Palma basketball

 It's a calmer scene on the Palma bench this year.
 That does not mean first year coach Kelly Lopez is less intense.
 He just handles it a different way.
 Palma is still a defensive minded team first, although that didn't show up in giving up 66 points in a loss to 7-1 Santa Cruz in the Scattini Tournament title game.
 What Lopez is trying to create is a different vibe on offense.
 He's got size in the paint in 6-foot-8 Wyatt Maker, who has been named to two all-tournament teams.
 And he's got a playmaker still getting his feet wet in sophomore Jamaree Bouyea.
 Maker can be a disruptive force in the paint. For him to avoid double teams, you've got to have an outside presence. Better ball movement is critical.
 Palma's bench is deep and loaded with experience. Players like seniors Matt Lucas and Marquess Cannon can provide an instant spark.
 Players willing to accept their roles will go a long ways in dictating the Chieftains season.