Alvarez boys basketball

Alvarez (17-8, 10-2)
 Having just one starter back in the fold from a 17 win team doesn't mean it's a transition season for the Eagles.
 No doubt, this group is young and lacks experience at this level. Yet, there is optimism that Alvarez can contend for supremacy in the Pacific Division.
 And why not?
 Having Blake Kunkle back in the lineup is a good starting point for Alvarez. The junior forward got better as the season progressed last year, making an impact.
 While the 6-foot-4 Kunkle acknowledged that the Eagles have a lot to work on, he believes utilizing everyone's talents on the hardwood will keep this squad in the title chase.
 It will not hurt having KJ Matthews back for a full season. The senior guard is an impact player on the offensive end of the floor.
 Sophomore Mike Ramirez got his feet wet last year as a freshman for the Eagles, and looks far more confident this season as a playmaking guard.
 Eagles head coach Mark Haddan went into December still unsure who would fill out his roster as 20 players were battling for 15 spot.
 One player expecting to make a bigger contribution this winter is 6-foot-1 Gilbert Ceja, who showed flashes of his potential last year off the bench.
 Haddan wasn't afraid of Alvarez taking its lumps in the preseason. The objective was to be ready for the start of league play.