Marina boys basketball

Marina (3-19 1-11)
 The excitement of a new gym being built isn't the only reason there is optimism. There is also some talent walking around the Mariners campus.
 The group of sophomores head coach Ron Powell brought up last year are maturing into players that will make Marina a threat in the Coastal Athletic League.
 "We have a group of skilled players who understand our offensive schemes this year,'' Marina coach Ron Powell said. "They have put in the work in the off-season to improve their game.''
 Among them is playmaker Edson Ortiz, who was named to the Mission Trail Athletic League's all-defensive team last season as a sophomore.
Two players that saw extensive time as well last year as sophomores for the Mariners include Elijah Fernandez and Cottrell Ealey.
 "These kids have grown up and become solid players,'' Powell said.
 Marina was just 2-22 over the last two years in the MTAL. Most of the setbacks have been double digit losses.
 But its stay in the CAL could be brief. Powell expected to take his lumps last year. That won't be the case this year with the return of seniors Jordan Chaty and Fermin Gabot.
"With the move to the CAL, our expectations are high on having a successful season,'' Powell said.
 Gobot brings a winning attitude to the program, having helped lead the Mariners football team to a school record five wins.
  Powell also has some size in the paint with Justin Quenga and transfer Josh Little. He's also high on freshman Jaide Russell.
 "The kid can go,'' Powell said.
 The last time Marina was in the CAL, it went undefeated in capturing the programs only league title in 2009 with a 14-0 record
 Its last winning season came in 2011, its second season in the MTAL. Over the last six years, it has won 14 league games.