Hartnell men's basketball

Hartnell (13-13, 5-7)
 When you have one of the states top returning playmakers and defensive demons returning, that's a good starting point for the Panthers.
 You can build a program around returning all-conference selection Spencer Conrad, who balled for Hartnell last year, averaging a team high 17.1 points a game.
 Yet, where Conrad made his mark was as a distributor, finishing fourth in the state in assists at 6.3. His defense was even better, finishing second in the state in steals at 3.5.
 The 6-foot-2 guard has been in double-digits in the scoring column all season for the Panthers, while sitting at No. 7 in the state in assists at 6.2, and No. 6 in steals at 3.2.
 In addition to averaging 17.3 points through the first four weeks of the season, Conrad is also pulling down 9.5 rebounds.
 "Beating a couple of contenders early in the season from the north and south was a good start to our season," Hartnell coach Andy Vasher said. "Our outlook is good."
 Conrad will not have to carry the scoring burden this year with the addition of freshman Taylor Cox, who is averaging nearly 17 points a game for the Panthers
 The 6-1 Cox is a sharpshooter, hitting nearly 40 percent of his attempts from beyond the 3-point arc in non-conference play.
 The return of Alisal High graduate Rene Hurtado gives Hartnell a presence in the paint and another solid outside shooter.
 The 6-6 Hurtado averaged just under 10 points a game last year for the Panthers, while pulling down 3.9 rebounds.
 Vasher has some depth with a strong cast of freshman, starting with Salinas High products Daniel Bost and David Orozco.
 "They are going to get their share of minutes," Vasher said.
 Both are coming off the bench and giving the Panthers big minutes and a little scoring, with the 6-1 Bost dropping in a season high 16 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the 3-point arc against Moorpark.
 Orozco has provided Hartnell with defensive energy off the bench.
 With the Panthers first three games decided by three, five and three points, and nine freshman on the roster, Vasher has used a small rotation in non-conference play.
 The hope is that will change before the conference season begins.