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Sandhu scores 31 points in final home game for CHS
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Inder Sandhu poured in a game-high 31 points during his final home game with the Bulldogs. - photo by Contributed to the Courier

Upperclassman Inder Sandhu filled the stat sheet in leading Ceres High's varsity boys basketball program past one of its two Western Athletic Conference opponents this past week.

Sandhu totaled 31 points, nine rebounds and one steal while competing at Phil de Porte Gymnasium for the final time during Friday's 65-58 home win over visiting Livingston.

The lone senior player on this year's team, Inder was recognized prior to the start of the game.

"It was a memorable night," Sandhu said. "I wasn't nervous. I was excited. I was ready for the game. I played hard. I just did what I do. It's sad to realize I don't have any more home games at Ceres High. But I'm moving on to bigger and better things."

Sandhu played a key role as Ceres High improved to 10-15 overall and 3-5 in the WAC standings.

Second-place Livingston dropped to 13-12 and 5-3.

"When he plays like that, we're a different team," head coach T.J. Walker said. "From start to finish, he had a mindset of not letting his team lose. He definitely put on a show."

Bulldog sophomore Dalton Durossette added 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

Christian Murry had four points, five rebounds and two assists.

Ceres High turned in a valiant effort in losing 62-50 to first-place Patterson on Jan. 31 at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

"I'm proud of my team," Sandhu said. "It was a close game. I'm not surprised at all. I knew we could hang with them. We don't play scared."

Sandhu collected 20 points and eight rebounds versus the Tigers (18-6, 8-0).

Elijah Hughes tallied 18 points and seven rebounds.

Brock DeWitt contributed six points.

"Inder had his best all-round game of the year," Walker said.

The Bulldogs trailed 34-26 at the break.

Patterson outscored Ceres High 28-24 during the second half.

"I thought we played the best team in the league pretty tight for most of the night," Walker said. "Unforced turnovers put us in some bad situations. A team like Patterson, you have to play close to perfect to give yourself a chance to win."

Ceres High kept its slim playoff hopes alive.

The Bulldogs are battling for the WAC's third and final postseason berth.

Ceres High needs to win its last two games and get help from two other teams.

The Bulldogs and Wolves would finish in a tie for third place if Livingston lost to Los Banos and Patterson.

"We're going to try to finish out league on a good note," Sandhu said. "I'm looking forward to the Central Valley game but we have to handle Pacheco first."

Ceres High will play host to Pacheco today and at Central Valley on Friday.

Both games will begin at 7:15 p.m.

The Bulldogs lost 57-52 to the crosstown-rival Hawks on Jan. 24.