Former Baker High basketball star Jozie Ramos shines at next level
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY — From the courts of Baker to collegiate courts, former Bulldog star Jozie Ramos continues making a name for herself on the hardwood.
In her first season playing for Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT), Ramos has helped the Owls go unbeaten this season, going 13-0 so far and in a commanding lead in the Cascade Collegiate Conference.
In those 13 games this season, Ramos is averaging 7.1 points and 4.2 rebounds a game coming off the bench, including a season-high 24 points in December against Evergreen (WA) College.
“The college level game is a lot faster. You have to make decisions faster and it’s more physical because everyone’s stronger,” said Ramos. “So right now I’m working on adjusting to the speed of the game.”
Ramos entered her first year at OIT in Klamath Falls leaving behind a legacy as one of the best Baker High basketball players in history.
A 2023 graduate of Baker High, she led the Bulldogs to the 4A state title last year and was named the 2023 4A State Player of the Year. She earned Greater Oregon League Player of the Year twice in high school, as well as two all-state selections. She was also a standout athlete in volleyball and track and field.
“Jozie has always been a kid who was dedicated to whatever she was doing at the moment,” said Jason Ramos, her dad and high school basketball coach. “She’s always been motivated to be the best and her mental toughness allows her not to let difficult situations phase her.”
Jozie says while she’s getting used to the speed of the college game, it’s still just basketball to her.
“This is a game I’ve loved my entire life and have worked on to get better at every day,” said Ramos. “My focus in my first year at the collegiate level is playing good defense, being aggressive and getting rebounds. Anything and everything I can do to help my team win.”
Off the court, Ramos says she’s pursuing a degree in the medical field. She says she’s loving her first year of college in Klamath Falls, but still loves to come home to Baker.
“I know some people are following my career and I get a lot of support from people back home. I just want to say thanks to them because it means a lot to me and the support doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Ramos.
“It’s always a source of pride to see our Baker High athletes go on to compete at the next level,” said Jason Ramos. “As a coach and a father I couldn’t be more proud.”
