Alvarez boys basketball

Alvarez (15-10, 6-6)
 With Alisal no longer in the Pacific Division, the chase for a title is wide open. Put the Eagles in that conversation as title contenders.
 This was a young team last year with just two seniors on the roster. Alvarez grew into one as the season progressed, learning as it went along.
 "This group grew in their confidence level, their skill set and most importantly their basketball IQ,'' Alvarez coach Mark Haddan said.
 Eight returning players saw significant action last season for Haddan, three of which are returning starters for the Eagles.
 A good starting point for the Eagles is returning all-league guard Danny Aguillon, who showed his range from the outside, as well as the ability to create off the dribble.
 The return of Marc Flores and Michael Ramirez give Alvarez two players not afraid to play defense and run in transition.
Teammate Van Limosnero was named to an all-tournament team earlier this month "We expect to be in the hunt for the Pacific Division title,'' said Haddan, who has taken the Eagles to the playoffs six straight years.
 Four sophomores saw extensive action last year, including Devin Foster, who provided Alvarez with a presence in the paint. Jacob Gomez and Efrain Perez are a year older, wiser and better.
 The Eagles youth was evident last season with their inconsistency. World beaters one night, lost the next. Yet, a six-game winning streak was a small sample size of what could be in store this winter.