Lets be honest.
Did anyone really think Palma would be back in the Central Coast Section Division IV basketball finals this year after Orlando Johnson graduated?
Of course not.
Or when Palma was under .500 eight games into the preseason?
What a masterful job Palma coach Paul Alioto did. He took a player that spent his junior year on the JV team and turned him into a dynamic point guard.
He helped groom Clark Fox into the best player in the Tri-County Athletic League. He got players to buy into their roles and excel in them.
The reality is Palma was a poor shooting team. Yet, it found a way as a collective unit to win 20 games, a TCAL title and reach the finals.
2/29/2008
2/28/2008
wrestle bonanza
Experience counts when you reach the CIF state wrestling championships.
Just waiting in a small room with 20 other wrestlers moments before taking to the mats can be nerve racking.
Palma's Zach Jimenez has been down this road, having competed last year.
Accept Jimenez is again in unchartered waters, since he jumped a few weight classes this year after putting on nearly 30 pounds in the off-season.
Still I like Jimenez's chanced of at least getting to the second day of competition at 191 pounds.
A top-six finish by any of the six wrestlers from Monterey County that qualified would be a bonus.
Just waiting in a small room with 20 other wrestlers moments before taking to the mats can be nerve racking.
Palma's Zach Jimenez has been down this road, having competed last year.
Accept Jimenez is again in unchartered waters, since he jumped a few weight classes this year after putting on nearly 30 pounds in the off-season.
Still I like Jimenez's chanced of at least getting to the second day of competition at 191 pounds.
A top-six finish by any of the six wrestlers from Monterey County that qualified would be a bonus.
the meaning of sportsmanship
Moments after celebrating its first trip to the Central Coast Section Division I girls basketball finals, San Benito seeked out North Salinas.
Each member of the Balers squad ran over to wish their Tri-County Athletic League rivals luck for their semifinal battle.
It did not matter that it was North Salinas, who ruined their quest for perfection in the TCAL in the final game of the season.
This was about two teams that respected each other, pulled for each other and liked each other. It was about representing one league in a CCS championship game.
Oh, and perhaps playing each other for a third time this year, since the two teams split their head-to-head battles.
It won't happen after North Salnas dropped a heartbreaker in the final seconds of overtime Thursday to top seed Carlmont.
But the gester was genuine.
Each member of the Balers squad ran over to wish their Tri-County Athletic League rivals luck for their semifinal battle.
It did not matter that it was North Salinas, who ruined their quest for perfection in the TCAL in the final game of the season.
This was about two teams that respected each other, pulled for each other and liked each other. It was about representing one league in a CCS championship game.
Oh, and perhaps playing each other for a third time this year, since the two teams split their head-to-head battles.
It won't happen after North Salnas dropped a heartbreaker in the final seconds of overtime Thursday to top seed Carlmont.
But the gester was genuine.
2/26/2008
palma basketball
So it wasn't a masterpiece.
Than again, who says holding a team to just 31 points in a playoff semifinal, and without a field goal in the final quarter isn't a gem.
No, Palma isn't going to overwhelm you with offensive numbers. It's just not a good shooting team.
Defensively, it can play with anyone, which is why Palma is in the CCS finals for the second straight year.
Menlo will present a different challenge than Pacific Grove. It's a little quicker. And it's hard to beat a team three times over 12 months.
Yet, as the Chieftains proved in a 45-31 win over Pacific Grove Tuesday, it doesn't need to produce points at an alarming pace.
In fact, when it faced Menlo on Dec. 10, it held on for a 45-43 win.
While Menlo has played most of the season without its leading scorer, a player who has emerged in the second half is junior Jerry Rice Jr.
Yes, his dad is Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice. The younger Rice's quickness will present problems for the Chieftains.
Than again, who says holding a team to just 31 points in a playoff semifinal, and without a field goal in the final quarter isn't a gem.
No, Palma isn't going to overwhelm you with offensive numbers. It's just not a good shooting team.
Defensively, it can play with anyone, which is why Palma is in the CCS finals for the second straight year.
