Alvarez boys basketball

Alvarez (14-11, 9-3)
 A late surge that saw Alvarez average over 80 points a game in its final three regular season games could be a sign of things to come this winter.
 Three of those sharpshooters are back for the Eagles, who will compete in the Mission Division of the Pacific Coast Athletic League this year.
 "We know we can score," Alvarez coach Mark Haddan said. "Our emphasis in practice has been on rebounding and defense."
 That starts with 6-foot-3 Devin Foster, who provides a presence in the paint with his defense, yet can bounce out to the perimeter and drain jump shots.
 "He can hit the three or take it inside," said Haddan, of his top returning scorer from last year.
 While defense is a work in progress, there is no question Alvarez can light up a gym with its arsenal of weapons.
 Guards Ven Limosnero, Efrain Perez and Jacob Gomez are players Haddan brought up three years ago as sophomores to provide depth.
 Now it's their turn to lead by example as the Eagles take aim at an eighth straight trip to the playoffs.
 "The strength of this team is our guards," Haddan said
 That would include Isaiah Rodriguez, who might be the teams best shooter from beyond the 3-point line, finishing second on the team in three's last season.
 "He is a deadly 3-point threat," Haddan said.
 Rodriguez lit it up at the Eagle Classic, averaging 18 plus points a game in earning tournament Most Valuable Player honors.
 What Haddan is counting on is more of a presence in the paint. Not only is Foster back, but 6-foot-3 sophomore Jordan Lopez was brought up to strengthen the teams defensive front.
 "He is going to help," Haddan said.
 What Alvarez needs to learn is how to finish games. Last year it was 0-4 in games decided by four points or less, including two league games. It finished one game out of first.