Marina boys basketball

Marina (12-9, 11-1)
 Not only is Marina coming off a league title, but the foundation of a new gym is going up before players eyes.
 "The whole dynamics will change for us when that new gym is finished," Marina coach Ron Powell said.
 Some might argue that Powell has already changed the culture at Marina after guiding the program to an 11-1 Coastal Athletic League record last season.
 "I've built a foundation here," said Powell, who begins his seventh year at Marina. "We're building a winning tradition. Kids are going to want to stay in Marina."
 Of course, as Powell pointed out, the Mariners are a program with a target on their back. Their only league loss last year was an overtime setback to runner-up Gonzales.
 Playing in the Santa Lucia Division this year means Marina has four new opponents that played in higher divisions last season.
"I remind them everyday that we are the defending champions," Powell said. "Gonzales knows we took the title from them. Don't discount Oakwood. The league is balanced."
 While Marina chased perfection in league play last year, it was just 1-8 outside league, falling in the postseason to Seaside. It equaled that mark with a season opening win this year.
 While Powell has as good of a starting five as he's had at Marina, depth is a concern as he will carry just 10 players on his roster.
 "The kids that have stayed in the program expect to win," Powell said.
 That starts with Cottrell Ealey, a three year starter that has been explosive early in non-league play for Marina, averaging 23 points in his first three games.
 "He's off to a good start," Powell said. "If you don't get up on him, he'll stroke the outside. If you get on him, he has the skill to take it to the rack. He's a double-dipper."
 The return of 6-foot-1 three-year starter Edson Ortiz gives Marina a defensive demon that will patrol the paint.
 "I told him the other day he's my Draymond Green," Powell said. "He does the dirty work. He can rebound well and push it. He makes good decisions."
 Marina has a little size in the post with the addition of 6-5 left-handed shooter Joshua Little, who gives them a presence inside with his tenacious defense.
 The most intriguing player for Powell is 6-foot guard Michael Aguilar, who played last year in the Philippines.
 "He still needs to learn the game over here," Powell said. "But he's exciting. He's going to help us a lot."
 So will Michael Norlund with his defense while Adrian Martinez will come off the bench and give Marina a sharpshooter from beyond the 3-point arc.
 "Expectations are to be competitive and defend that title," Powell said. "We're putting Marina on the map. Things are changing for the better."





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