With less than three minutes remaining against Downey and her team ahead by 19 points, Ceres High varsity girls basketball player Jode Johnson didn't hesitate to crash to the floor for a loose ball on defense.

"It's better than sitting back and watching the game," she said.

Johnson's all-round play helped propel the Bulldogs to a 62-39 victory over the Knights in CHS summer league play on Tuesday, June 17 at Phil de la Porte Gymnasium.

The Bulldogs' starting lineup totaled 43 points.

Johnson led the way with 16 points. Stephanie Yankovich scored nine points. Jamie Beck and Aimee Gunzenhauser chipped in eight points each. Lilibeth Jaimes added two points.

Reserves Haley Duarte (nine points), Tiffany Burnett (six points), Leah Rose (two points) and Morgan Wright (two points) also contributed.

"I'm trying to get them ready for Hawaii," Ceres High head coach Shawna Nunes said. "It's going to be much more intense and aggressive."

Ceres High led from start to finish against Downey.

The Bulldogs outscored the Knights 37-18 in the first half. Johnson poured in 12 points in the opening 20 minutes.

"Once she has the ball in her hands, it's really hard to stay with her," Nunes said.

Jode averaged 8.3 points and 9.3 rebounds for Ceres High in 2007-08. The junior-to-be will be asked to do even more during the upcoming season.

"I'm looking forward to finally taking charge," she said. "Now, it's my turn."