Gonzales boys basketball

Gonzales (13-12, 10-2)
 Certainly it didn't hurt being dropped a division last year for the Spartans, who had a resurgence on the hardwood in finishing second in the Coastal Athletic League and making the playoffs.
 Expectations change when you taste success. Confidence grows. There is a belief that the program is pointed in the right direction.
 And why not.
 Ten players are back from last year's team, which will compete in the Santa Lucia Division this year, including Pablo Villasenor and his 17 points and 17 rebounds a game.
 The 6-foot-5 four-year starter is bringing momentum with him into the league season, having played on the league championship football team.
 Gonzales coach Bo Buller has another four year starter to aid in leadership in Isaiah Banuelos, who dropped in a team high 18.5 points a game last season.
 "How this team blends together under Ruben's (Alvarado) offense is critical,'' Buller said. "And can we raise our defensive IQ against better competition this year?"
 Gonzales was just 2-11 outside of league play last year. Yet, being battled tested served its purpose once it entered league play.
 Brought up last year as a freshmen, Xavier Cervantes will be asked to run the point and be the teams playmaker. The difference this winter is he's not learning on the fly.
 Cervantes is one of five sophomores on the roster, all of which spent time on the varsity last year as freshmen.
 For defensive prowess, Buller will look to Gonzalo Villagomez, who earned second team honors last year for Gonzales.
 "He's our defensive stalwart," Buller said.
 Villagomez played some point last year, leading the Spartans in assists.
 Gonzales has depth coming off the bench, starting with returning guard Johnathan Ganaden and all-league baseball standout Xando Mendez.
 With five players coming out a month late because of extended seasons in football and cross country, Buller has only had his entire team together for two weeks.
 "We'll use December as a development period to prepare for success in league play," Buller said.