Box Elder's Ramos going to the next level

Box Elder's Jesse Ramos (right) looks to pass during a Northern C boys basketball game in February of 2011 in Great Falls. Ramos, a three-year starter for the Bears, recently signed to play college basketball with Upper Iowa University. Ramos was is also an outstanding student, having graduated from Box Elder this past spring with a 3.7 GPA.

For many high school basketball players on the Hi-Line, playing college basketball is the dream they all chase.

For Box Elder High School 2012 graduate Jesse Ramos, he's caught up to that dream.

Upper Iowa University men's basketball coach Brian Dolan has announced the signing of Ramos to play basketball starting this fall. Upper Iowa is an NCAA Division II program located in Fayette, Iowa. The Peacocks play in the same conference as the likes of Minot State University and Bemidji State in Minnesota. The team went 10-16 last season.

Ramos wrapped up a brilliant career for the Bears this past season. As a senior, he averaged 16 points, five assists and three steals per game. Ramos played four years of varsity basketball in Box Elder and started for three. He helped lead the Bears to several high finishes at the District 9C tournament over his career, as well as an appearance in the Northern C Divisional in 2011.

Ramos was a three-time All 9C performer and All Northern C standout as well.

He also excelled in the classroom, finishing his high school career with a 3.7 GPA. He earned a Presidential Award Scholarship for his outstanding achievements at Box Elder.

Dolan says Ramos has good sense for the game and can stretch the defense with his 3-point range coupled with control of the game; he will be an asset to the program.

Ramos is slated to play point guard for the Peacocks starting next fall.