Ceres High’s boys basketball program has a new head coach.
Darae Taylor will replace T.J. Walker Jr., who stepped down to fill the same position at his alma mater, Modesto High.
This will be Taylor’s fourth year coaching with the Bulldogs. An assistant on Walker’s staff, the 33-yeard-old Chicago native also served as head coach at the junior-varsity level.
Taylor previously coached at Gregori High School.
“It’s a great opportunity to lead a program,” he said. “T.J. advocated for me. He’s been a great mentor. He’s one phone call away if I have a question.”
A total of 12 student-athletes earned spots on Ceres High’s roster.
“Our tryouts were not normal tryouts,” Taylor said. “We didn’t touch a ball the first three days. We were diving on the floor for loose balls, taking charges and running. That’s the tone we want to set. Every day will be a challenge.”
The Bulldogs return just two players from last year’s team, including Cashton Almeida (Jr.) and Tayden Galton (Jr.).
Ceres High has 10 newcomers: Aiden Bowen (Sr.), Abijah Bratton (Sr.), Raymond Cortez Jr. (Sr.), Tavian Ellis (Sr.), Victor Ramos (Sr.), Caelen Eskridge (Jr.), Alexander Ortega (Jr.), Elijah Robinson (Jr.), Mason Dominguez (So.) and Jake Oliver (So.).
The Bulldogs lost six players to graduation, including Somil Bonsal, Jayden Boss, Anthony Estrada, Tremond Karriem, Manuel Ortega and Jaylen Pettigrew.
“We have everything—size and guard play,” Taylor said. “We have a great coaching staff. I’m super excited to see what we could do. Our expectation is to win games and make playoffs. It’s not going to be a walk in the park when you play us. We’re going to shock people.”
Ellis, Galton and Ramos have been named team captains for the 2025-26 season.
Galton averaged 5.5 points, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game as a sophomore.
Almeida averaged 4.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.
“Victor is what we look for in a player,” Taylor said. “He’s a great teammate. He brings positive energy and professionalism to our program. When his number is called, he’s ready. Tavian is the glue for our team. He keeps us together. He’s a mentor for the younger players. Tayden is very talented. He’s the best point guard in our league. He empowers not only himself but his teammates. He challenges everyone.”
Taylor takes over a program, which amassed a 96-111 overall record and qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs once the past eight years.
“Being disciplined is a key for our team,” Taylor said. “Hard work will get you on the floor. Schematically, I know my stuff. But I’m okay with adapting. I’m energetic. I’m playful. I’m serious. I’m tough but fair. I empower the kids.”
Ceres High compiled a 10-18 overall record and placed sixth in the WAC with a 5-9 mark during the 2024-25 season.
The Bulldogs’ conference schedule features home-and-road games versus the Central Valley Hawks, Beyer Patriots, Grace Davis Spartans, Johansen Vikings, Livingston Wolves, Lathrop Spartans and Pacheco Panthers.
“We have the talent to finish in the top three in our league and make playoffs. Discipline is key. We also want more fans to come out for all of our games.”
Beyer (25-14, 13-1) had the best team in league last season.
Grace Davis (19-10, 11-3), Central Valley (16-13) and Johansen (19-9, 9-5) took second, third and fourth, respectively.
Ceres High and Lathrop (10-18, 5-9) tied for fifth place.
Livingston (9-19, 2-12) and Pacheco (5-16, 1-13) finished at the bottom of the conference standings.
Beyer and Lathrop are favored to finish atop the WAC standings this winter.
“Respectfully, they’re good teams. But they don’t scare us. We welcome the challenge.”
Crosstown-rivals Ceres High and Central Valley will play twice this year.
The Bulldogs will compete against the Hawks on the road on Friday.
Ceres High will host Central Valley on Feb. 13.
Both games will get underway at 7 p.m.
The Bulldogs lost 54-50 and 58-52 to the Hawks last season.
“That’s a game everyone circles on their calendar. It brings the community together.”