Menlo will present a different challenge than Pacific Grove. It's a little quicker. And it's hard to beat a team three times over 12 months.
Yet, as the Chieftains proved in a 45-31 win over Pacific Grove Tuesday, it doesn't need to produce points at an alarming pace.
In fact, when it faced Menlo on Dec. 10, it held on for a 45-43 win.
While Menlo has played most of the season without its leading scorer, a player who has emerged in the second half is junior Jerry Rice Jr.
Yes, his dad is Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice. The younger Rice's quickness will present problems for the Chieftains.
getting to the CCS finals
North Salinas has been down this road before in girls basketball. This will be the third time in six years it has reached the CCS Division I semifinals.
Getting over the hump, though, has been difficult.
Tonight will be no different as the No. 4 seeded Vikings prepare to battle top seed and defending Division I champion Carlmont.
How does North Salinas take the next step and return to the finals for the first time in 19 years?
Well, if you believe coach Darren Jackson, you believe.
A quick start is critical for North Salinas. Going scoreless for the first four minutes of the game, like it did in its playoff opener, will be to big of a hole to get out of against Carlmont.
Getting over the hump, though, has been difficult.
Tonight will be no different as the No. 4 seeded Vikings prepare to battle top seed and defending Division I champion Carlmont.
How does North Salinas take the next step and return to the finals for the first time in 19 years?
Well, if you believe coach Darren Jackson, you believe.
A quick start is critical for North Salinas. Going scoreless for the first four minutes of the game, like it did in its playoff opener, will be to big of a hole to get out of against Carlmont.
no argument for lack of respect
Stevenson's stunning loss in the Division IV girls quarterfinals to an 11-17 Harbor squad may have set the Mission Trail Athletic League back in its bid to earn the respect of its basketball peers in San Jose.
The Pirates were 25-2 and seeded No. 2 in Division IV, but were knocked out in their first game. The same held true for Santa Catalina 48 hours earlier — ironically by the same Harbor squad.
In a sport where the brackets are based on argument, the MTAL has none.
Then again, it could be worse. Seaside, who has won five of the last six Monterey Bay League titles, has lost six straight playoff openers.
The Pirates were 25-2 and seeded No. 2 in Division IV, but were knocked out in their first game. The same held true for Santa Catalina 48 hours earlier — ironically by the same Harbor squad.
In a sport where the brackets are based on argument, the MTAL has none.
Then again, it could be worse. Seaside, who has won five of the last six Monterey Bay League titles, has lost six straight playoff openers.
2/20/2008
Nicks to NFL combines
With his draft stock rising by the day, offensive lineman Carl Nicks will look to make an impression at the NFL combines in Indianapolis next week.
Nicks, a one-time North Salinas standout, has been projected anywhere from a late first round pick to a high fourth round choice.
The 6-foot-5, 340-pound offensive tackle was one of the more talked about lineman at the Senior Bowl at the end of January.
A starter last year at the University of Nebraska, you can read more about Nicks in Sunday's Just a Thought column.
Nicks, a one-time North Salinas standout, has been projected anywhere from a late first round pick to a high fourth round choice.
The 6-foot-5, 340-pound offensive tackle was one of the more talked about lineman at the Senior Bowl at the end of January.
A starter last year at the University of Nebraska, you can read more about Nicks in Sunday's Just a Thought column.
volleyball scholarships
With Evin Cotton having verbally committed to Baylor University to be the teams libero next fall, whose next?
Well Salinas teammate Fabiola Castro is weighing offers from San Jose State and West Point. San Jose appeared to be the favorite because it was close to home. But Castro enjoyed her visit back east and now has a decison to make.
Pacific Grove outside hitter Alex Bell gave up softball to focus on a volleyball scholarship while Notre Dame's Lyncee Mendalla is creating interest as a libero.
The signing date is April 2.
Well Salinas teammate Fabiola Castro is weighing offers from San Jose State and West Point. San Jose appeared to be the favorite because it was close to home. But Castro enjoyed her visit back east and now has a decison to make.
Pacific Grove outside hitter Alex Bell gave up softball to focus on a volleyball scholarship while Notre Dame's Lyncee Mendalla is creating interest as a libero.
