Promoted to Ceres High’s varsity girls basketball team as a freshman, Celeste Leon has developed into one of the Bulldogs’ most versatile players this season.

The sophomore collected 11 points, five rebounds and four steals as Ceres High held on for a 54-48 win over visiting Lathrop Thursday evening at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

“She does whatever the team needs even if it means sacrificing a couple shots of her own,” coach Mike Estrada Jr. said. 

 “Everyone has confidence in me and pushes me to be better,” Leon said. “I try to bring my best every game.”

Ceres High improved to 11-11 overall and 4-4 in the Western Athletic Conference standings

Lathrop dropped to 8-12 and 5-3.

“There was definitely pressure,” Leon said. “After Tuesday’s loss, we knew if we didn’t win this game, we wouldn’t have a chance at playoffs. We all worked together as a team. We were all hustling. We kept up the intensity.”

Ceres High’s Mia Rodriguez tallied eight points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal versus Lathrop.

Lysaida Munoz added eight points, four rebounds and one steal.

Catryna Marquez had six points, five steals and three rebounds.

Thanya Gonzalez had six points, five rebounds and one steal.

Mya Robinson had five points and one rebound.

“This is the best game we’ve played all year,” Estrada said. “We had great offense and defense all four quarters. We were really aggressive. We spread the ball around.”

“We came out with intensity and ended the game with the same intensity,” Leon stated. “That helped us get the W.”

Ceres High outscored Lathrop 16-13 in the fourth quarter. Leon totaled nine points. She made three of four foul shots.

Celeste’s layup off a steal gave the Bulldogs a 43-36 lead with less than one minute to play.

“I took more shots,” Leon said. “I was aggressive.”

“She’s been gaining confidence every game,” Estrada Jr. said. 

Ceres High has already surpassed last year’s win.

The 2018-19 Bulldogs went 8-17 and finished fourth in the WAC standings (4-10).

Ceres High had six games remaining on its conference schedule as of Monday.

“Our defense is a lot better this year,” Estrada said. “That’s got us wins. It’s been more of a team effort.”