The Ceres High boys basketball team’s 1-2 combination of Manuel Ortega and Carey Mastin earned special recognition during the Western Athletic Conference’s year-end head coaches’ meeting on Feb. 20 at Grace Davis High School
Ortega, a junior forward, and Mastin, a freshman point guard, were both selected to the WAC First Team.
They propelled the Bulldogs to a runner-up finish in the league standings with a 10-4 mark.
“They led us to second place in league,” Ceres High head coach T.J. Walker Jr. said.
Beyer guard Prince Major edged out Ortega 3-2 in a vote for the conference’s Most Valuable Player Award.
“He was one vote away from being co-MVP,” Walker stated. “I told him. He was a little disappointed. With that being said, it’s a big accomplishment for the league to think about him in that fashion.”
Ortega averaged 21.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game in conference play.
He ranked first in league in scoring and rebounding.
Ortega was a role player in the 10th grade.
“He surprised me with how big of a jump he took in one year,” Walker said. “I expected this senior year.”
“We knew Manny could score and that’s what he did,” he added. “He’s a walking bucket. He put us on his back in five to six games. He gave it his all every night. He was the ultimate leader. I’ve had a couple in my coaching career.”
Ortega embraced the role of being a team captain.
“He became a leader,” Walker said. “He was our lead captain on and off the court. From day one in the spring, he took that ownership on. He held people accountable. He held himself accountable. His voice was heard. He was that guy.”
Walker expects Ortega to have an even better season next year.
“We’re going to sit down and watch video. We’re going to break down his whole season. We’re going to look at how he can be more efficient. We’re going to try to get him to play at a higher level. With his work ethic, the sky is the limit. He doesn’t cut corners.”
Mastin made a name for himself at the varsity level as a ninth grader.
Walker watched Mastin play for the first time when he suited up for Modesto Christian High School during Ripon’s Summer League as a seventh grader.
“I’m harder on point guards because I was a point guard. I saw it (his talents) right away. He has a lot to him. He sees things before they happen. He can score. He plays basketball outside of sets. He does things I haven’t had a point guard do.”
Mastin averaged 11.5 points, 6.7 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
He ranked first in the WAC in assists and steals.
“He was the best all-round player on the floor. He had moments in league and preseason where he dominated. The young fella has played a lot of AAU basketball. He’s taken advantage of all opportunities. That’s why there’s a difference in him. You have to play a lot of basketball to be good. I’m hoping he comes back and dominates sophomore year.”
Mastin’s older teammates welcomed him with open arms.
They didn’t treat him like a freshman.
“Once he got in the gym with everybody, he was just one of the guys,” said Walker.