The signing date is April 2.
Hoop surprises
For all the attention paid to North Salinas' rapid turnaround on the hardwood, and justified I might add, overshadowed has been the remarkable improvement of Gonzales.
The Spartans boys' program has made a 10-game improvement in the win column this year, and won their first playoff game in 22 years.
Gonzales was the 15th and last seed in the CCS Division IV playoffs. But it's still practicing today.
Who knows. Stranger things have happened.
Last year the Spartans boys soccer team was the last seed in the playoffs and won the CCS Division II title.
The Spartans boys' program has made a 10-game improvement in the win column this year, and won their first playoff game in 22 years.
Gonzales was the 15th and last seed in the CCS Division IV playoffs. But it's still practicing today.
Who knows. Stranger things have happened.
Last year the Spartans boys soccer team was the last seed in the playoffs and won the CCS Division II title.
2/18/2008
questioning sites for basketball playoffs
I understand the reason for designated sites for the basketball playoffs once we get to the final eight.
It's a chance for coaches to watch possible opponents in their bracket. Plus not all schools are willing to host games.
But you've got to be able to make concessions, particulary in the quarterfinals.
There is a good chance that Stevenson and Santa Catalina will meet this Saturday in the Division IV quarterfinals. The site, Mercy High of San Francisco.
Two teams, that are maybe 10 minutes a part, traveling two plus hours to play a game.
That's not rational.
Have a backup plan. Move it to MPC or Seaside High, where more people could watch.
So the other teams in the opposite bracket didn't get to scout them. Big deal. It's high school basketball.
It's a chance for coaches to watch possible opponents in their bracket. Plus not all schools are willing to host games.
But you've got to be able to make concessions, particulary in the quarterfinals.
There is a good chance that Stevenson and Santa Catalina will meet this Saturday in the Division IV quarterfinals. The site, Mercy High of San Francisco.
Two teams, that are maybe 10 minutes a part, traveling two plus hours to play a game.
That's not rational.
Have a backup plan. Move it to MPC or Seaside High, where more people could watch.
So the other teams in the opposite bracket didn't get to scout them. Big deal. It's high school basketball.
2/15/2008
coach of the year
Well, who should be The Herald's Coach of the Year in boys and girls basketball.
Here are a few names to consider.
We're open to suggestions
BOYS
Alan Green, North Salinas: Returning to the bench after a 15-year absence, Green guided North Salinas to a 17-game improvement.
Jesus Galindo, North County: The Condors won 21 games, just the second time in the schools 29 year history that the program won 20 or more games.
Dan Powers, Pacific Grove: You don't here much about him. But Powers guided Pacific Grove to an undefeated Mission Trail Athletic League season. In fact, Powers has never lost an MTAL game.
GIRLS
Kevin Martin, North County: Coaching in his 29th and final year, Martin took a team no one expected much off to a share of the Monterey Bay League title.
Heather Stewart, Stevenson: Sure, she was suppose to win. And she did. But 25-2?
Ken Kline, King City: Perhaps a sentimental choice as Kline is stepping down after 29 years. With a little luck at Sunday's seeding meeting, he will be coaching a playoff game for the 27th straight year.
Here are a few names to consider.
We're open to suggestions
BOYS
Alan Green, North Salinas: Returning to the bench after a 15-year absence, Green guided North Salinas to a 17-game improvement.
Jesus Galindo, North County: The Condors won 21 games, just the second time in the schools 29 year history that the program won 20 or more games.
Dan Powers, Pacific Grove: You don't here much about him. But Powers guided Pacific Grove to an undefeated Mission Trail Athletic League season. In fact, Powers has never lost an MTAL game.
GIRLS
Kevin Martin, North County: Coaching in his 29th and final year, Martin took a team no one expected much off to a share of the Monterey Bay League title.
Heather Stewart, Stevenson: Sure, she was suppose to win. And she did. But 25-2?
Ken Kline, King City: Perhaps a sentimental choice as Kline is stepping down after 29 years. With a little luck at Sunday's seeding meeting, he will be coaching a playoff game for the 27th straight year.
playoff predication
It's never to early to be bold about the playoffs.
