Boys tournament thoughts

 You have to be impressed with the effort Salinas put up in knocking off previously unbeaten Shasta in the opening round of the Scattini basketball tournament at Palma.
 Prior to suffering a 21-point loss to the Cowboys, Shasta's average margin of victory in its first six games had been 20.2 points a game.
 Since opening the season with two straight setbacks, Salinas has gone 3-1. Brothers David and Isaiah Orozco combined for 35 points in the win over Shasta.
 Palma, who won the tournament last year, rolled to a 64-48 win over Alvarez behind 18 points from four-year starter Garrett Maker.
 No team had a more gutty effort than Seaside, who due to injuries and personal issues, had just six players suited up in a 54-40 loss to 6-1 Soquel.
 The Spartans may have also found a player as point guard Terrance Hawkins was brought up from the junior varsity and responded with an 18 point effort, knocking down five 3-point goals.
 Defending Carmel Classic tournament champion Monterey began defense of its title with a 69-43 win over Encalon, using 16 points from Mohamed Adam.
 The reigning Central Coast Section Division III champion Toreadores have consistency had four players in doubles figures this winter.
 Monterey will now get 5-0 Santa Cruz, who disposed of host Carmel 62-44 behind Max Dehart's 22 points.