56 to Downey Friday night in Ceres.

Schwark scored a season-high 19 points for the Bulldogs, who were outscored 20-12 in the first quarter.

"It's very disappointing," Schwark said. "We came out looking for a win and couldn't assure it."

Added Ceres coach Jason Martin: "We knew what they were going to do. For some reason, we weren't ready to play."

Ceres fell to 1-8 in the Modesto Metro Conference, 7-14 overall.

Downey improved to 6-3 in the league standings.

The Knights opened the game with a 10-2 run. Downey made its first five shots, all layups.

"That's the difference in the game," Martin said.

"We gave up way too many second shots."

Said Schwark: "We came out flat in the first quarter. Otherwise, we kept battling back."

Ceres trailed 30-22 at halftime.

Each team tallied 34 points after intermission.

Schwark had 15 points, including nine in fourth quarter.

Ceres couldn't stop Downey's Brad Bispo. The senior scored a game-high 31 points, including 18 in the second half.

"He's a very physical player," Schwark said. "He's clutch. He knows how to lead his team."

Ceres' Kevin Dupree, Brad Muniz and Rafael Valencia scored nine, eight and six points, respectively. - By DALE BUTLER / Staff Reporter of The Ceres (Calif.) Courier