Alvarez basketball

Alvarez Eagles (11-13, 6-6)
 The playoffs have been a part of the equation at Alvarez for the last five years. Don't expect that to change this season.
 What will be different for the Eagles this winter is experience. The core from last year's group are all back, a year older, stronger and wiser.
 "We will be young again,'' Alvarez coach Mark Haddan said. "But there's more experience and depth off the bench.''
 Haddan expected to take his lumps last season after going on a youth movement. Yet, the Eagles got better as the season progressed, extending their postseason run.
 Alvarez closed the regular season by winning three of its final four games. Now, can it bottle that momentum going into this year?
 It won't hurt having its top three scorers from last season back in the lineup, starting with 6-foot-4 Blake Kunkel, who led the team in scoring and rebounds.
 Looking to feed Kunkel the ball is point guard Marc Flores, who last year as a sophomore, finished among the team leaders in assists and points.
 Gilbert Ceja became a contributor on the wing last season for the Eagles, giving them three players that combined to average roughly 30 points a game.
 The Eagles inexperience was evident in tight games last winter as they were 1-4 in battles decided by four points or less.
 Consistency is what Haddan is preaching and looking for this winter. Five times Alvarez produced 70 plus points. Five times it was held under 42 points.
 While the starting five is talented enough to make a run at the Pacific Division title, what Haddan believes is the key is the bench.
 "You can't replace game experience,'' Haddan said.
 And that's what the Eagles have this year with nine returning players, including three sophomores that gained confidence and experience in what was suppose to be a rebuilding year.