Pacific Grove boys basketball

Pacific Grove (21-5, 13-1)
 It wasn't a coincidence that the Breakers run off three straight Mission Trail Athletic Leagues titles had something to do with three-time league MVP Brad Sendell roaming the floor.
 The sharpshooting guard is now a contributor for Monterey Peninsula College. Filling that role may be a committee approach for Pacific Grove.
 "I think every year in high school, you adjust and try and play to the strengths of your team,'' Pacific Grove coach Dan Powers said. "Our strength is our toughness and high basketball IQ.''
 Pacific Grove hasn't missed the playoffs since 1991. During its 27 year postseason streak, it has won 15 league titles, two CCS crowns and one Northern California Division IV title.
 The Breakers do not have that one player that they can put on their shoulders to carry them, as has been the case the last four years.
 Yet, there's a core from last year that provided glimpses of what they could provide when put in the spotlight.
 Among them was Jalen Killian, whose confidence grew over the course of the season, particularly with his jump shot in big moments.
 "We have a highly coachable group that wants to improve each day,'' Powers said. "My concern at this point is how do we handle adversity throughout the season and our ability to improve.''
 Ian Fox Sinclair and Tyler Poppino gave Pacific Grove big minutes in the paint last year with their defense. Both will be asked to provide a little more offense inside the key.
 Powers brought up three sophomores last season -- none of which were there to sit. Among them is Jack Sendell, who came off the bench and gave Pacific Grove quality minutes.
 Powers has another sophomore this winter he believes came be an impact player in Josh Cryns, who practiced at times with the varsity last season as a freshman.
 "I like this group,'' said Powers, who went over 200 wins as a coach earlier this month. "There is a lot of potential. How we improve in practice will dictate how we compete in league.''