Branson-Carmel boys hoops

 Jumping out of their comfort zone, the Padres will face one of the stronger teams in the North Coast Section tonight, hosting Branson of Ross.
 Last year the Bulls went 30-4, posting wins over Palma and Pacific Grove. The program reached the Northern California divisional semifinals before falling to Valley Christian of San Jose.
 One of Branson's (5-2) setbacks this year was to Riordan, who beat Monterey in the Central Coast Section Division III title game last season.
 The Padres are 7-2 on the year, with both losses being by a combined eight points. They played the first five games without three starters.
 Despite missing the first four weeks because of an extended football campaign, J.T. Byrne has been unconscious, averaging a double-double.
 The 6-foot-5 sophomore is dropping in over 20 points a game while guards Kai Lee and Joe Garello are both averaging over 15 points a night.
 Branson's strength starts in the paint with 6-5 Viktor Rajkovic, who is averaging nearly 20 points a game.
 The Bulls are on the peninsula for two games, facing Pacific Grove on Friday.