Ceres High School's varsity girls basketball team placed first at the Hughson tournament earlier this month.

The Bulldogs compiled a 2-1 record on their way to a third-place finish at Dec. 17-19 Livingston tourney.

"The teams were a little tougher at this tournament," Ceres High head coach Kristen McClure said.

Nicole Bates, a fourth-year standout guard with the Bulldogs, was selected to the all-tourney team.

She averaged 16.3 points per game.

Bates missed the previous five games with a pulled hamstring.

"We're definitely happy to have her back," McClure said. "She's one of our best players. All of the other girls are more confident when she's on the court."

Ceres High edged Orestimba 48-44 for third place on Dec. 19.

Bates led the Bulldogs in scoring with 15 points.
Jade Moore added 11 points.

Ariel Knights tallied seven points.

Ceres High lost 55-45 to Merced on Dec. 18.

Bates totaled a team-high 15 points in defeat.

Knights, Arreola and Breanna Moreno chipped in with 11, nine and six points, respectively.

Ceres High routed Stagg 43-29 on Dec. 17.

Bates paced the Bulldogs with 19 points.

The Bulldogs will play in the Pitman Tournament, Dec. 28-30, in Turlock.

"I'm really excited," said McClure, whose team had a 6-4 overall record as of Sunday. "We're doing better than last year. We're playing more as a team. We start league next week. The girls are ready. They've been practicing hard."