Slow start costs cagers

Coach Ken Scheib’s Ramona Bulldogs varsity boys basketball players lost their first game to Mar Vista, 82-79 in the Dawg House.

A poor start cost the Dawgs the game as they mounted a comeback and were in position at the end of the game to tie the score and go to overtime.

The Dawgs were outscored 26-16 in the first period. They narrowed the gap to 39-35 at intermission as they outscored the Mariners 19-13 in the second period.

Mar Vista extended its lead by 10 points as they led 60-50 going into the final 8 minutes. Ramona closed the gap to 3 points in the final minute but could not tie the score.

Jared Engler led the Dawgs with 22 points as he shot a torrid 82 percent from the floor. Six of his points came on 3-point shots. Dodge McIntosh scored 17 points, 15 of which came off 3-point goals.

Keith Scheib had a season high 17 points as he shot 67 percent from the floor. Andrew Alcaraz scored double figures with 10 points, and Zach Windes (3), Josh Leiber (7) and Cameron Kolk (3) also scored in the game.

A key to Ramona’s comeback was the rebounding of Cameron Kolk. Kolk had 13 boards, 11 on the defensive end of the court. Those defensive rebounds kept Mar Vista from second attempts at scoring and started the transition game for the Dawgs.

Alcaraz also had a good game under the bucket as he pulled down eight rebounds.

Ramona’s 3-point shots in five games total 49. The Dawgs hit 11 against Mar Vista. It has not been by accident.

“We have worked very hard on our 3-points shots,” explained Coach Ken Scheib. “We have shooters who are a threat to hit a 3 every time they shoot it. We have special drills that we do every practice where the shooters have to hit two 3-point shots in a row from different spots behind the arch. It has helped us and it has been a key to our early success.”

The Dawgs will travel to Otay Ranch High School in Chula Vista for the Otay Ranch/Mater Dei Catholic Holiday Classic on Dec. 19, 20, 22 and 23.