Ceres High’s girls basketball program finished in the top eight in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-III playoff bracket last month.

“It was great to see the team reach the quarterfinals again,” Bulldogs’ fourth-year head coach Megan McGill stated. “This team had a lot of talented and experienced varsity players. We returned most of our players from last year, so the expectations were extremely high. We faced a lot of adversity as a program this year from losing Arrayah (Stallworth) and various injuries, so it was nice to see us have some success.”

“It feels awesome,” Ceres High senior guard Lilly Staggs said. “I loved the way we all played together. We gave it our all.”

The 11th-seeded Bulldogs turned in a valiant effort in losing 60-52 on the road to the third-seeded Lathrop Spartans in the quarterfinals on Feb. 19.

Ceres High closed the competitive gap against Lathrop.

The Bulldogs lost 76-43 and 56-29 to the Spartans (30-1 overall, 14-0 Western Athletic Conference) during the regular season.

“We pushed ourselves way harder this time,” Staggs said. “We knew if we gave it 100 percent, we wouldn’t lose like we did before.”

Staggs led Ceres High with 29 points, seven steals, two assists and one rebound.

Persia Rochell had 13 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Sovannary Carter had four points, six rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals

Mariah Renteria had four points, four rebounds and one steal

Makaela Brown had two points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.

“It’s my senior year,” Staggs said. “I just wanted to go out there and give it my all for my team.”

Ceres High and Lathrop each committed 19 turnovers.

The Bulldogs shot 45 percent (5 of 11) from the free-throw line.

“Even though we lost, we showed Lathrop we could fight,” Staggs said. “We put pressure on them. They called the first timeout. We got them a little scared.”

The Bulldogs stunned the Spartans by building a slim 15-13 lead in the first quarter.

Lathrop outscored Ceres High 19-7 in the second quarter and led 32-22 at intermission.

The Bulldogs outscored the Spartans 30-28 in the second half.

“Lathrop is well-coached and extremely tenacious,” McGill stated. “We spent time watching film and planning for them. Starting out in a zone and protecting the basket on the initial tip off prevented them from getting a quick bucket and setting up their press. It was good to see our team compete with such a great team.” 

“We fought to the buzzer,” Staggs added.

Ceres High upset sixth-seeded Sierra 36-35 in the first round of the playoffs on Feb. 17 in Manteca.

The Bulldogs lost 50-34 to Sierra during the regular season.

“Many people counted us out, so it was satisfying to get the upset,” McGill said.

“We deserved to win,” Staggs added.

Staggs collected 13 points, six rebounds, four steals and three assists versus the Wolves, who posted a 14-13 overall record and finished in third place in the Valley Oak League (7-5) this winter.

Carter had 12 points, eight rebounds, one block and one steal.

Rochell had five points, 11 rebounds, two steals and one assist.

Renteria had two points, three rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal.

Brown had four points, four rebounds, one assist and one block.

Presley Vierra had three rebounds.

Haley Clark had two rebounds.

“Our defense was very good,” Staggs said. “We broke their press easily and moved the ball around on offense. We played together as a team.”

Renteria accounted for the game-winning basket.

“She’s such a great defender and hustler so she always helps us win in that aspect,” McGill said. “But it was nice to see her get that moment.”

Ceres High compiled a 17-12 overall record, placed third in the WAC standings with a 9-5 mark and qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs for the third year in a row this season.

“We have very talented players who gave it their all,” Staggs said. “We all had fun together. We all wanted to win. I had a great time with my teammates. It would be awesome if we had one more year together.”

The Bulldogs continued their recent run of success under McGill’s guidance.

Ceres High reached the quarterfinals of the playoffs for the second consecutive season. “She’s a great coach,” Staggs said. “She gives good advice and criticism. She’s hard-working.”

McGill has brought stability to Ceres High’s girls basketball program.

“It’s been great to see Ceres High girls basketball back in the playoffs and competing at a high level,” McGill said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have some great players in the last four years and a strong coaching staff that cares about our girls and encourage them to be the best version of themselves.”

The Bulldogs had seven different head coaches in a 10-year span prior to McGill’s hiring.

She coached at the lower-level for three seasons before earning a promotion to varsity.

Chris Lubinsky, McGill’s younger brother, has been an assistant coach for the past four years.

“Their coaching style is really good,” Staggs said. “They motivate and push us to our fullest because they know what we can do. They keep us going.”

Ceres High will lose the core of its team to graduation, including Staggs, Carter, Rochell, Renteria, Brown, Presley Vierra and Jolissa Guillory. 

“It’s hard to see this group of seniors go,” McGill said. “We’re losing seven players, including five starters. I’ve coached these girls for multiple seasons and have developed some special relationships.”