At least 15 boys and girls basketball teams from Monterey County will be praticing Monday for the postseason. Most won't get past Tuesday.
But if you are picking one team to win a title, it's Palma. The reigning Division IV champions will likely get the No. 1 seed this Sunday.
And more than likely, expect a rematch of last years title game with Menlo. Earlier this year, the Chieftains beat Menlo in a tournament.
If you're looking for a sleeper in the playoffs, keep an eye on North Salinas, who had a 17-game improvement this year.
The Vikings could get bounced in the first round or make a push for the semifinals. They are unpredictable, but entertaining.
As for the girls, Stevenson's 25-2 record is ligit. The problem is Division IV is stacked. Still the three-time MTAL champion Pirates were able to hang with state-ranked Berkeley earlier this year. Lets hope playing in the MTAL didn't set them back.
At least 15 boys and girls basketball teams from Monterey County will be praticing Monday for the postseason. Most won't get past Tuesday.
But if you are picking one team to win a title, it's Palma. The reigning Division IV champions will likely get the No. 1 seed this Sunday.
And more than likely, expect a rematch of last years title game with Menlo. Earlier this year, the Chieftains beat Menlo in a tournament.
If you're looking for a sleeper in the playoffs, keep an eye on North Salinas, who had a 17-game improvement this year.
The Vikings could get bounced in the first round or make a push for the semifinals. They are unpredictable, but entertaining.
As for the girls, Stevenson's 25-2 record is ligit. The problem is Division IV is stacked. Still the three-time MTAL champion Pirates were able to hang with state-ranked Berkeley earlier this year. Lets hope playing in the MTAL didn't set them back.
CCS basketball pairings
The new format that the CCS created this year for the postseason certainly creates an advantage for the higher seeded teams.
Which is how it should be. There has to be a reward for a successful regular season.
By the same token, I'm not sure I want a week off before I have to face a team that perhaps has already played two playoff games.
If you're one of the top four teams in your bracket, you won't play until Saturday. If you're 5-through 8, you don't suit up until Thursday.
Every year there is one lower seeded team that gets screwed in the CCS pairings and comes out and knocks off a higher seeded team or two.
All I'm saying is beware.
Which is how it should be. There has to be a reward for a successful regular season.
By the same token, I'm not sure I want a week off before I have to face a team that perhaps has already played two playoff games.
If you're one of the top four teams in your bracket, you won't play until Saturday. If you're 5-through 8, you don't suit up until Thursday.
Every year there is one lower seeded team that gets screwed in the CCS pairings and comes out and knocks off a higher seeded team or two.
All I'm saying is beware.
2/14/2008
girls hoops
Tonight could be the final games for King City coach Ken Kline and North County coach Kevin Martin.
The two icons are calling it quits after 29 years and over 800 wins between them.
The hope of course, is that both can put off retirement for at least one more week.
A win for North County tonight at Monterey ensures them of no worse than a share of the Monterey Bay League title and automatic bid into the playoffs.
But a loss and the Condors likely slip to third in the MBL. At 14-13 overall, and with more than 16 qualifying teams in Division III, North County could be turning in its uniforms Monday.
For King City to have a shot at going to the playoffs a record 27th straight year, it will have to beat Soledad tonight and hope to sneak in the Division IV playoffs with a .500 league record.
Kline, who has two CCS titles to his credit, has never ended a season with a win.
The two icons are calling it quits after 29 years and over 800 wins between them.
The hope of course, is that both can put off retirement for at least one more week.
A win for North County tonight at Monterey ensures them of no worse than a share of the Monterey Bay League title and automatic bid into the playoffs.
But a loss and the Condors likely slip to third in the MBL. At 14-13 overall, and with more than 16 qualifying teams in Division III, North County could be turning in its uniforms Monday.
For King City to have a shot at going to the playoffs a record 27th straight year, it will have to beat Soledad tonight and hope to sneak in the Division IV playoffs with a .500 league record.
