Monterey boys basketball

Monterey (25-4, 9-3)
 There was no pressure on the Toreadores last year with four sophomores filling four spots -- that is until they started the year with a school record 17 straight wins.
 Of course, being humbled by Palma brought them back down to earth, not once but twice during the regular season.
 Rattled? A little.
 Yet, what wasn't shaken was their confidence, particularly in the postseason as Monterey recovered to capture the programs first Central Coast Section divisional title.
 The fab four in Evans Charles, Mohammed Adam, Mohanid Adam and Tahjae Ordonio are back for an encore -- minus Ordonio's other brother Kobe, who is playing at Cabrillo College this winter.
 "I still don't think they realize what they accomplished,'' Monterey coach Greg Daniels said. "I don't know if they understood the moment. They're still only juniors.''
 Yet, these are the leaders of a program that is expected to take another step forward this year -- and perhaps land in the Open Division for the postseason.
 The foursome made up over 40 points of offense last season for Monterey, with Ordonio knocking down 49 3-point goals. The four scored 50 of the teams 57 points in their opener. All four are averaging over 10 points a game through four games.
 "The kids put pressure on themselves,'' Daniels said. "These kids plan on playing in college. So that is pressure in itself.''
 The versatility in this group will make them difficult to stop. As long as they remain unselfish, this will be the team to beat in the Gabilan Division.
 "People expect us to win the title this year,'' said Daniels. "Especially when it comes to Palma. We have a long ways to go still.''
 If the Toreadores have any issues, it will be their depth. The bench will be a cast of unknowns filling roles this winter.
 One player that Daniels has been high on is senior Mark Rimas, who has been with the program for four years, playing sparingly last season.
 "He got a lot better in practice going up against these guys last year,'' Daniels said. "He dedicated himself in the off-season. He's a solid shooting guard.''
 Daniels, who is beginning his 17th year at Monterey -- 13 as a head coach, likes the camaraderie the players have with each other on and off the court.
 "This group has been playing together a long time,'' Daniels said. "We played a lot of games over the summer. They are not just teammates, they're friends. That will stand out early.''