Carmel-Alisal boys hoops

 The defending three-time league champion Trojans begin defense of their crown tonight against the newest member of the Gabilan Division.
 Alisal is living proof that a move to the Gabilan is not a death sentence, having posted a 10-2 record last year to capture the title after two straight Pacific Division championships.
 The Padres come into the Gabilan having swept through the old Mission Trail Athletic League with a youthful group, anchored by sophomore J.T. Byrne.
 The 6-foot-5 Byrne has been a double-double machine for Carmel, averaging over 22 points a game, complementing the perimeter games of Kai Lee and Joe Garello.
 While Carmel had an emotional battle with Pacific Grove on Wednesday, the Trojans haven't played since a Dec. 28 win over Los Gatos.
 Sebastian Reynoso has been a beast in the paint, averaging over 25 points and nearly 15 rebounds a game for Alisal while Josue Gil-Silva continues to light it up from the outside.
 Alisal has four players that have been playing on the varsity since their freshman seasons, including Ronaldo Enriquez, Ulysses Mendoza, Israel Corona and Vincent Gonzalez.
 The Padres counter with defensive demon Zack DeZee, while Hunter Heger and Parker Peavey have been offensive contributors.
 While Carmel (9-3) is undefeated on the road, both of Alisal's (11-2) setbacks have come at home.