No, this isn't just another regular season basketball game.
Monterey's school record breaking 17-0 start isn't an accident. Neither is Palma's run of 33 straight Gabilan Division wins that dates back to 2014.
One streak will end Wednesday when the Toreadores host the defending league champions.
"Up until last week, I didn't know what day this game was,'' Monterey coach Greg Daniels said.
I'm not buying it coach.
Particularly after the Toreadores had to charge back from a double-digit deficit to beat Monte Vista last Friday.
"I was concerned how we'd respond,'' Daniels said. "We're a young team.''
Apparently one where the moment hasn't been to big for a group of four sophomores all averaging close to 10 points a game.
Monterey's identity this winter has been its defense and discipline. You can make the argument that is what carried the Chieftains to the State Division IV finals last year.
That and reigning Gabilan Division MVP Jamaree Bouyea, who hasn't played a lot in the second half in league play -- particularly in the fourth quarter.
The average margin of victory for the Chieftains through five league games has been 38 points, with three of those wins being by 40 plus points.
"You still have to stop Jamaree,'' Daniels said.
Contain might be a better word.
You can't discount Nikhil Manimaram, who has become a solid second option for Palma and Garrett Maker. Cameron Jones and his 6-foot-5 frame could create problems for Monterey in the paint.
For as gifted as Bouyea is for Palma, the Toreadores have a difference maker themselves in senior Kobe Ordonio, who is dropping in 17 plus points a game.
The senior has relinquished some of his shots by getting the sophomores involved. As a result, his shooting percentage is up while the Fab Four are averaging a combined 40.8 points a game.
More importantly Monterey is moving the ball around with an unselfish attitude, as five different players have led the team in scoring this year, including sophomore Mohammed Adam.
Tahjae Ordonio has been a sniper on the outside for Monterey, coming off the bench and dropping in a Gabilan Division high 40 3-point goals.
The one common opponent is defending CCS DIV champion Pacific Grove, which Palma beat by six points while Monterey had a six-point lead until a basket at the buzzer cut it three.
If Toreadores want to keep this run going, they can't afford to get outrebounded like they did in that battle against Pacific Grove.
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