King City basketball

King City Mustangs (16-10, 9-5)
 The Mustangs put together their best season in 14 years last winter with 16 wins, the most since they captured 19 in winning the programs second league title in 70 plus years.
 But there was a price.
 All five starters have graduated. Seven of King City coach Jesus Ramirez's eight-man rotation are no longer sporting the blue and white.
 "That group had been playing together since the seventh grade,'' Ramirez said. "We're going to look different. You don't replace seven key players. It's tough.''
 In others words, it's going to be trial by fire this season for King City, who will be green behind the ears as it learns on the fly.
 "It's going to be a rebuilding process,'' Ramirez said. "I will have a young team. I do believe we have the bodies to remain competitive.''
 The Mustangs return two seniors that were a part of last year's playoff team in guard David Ortiz and 6-foot-4 post Nolan Johnson, who saw limited time off the bench.
 "Both are going to see a lot of time this season,'' Ramirez said. "David was in the rotation. Nolan has worked hard on his game.''
 Ramirez believes junior guard Andres Arellano will make an immediate impact for the Mustangs, as will forward Andy Barrios.
 "This group coming up hasn't been together as long as my last group,'' Ramirez said. "But I do have a couple of kids whose focus is on basketball.''
 Because the Mustangs won't have as much of an offensive presence in the paint, Ramirez is going to push the tempo and pressure teams on defense,  looking for transition points.
 "We're going to be smaller this year,'' Ramirez said. "We have to get out, run and press. What we're missing right now is consistency.''
 King City didn't get off to a great start last year, dropping its first two games. Which is why Ramirez isn't worried about a slow beginning. Still replacing 42 points a night is a task.
 "It's not going to be easy,'' Ramirez said. "The kids need to buy into what we are preaching. We can be competitive. It will be up to them.''