Stevenson-Carmel boys hoops

 For a program that reached the State Northern California DV tournament last season, fighting for a playoff spot this year has been puzzling for the Pirates.
 Then again, this was about the time of year that Stevenson went on a run that catapulted them into the tournament.
 As the Pirates look to get on track, Carmel is trying to rebound from a loss to resurgent King City as both teams begin the second half of the Mission Trail Athletic League season tonight.
 The Padres, behind four-year starter John Stivers, opened league play with a four-point win over Stevenson on Jan. 6.
 Stivers has been a double-double machine, averaging 19.3 points and nearly 12 rebounds a game. Teammate Dylan Riley has bounced back from a knee injury last season, averaging 14.2 points.
 Pirates sharpshooter Parker Olin has increased his scoring average this season almost five points a game to 19.3, having knocked down 48 3-point goals.
  Yet, in Stevenson's three MTAL losses, it has been held under 50 points each game. By comparison, it is averaging 65.5 points in four league wins.