Palma hoops

 The pop quizzes and mid-terms are over.
 Barring an apocalypse, Palma is headed for another league basketball title.
 Looking ahead, the Chieftains (15-2) will likely be put in the Central Coast Section Open Division playoffs again.
 Meaning an automatic trip to the State Northern California Tournament in Division IV.
 Yet, looking at the section tournament, can the Chieftains challenge for a CCS Open Division title?
 Why not?
 Although you just can't turn it on when you want in the playoffs.
 You've got the reigning Gabilan Division Most Valuable Player in Wyatt Maker, who is headed to CSU-East Bay on a scholarship, and has been a double-double machine this season.
 And you've got arguably the best player in the county to date in junior guard Jamaree Bouyea, who can change the complexion of a game in a heartbeat.
 Bouyea put on a show when he was turned loose late in the third quarter in that comeback win over Monte Vista.
 With Bouyea's ability to drive to the basket and knock down jumpers, pick your poison. Come out and defend him on the perimeter and deal with the 6-foot-8 Maker inside.
 Every team has had a sidekick in their quest for a championship.
 But is there enough depth on the Chieftains roster to make a significant run in the postseason?
 Certainly sophomore Garrett Maker can be an impact player. You don't want to leave Jack Brusa alone on the perimeter. And Liam McMillin has been a force defensively inside since coming off the football team.
 Both of Palma's losses this year are to teams that will likely be in the Open Division. It has already avenged one of those setbacks.
 Still, you need production from the bench. In Palma's win over Monte Vista, the bench provided some big defensive stops, but just five points in a 65-57 win.
 Granted, the bench isn't being asked to produce a lot of points. But if you're going to run 10 or 11 guys out on the floor, you can't have lapses in big games.