Ramos Still Shooting to Find Touch : Basketball: San Fernando star hasn’t recovered from losing his aim the night the Tigers lost in the playoffs.

Javier Ramos believed things would get better, so he did what any proud shooter would: He kept shooting.

The standout San Fernando High guard was struggling against Monroe in the semifinals of the City Section 3-A Division basketball playoffs. No matter what he tried, the ball and basket would not cooperate.

In bunches, Ramos missed 20-foot shots, 10-foot shots, five-foot shots--even layups . It seemed as though the basket was locked and Ramos could not find the key.

Yet, he was optimistic--and with good reason. Ramos’ confidence was built and fortified by his deft touch from the perimeter.

Even as he misfired on attempt after attempt, Ramos figured he was one shot away from getting untracked. That is, after all, a shooter’s mentality--keep putting it up.

This time, however, the shooter was shot down. Ramos kept missing, helping to shoot San Fernando out of the playoffs in the process. After a scoreless first half, Ramos finished with seven points in the Tigers’ 75-67 loss to the Vikings.

“I think this was Javier’s worst game all year,” San Fernando Coach Dick Crowell said following the performance. “He felt the pressure and it got to him.”

Obviously, more was expected from a guy who is a team leader at both ends of the floor. And Ramos knows so.

“The first and second months (after the game) it still really bothered me,” Ramos said. “I guess it still does.”

Said Crowell: “Ever since that game he’s been spooked a little bit. We’re working on getting him back.”

Once bursting with confidence, Ramos is trying to regain some of what he left on the hardwood against Monroe. The road back has started this summer.

Ramos and his Tiger teammates are participating in the College of the Canyon/Saugus High tournament that began Friday at Canyons and Saugus.

Ramos is determined to recapture his form--both mentally and physically.

He admits he has not concentrated much on basketball this summer. Instead, much of Ramos’ energy has been directed at his part-time job.

“Working for six or seven hours kind of wears you out,” he said. “But I know I’ve got to get back into shape. I know I have to work on my game.”

San Fernando can’t afford anything less than Ramos at his best.

The All-North Valley League selection led the Tigers to the league title while averaging 17.4 points. Selected second-team All-Valley by The Times, Ramos was even better on defense. He led the area with 107 steals for an eye-popping average of 4.45 per game.

“I love playing defense because if an opponent can’t take you (to the basket), he gets frustrated and makes mistakes,” Ramos said. “Defense is the best part of my game.”

Crowell offers another opinion.

“Everything Javier does is pretty positive, but his attitude is what has made him good,” Crowell said. “He never takes it easy, he plays at the same rate no matter if it’s a practice or game.”

Ramos is so intense during practice scrimmages, Crowell said, that it sometimes grates on his teammates.

“Whatever team he plays on wins in practice--every game,” Crowell said. “It gets to the guys a little bit, but they all respect him.”

And Ramos is determined to keep that respect.

“I know what I have to do,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I’ll get back to where I want to be.”