North Salinas girls hoops

 It was an auspicious start to the season - Warrior like - for defending Central Coast Section Division I champion North Salinas.
 Seven straight wins by an average margin of  31 points.
 Pure domination.
 Then came the wake up call during the Christmas Holidays, a 51-point loss to state power Pinewood in a tournament.
 Lesson served.
 What went wrong?
 Nothing.
 Pinewood was legit. Maybe not 51 points better. But very talented.
 No doubt, it opened some eyes about what it takes to get to the next plateau for North Salinas.
 Yet, rather than sulk or dwell on the humbling loss, the Vikings rebounded with a win the following day, then opened Gabilan Division play on Tuesday with a 24-point decision over San Benito.
 There was a purpose in playing in a prestigious tournament.
 Back-to-back CCS titles have not soften North Salinas, who will put its 33 game Gabilan Division winning streak on the line tonight, hosting Christopher.
 The Vikings -- who lost five four-year players from last years title team -- are still a hungry squad, full of pride and driven for a CCS three-peat.
 The only Gabilan Division champion the league has seen since it was formed, North Salinas coach Darren Jackson has watched point guard Jordyn Enos assert herself as the lone returning starter.
 Alissa Foster has become a solid second option while Destiney Urzua has provided quality minutes as a freshman.
 Four straight road games -- included a battle at 11-2 Monte Vista -- loom for North Salinas. Call it a mid-term.