Pacific Grove boys basketball

Pacific Grove (17-8, 11-3)
 Two losses by a combined three points -- one at home to a sub .500 team -- ended the Breakers run of four straight league titles.
 Regaining a strangle hold on a league title will have to come in a different setting, as Pacific Grove is now a member of the Mission Division, with five new league opponents.
 "I think the league will be extremely competitive, with each team having a legitimate shot to win the title," Pacific Grove coach Dan Powers said. "We hope to be competitive."
 Having not missed the postseason since the turn of the millennium suggests that won't be an issue for the Breakers.
 Mixed in with a pair of three year starters this winter for the Breakers will be five sophomores and a freshman.
 It's an interesting mix Powers will put on the floor. He did not bring up six underclassmen to watch and learn.
 "I am excited about the potential of this group," Powers said. "It is a nice mix of veterans and young talent. This group has worked hard in the summer and fall."
 Translation.
 The Breakers are an unselfish group with no individual agendas this season. This isn't a rebuilding year, rather a retooling process.
 "We hope to keep improving on a daily basis," Powers said.
 Powers' arsenal of options starts with all-leaguer Jack Sendell and Josh Cryns, two players starting their third years on the varsity, having combined for 90 3-point goals last winter.
 A sharpshooter, Sendell averaged 9.8 points a game last year, while draining a team high 53 3-point goals. Cryns averaged 8.2 points, knocking down 37 shots from beyond the 3-point arc.
 "Those are our leaders," Powers said.
 It won't hurt having junior Tyler Christianson back and his 25 3-point goals while senior Keith Ray will provide a defensive presence.
 "Each year we try and focus on improving on defense," Powers said. "Rebounding and the ability to take care of the ball. For us to have a chance to succeed, we need to improve in these areas."
 As for the new faces, keep an eye on sophomore Maximilian Podell, who will contend for a starting job for the Breakers.
 "Focusing on the details of the game will be critical in order to be successful," Powers said.