Kline, who has two CCS titles to his credit, has never ended a season with a win.
prep hoops
Palma's loss to North Salinas Wednesday likely won't hurt their chances of earning the No. 1 in the CCS Division IV boys basketball playoffs.
However, if the defending CCS champs fall Friday to Salinas, they could slip behind Menlo to No. 2.
Then again, does it really matter?
I mean, the two Division IV powers will still be in opposite brackets.
Of course, being the No. 2 seed could mean a meeting with Valley Christian of San Jose.
The win for North Salinas was huge. Not for seeding purposes in Divsion I. But for moral.
Remember, the Vikings blew a 22-point fourth quarter lead to Palma in the teams first battle.
With at least 18 teams in Division I with a .500 or better non-league or league record entering the final week of the season, at least two will be home for the postseason.
On the bubble has to be Salinas and Alisal. A win over Palma Friday certainly could help Salinas' case.
Alisal on the other hand is a mystery, having dropped four of its last five. It now sits at 12-11 heading into its TCAL finale Friday with Gilroy.
The Trojans, arguably with the best starting five in the area, just have not been able to put together any type of run.
However, if the defending CCS champs fall Friday to Salinas, they could slip behind Menlo to No. 2.
Then again, does it really matter?
I mean, the two Division IV powers will still be in opposite brackets.
Of course, being the No. 2 seed could mean a meeting with Valley Christian of San Jose.
The win for North Salinas was huge. Not for seeding purposes in Divsion I. But for moral.
Remember, the Vikings blew a 22-point fourth quarter lead to Palma in the teams first battle.
With at least 18 teams in Division I with a .500 or better non-league or league record entering the final week of the season, at least two will be home for the postseason.
On the bubble has to be Salinas and Alisal. A win over Palma Friday certainly could help Salinas' case.
Alisal on the other hand is a mystery, having dropped four of its last five. It now sits at 12-11 heading into its TCAL finale Friday with Gilroy.
The Trojans, arguably with the best starting five in the area, just have not been able to put together any type of run.
2/13/2008
gonzales soccer
Perhaps soccer coaches in the Central Coast Section should reconsider how they seed teams for the playoffs.
Because the format isn't working.
For the second straight season, once beaten Gonzales was seeded a disappointing 14th out of 17 teams in Division II.
Remember, the Spartans are the defending CCS Division II champions.
Not that Gonzales needed an incentive to repeat the feat, but a lack of respect from coaches outside the area didn't hurt.
The Spartans went out and handed No. 2 Santa Cruz a 1-0 defeat. Dating back to last years magicial ride through the postseason, that's five straight wins.
Of course, it's just one win this year. Another higher seed awaits Saturday. But as long as goalkeeper Domingo Uribe is between the pipes, opponents will have trouble scoring against Gonzales.
I get that the Mission Trail Athletic League is not regarded as a power in the CCS. I understand that Gonzales didn't play any high profile teams in non-league.
But you would think a 13-1-2 would warrant a better seed than 14.
Because the format isn't working.
For the second straight season, once beaten Gonzales was seeded a disappointing 14th out of 17 teams in Division II.
Remember, the Spartans are the defending CCS Division II champions.
Not that Gonzales needed an incentive to repeat the feat, but a lack of respect from coaches outside the area didn't hurt.
The Spartans went out and handed No. 2 Santa Cruz a 1-0 defeat. Dating back to last years magicial ride through the postseason, that's five straight wins.
Of course, it's just one win this year. Another higher seed awaits Saturday. But as long as goalkeeper Domingo Uribe is between the pipes, opponents will have trouble scoring against Gonzales.
I get that the Mission Trail Athletic League is not regarded as a power in the CCS. I understand that Gonzales didn't play any high profile teams in non-league.
But you would think a 13-1-2 would warrant a better seed than 14.
2/11/2008
End of an era
If King City doesn't win its final two regular season girls basketball games, it will miss the playoffs for the first time in 27 years.
No program, not even the Palma football program, has had a longer run.
There are players on the Mustangs current team, whose mothers played on the earlier King City playoff teams.
