Carmel boys basketball

Carmel (17-9, 12-2)
 There is no shortage of size in the paint for the Padres.
 Four players stand 6-feet-4 or taller, meaning ball control is being stressed this season.
 That's not to suggest Carmel can't get out and run with a slew of lightening fast guards.
 Yet, it's no secret where the ball is going this season. It's the same place it's gone the last three years -- into the hands of 6-4 senior John Stivers.
 The Mission Trail Athletic League Player of the Year in his first two seasons, and the Player of the Year last winter, Stivers has averaged a double-double in each of his first three years.
 While he's built like a post player at 235 pounds, Stivers might be the Padres best outside shooter, meaning opponents have to respect his jumper on the perimeter.
 What should enhance Stivers' game this season is the return of 6-5 Dylan Riley, who blew out his knee last year after starting as a sophomore.
 It won't be uncommon for head coach Rich Franks to put three players on the court that stand 6-4 or taller as Joe Curtis provides a presence in the paint with good post up moves.
 Taking better care of the ball has been a priority during the non-league season. That starts with point guard Sam Snowden and shooting guard Marco Giangiorgi
 For the first month of the season, Carmel had just a handful of players at practice because the rest of them were still playing football.
 Still, one of the first things Stivers talked about in his first week of practice was the chemistry that this group already had developed.
 Carmel has gone 35-5 in MTAL play in Stivers' first three years with two league titles. Opponents are going to focus their attention on him.
 And while he can put this team on his shoulders, he won't be the lone option in the Padres bid to reclaim the league title.