Ceres High’s varsity boys basketball team opened the 2018-19 season last week.

The Bulldogs’ first three games were postponed due to poor air quality as a result of smoke from major California wildfires.

“Not being able to play was frustrating,” junior guard Christian Murry said. “We couldn’t even practice. They were canceling everything.”

Ceres High routed visiting Delhi 62-27 on Nov. 21 at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

The Hawks are coached by former Bulldog leader Brian de la Porte.

“It was fun competing against Ceres High’s old coach,” Murry said. 

Central Valley had two players score in double figures versus Delhi.

Murry tallied 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Sophomore Derrick O’Neal collected 11 points. He made two of four treys.

Elijah Hughes had nine points, seven rebounds and one steal.

Brock DeWitt had nine points. He buried three of five 3-pointers.

Freshman Verlis Smith had six points, four steals, three rebounds and two assists.

Aaron Delgado had six points, two rebounds and two assists.

Josh Pernetti had five points, two rebounds and one steal.

Brock Moore had five points and two assists.

Daquan Smith had one point and two rebounds.

Ceres High shot 45 percent from the field, 47 percent from 3-point range and 75 percent from the free-throw line for the game.

“We had a good mentality going into the game,” Murry said. “We were confident.”

The Hawks never posed a threat as the Bulldogs built a commanding 23-2 lead in the opening period.

Ceres High outscored Delhi 38-10 in the first half.

 “The momentum from the summer carried over into our first game,” Murry said. “We had good communication. We executed. We shared the ball.”

Wildcats 82, Hawks 49

Central Valley’s varsity boys basketball team dropped its season opener 82-49 at Sonora on Nov. 20.

The Hawks’ first two contests were canceled because of poor air quality as a result of smoke from the deadly Camp Fire.

“The kids were excited to finally get out there and play,” head coach Mike Rodriguez said. “We looked pretty good early on. The first half was competitive. We had some success when it was fast-paced.”

Central Valley’s Max Sanchez totaled 13 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal in defeat.

Grant Neang added 10 points, two assists and one steal.

Tony Gaut had seven points and two rebounds.

Kadin Manor had six points.

Daniel Villasenor had four points, six assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block.

Sophomore Jaeden Merchant had four points, two rebounds and one steal.

Derek Bolivar had two points, two rebounds and one block.

Angel Zamarippa had two points and one rebound.

Johnathan Vierra had one point, two assists and one rebound.

Munraj Singh had two rebounds and two assists.

Sophomore Donovan Gaut had one rebound.

The Hawks and Wildcats battled to a 31-31 tie in the opening half.

Host Sonora shot 38 free throws during the game.

“Sonora is a tough environment to play in,” Rodriguez said. “They always do a better job adjusting to the officiating. Our kids got a little discouraged defensively.”

Raiders edge Bulldogs

Mike Estrada Jr. made his head coaching debut with Ceres High’s varsity girls basketball team last week.

The youth-laden Bulldogs opened the 2018 campaign with a 45-44 loss at Central Catholic on Nov. 21.

“I’m really excited to be here,” Estrada said. “I’m going to try to change the culture and how people view the program.”

Camryn Silva led Ceres High in scoring with 18 points. She also collected four steals and three rebounds.

Sophomore Catryna Marquez had eight points, four rebounds and two steals.

Freshman Celeste Leon had seven points, three rebounds and three steals.

Courtney Ford had five points, 12 rebounds and one steal.

Lauren Gonzalez had three steals and two rebounds.

“I’m not disappointed at all,” Silva said. “I’m extremely proud of my team. We fought until the end. We could have won.”

The Bulldogs led 33-18 at the break.

Central Catholic limited Ceres High to just 11 points during the second half.

The Raiders relied on their depth to outlast the Bulldogs.

Ceres High’s roster features just six players.

“I’m not worried about having just six players,” Silva said. “We’re all in good shape.”