Palma-Salinas hoops

 You knew this was coming.
 A battle for supremacy in the Gabilan Division from two rivals separated by a block.
 Maybe it didn't start off exactly how Salinas planed with a season opening loss to Monte Vista.
 Yet, the Cowboys have rebounded well with a four-game winning streak going into Wednesday's battle with rival and Gabilan Division leader Palma.
 While the Chieftains have been a machine in the Gabilan Division with wins by 18, 30, 28, 20 and 20 points, Salinas has been building momentum and confidence the last two weeks.
 Which is critical going into a battle for first with an opponent that has won the last seven meetings between them. In fact, Salinas hasn't won a game at Palma since 2011.
 Ironically, that was the year the Cowboys won the league title.
 Salinas has to neutralize 6-foot-8 Palma junior Wyatt Maker in the paint. Don't be surprised to see a committee approach with Nat Hunsdorfer and LaRon Logwood.
 While Willie Gray has warmed to the rims on the perimeter for the Cowboys, there may not be a more explosive guard on the floor than Palma sophomore Jamaree Bouyea.
 The Chieftains defense and bench have worn down opponents all season.