After a three-year absence, Ceres High's varsity boys basketball tournament returns this month.
First-year head coach Brian de la Porte organized the Dec. 29-31 event.
"It's something I wanted to bring back," he said. "It's always been pretty competitive. There's a long tradition."
Four teams will be featured in the 29th edition of the Ceres tournament that was established in 1977, including Valley Oak League members Ceres High and Central Valley, Central California Conference's Pitman and Yosemite of the North Sequoia League.
The Bulldogs have placed first 14 times.
Charlie Cunha claimed the MVP award and Derrick Goblirsch and Zack Wiedenbeck earned all-tourney honors in leading Ceres High to the title in 2004.
"I'm looking forward to it," said Lance Hunter, a second-year varsity player for the Bulldogs. "It's going to be a good experience."
Ceres High and Central Valley will face off once at the tournament and twice in VOL play this year. The Hawks eliminated the Bulldogs from playoff contention on the final day of the 2007-08 season.
"I don't mind playing Ceres High three times," Hawks coach Darryl Dickson said. "Brian and I have a good rapport. (Plus) they're going to play in our tournament next year."
"Those are fun games to be a part of," de la Porte said. "We'll find out who the better team is."
Ceres High's tournament schedule includes games against Pitman (Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m.), Central Valley (Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m.) and Yosemite (Dec. 31, 12:30 p.m.).
First-year head coach Brian de la Porte organized the Dec. 29-31 event.
"It's something I wanted to bring back," he said. "It's always been pretty competitive. There's a long tradition."
Four teams will be featured in the 29th edition of the Ceres tournament that was established in 1977, including Valley Oak League members Ceres High and Central Valley, Central California Conference's Pitman and Yosemite of the North Sequoia League.
The Bulldogs have placed first 14 times.
Charlie Cunha claimed the MVP award and Derrick Goblirsch and Zack Wiedenbeck earned all-tourney honors in leading Ceres High to the title in 2004.
"I'm looking forward to it," said Lance Hunter, a second-year varsity player for the Bulldogs. "It's going to be a good experience."
Ceres High and Central Valley will face off once at the tournament and twice in VOL play this year. The Hawks eliminated the Bulldogs from playoff contention on the final day of the 2007-08 season.
"I don't mind playing Ceres High three times," Hawks coach Darryl Dickson said. "Brian and I have a good rapport. (Plus) they're going to play in our tournament next year."
"Those are fun games to be a part of," de la Porte said. "We'll find out who the better team is."
Ceres High's tournament schedule includes games against Pitman (Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m.), Central Valley (Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m.) and Yosemite (Dec. 31, 12:30 p.m.).
