Cagers lose one game, but pick up forfeit win

The Ramona Bulldogs lost to Valley Center on the road 67-54 in Valley League action. However, the Dawgs did pick up a victory even though they had a Tuesday bye.

Ramona’s athletic director, Damon Baldwin, was informed by the athletic department at Mt. Carmel that the Bulldogs received a forfeit victory over the Sundevils in a game that was played at Mt. Carmel on Jan. 6. The Dawgs lost the game 58-55, but Mt. Carmel played an ineligible player in the game.

The Sundevils played a player in the junior varsity game and then played him in the varsity game. According to CIF rules that is allowable, but the North County Conference has a rule against playing a player in both games in league play. The game was the first game in league play and Mt. Carmel’s coach made a mistake by playing the player. The Dawgs are now 14-11 on the season and are 4-6 in league action.

Valley Center is no easy place to play. Jaguar fans support their team in the same way the Dawgs faithful support the Dawgs at home. The crowd gets vocal and gets into the game.

Valley Center again relied on James Johnson when it needed a bucket and Johnson was the difference in the game. The senior forward scored 25 points to lead all scorers.

The Jaguars got off to a 17-11 first period advantage and led 34-28 at intermission. The two teams played evenly in the third period and Valley Center outscored the Dawgs 23-17 in a fast-paced fourth period to earn the win.

Dodge McIntosh led the Bulldogs in scoring with 17 points. McIntosh hit four three-point shots. Cameron Kolk also scored in double figures as the senior center scored 10 points.

Jared Engler hit two three-point goals and scored eight points. Josh Lieber (7), Andrew Alcaraz (4), Zach Windes (4), Bryson Garcia (2) and Garlan Marshall (2) also scored in the game.

Ramona finishes Valley League play this week. Friday night will be Senior Night in the Dawg House. After the game with San Marcos, every Bulldog senior will be able to grab the mike and make a speech about his experiences as a Bulldog basketball player.

The Bulldogs should get a berth in the CIF playoffs. Depending on the seed, the Dawgs could get an opening round home game.