North County can gather no worse than a share of its first Monterey Bay League girls basketball title in eight years with a win on Thursday over Monterey. This is the same North County team that went through a 2-8 stretch in the preseason.
After winning just two games last year, North Salinas has 18 and counting under first year boys basketball coach Alan Green.
If Palma make another CCS title run later this month, it will look back at a win over North Salinas, in which it came back from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter to pull it out. Palma hasn't lost since.
Gonzales can't seem to get any respect from the CCS in boys soccer. Seeded No. 16 last season, the Spartans went out and won the boys Division II soccer title.
Despite a 12-1-5 mark this year, the Spartans received the No. 14 seed. Could we see another magical run?
No program, not even the Palma football program, has had a longer run.
There are players on the Mustangs current team, whose mothers played on the earlier King City playoff teams.
North County can gather no worse than a share of its first Monterey Bay League girls basketball title in eight years with a win on Thursday over Monterey. This is the same North County team that went through a 2-8 stretch in the preseason.
After winning just two games last year, North Salinas has 18 and counting under first year boys basketball coach Alan Green.
If Palma make another CCS title run later this month, it will look back at a win over North Salinas, in which it came back from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter to pull it out. Palma hasn't lost since.
Gonzales can't seem to get any respect from the CCS in boys soccer. Seeded No. 16 last season, the Spartans went out and won the boys Division II soccer title.
Despite a 12-1-5 mark this year, the Spartans received the No. 14 seed. Could we see another magical run?
2/07/2008
new king on wrestling mats
What a job King City has done this year in going undefeated in the Mission Trail Athletic League, wrapping up no worse than a share of the wrestling team title, ending Greenfield's run of seven straight titles.
The Mustangs relied on their depth and quickness to pin teams, building the program from the ground up.
Justin Orozco (171 pounds), Eric Ochoa (152), Michael Ciccarelli (145), Sam Garcia (103) and Rob Ridler (160) all went undefeated in dual meet competition for King City.
How does King City stack up with the powers like San Benito, Palma, Monterey or North County.
Hard to tell. But the program has taken a step in the right direction.
The Mustangs relied on their depth and quickness to pin teams, building the program from the ground up.
Justin Orozco (171 pounds), Eric Ochoa (152), Michael Ciccarelli (145), Sam Garcia (103) and Rob Ridler (160) all went undefeated in dual meet competition for King City.
How does King City stack up with the powers like San Benito, Palma, Monterey or North County.
Hard to tell. But the program has taken a step in the right direction.
2/06/2008
Hoop showdown
Owners of 17 straight wins, Watsonville appears unbeatable down the stretch.
But hold on.
In its path in the Monterey Bay League is North County.
Granted, the Wildcatz beat North County in their first meeting 58-53 on Jan. 22 in Castroville.
Friday's boys basketball battle will be in Watsonville, where the Wildcatz have lost just once — in double overtime to Palma.
That being said, the Condors are having perhaps their best season in school history with a 20-5 overall record.
The Condors only loss in league play came in the fourth game of the season. Ironically, when North County won its only MBL title four years ago, its lone MBL loss came in the fourth game.
For North County to have a shot at a share of the title with Watsonville, its bench will have to come up big. The Condors depth is superior to Watsonville's, who often plays just six players.
Trimming its turnovers is a must for North County. Pounding it inside will free its up preimeter game. Watsonville may have the best starting five in the area.
But hold on.
In its path in the Monterey Bay League is North County.
Granted, the Wildcatz beat North County in their first meeting 58-53 on Jan. 22 in Castroville.
Friday's boys basketball battle will be in Watsonville, where the Wildcatz have lost just once — in double overtime to Palma.
That being said, the Condors are having perhaps their best season in school history with a 20-5 overall record.
The Condors only loss in league play came in the fourth game of the season. Ironically, when North County won its only MBL title four years ago, its lone MBL loss came in the fourth game.
For North County to have a shot at a share of the title with Watsonville, its bench will have to come up big. The Condors depth is superior to Watsonville's, who often plays just six players.
Trimming its turnovers is a must for North County. Pounding it inside will free its up preimeter game. Watsonville may have the best starting five in the area.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
