North Salinas boys basketball

North Salinas (8-15, 5-7)
 The belief is last seasons squad left a lasting impression on what steps are needed to challenge for supremacy in the Pacific Division and make a playoff push.
 North Salinas is building off the chemistry it developed last year among those that are back, which include all-leaguer Joshuah Torres.
 Torres, a three-year starter, dropped in just under 12 points a game while leading the team in steals and assists.
 The Vikings are still young, which translates to inexperience at this level. And minus 6-foot-3 Jesus Gonzalez, there is not a lot of height on this roster.
 But this team can shoot with Torres at the point and Julian Toscano on the wing. The pair worked well together at a recent practice, along with sharpshooter Jason Lee.
 North Salinas head coach Alan Green believes the work ethic of those that are back has rubbed off on the youth on this squad.
 This is an energetic group that has been known to spend its lunch hours shooting baskets, making sacrifices to improve.
 One player that has made an impression early in the season is DJ Tennant, whose sister was a two-time member of The Herald's All-County basketball team.
 Rico Vega got some time in last season as a sophomore. He could give North Salinas another man in the paint that can use the glass to knock down shots.
 Depth off the bench will be critical as North Salinas enters league play, particularly for a team that relies on its defense to ignite the offense.