The high-flying Gilroy boys basketball team took third place in
the 25th Annual Aptos Seascape Classic Saturday, defeating Pioneer
High School 59-50 to rebound from a loss to Watsonville a day
prior.
The high-flying Gilroy boys basketball team took third place in the 25th Annual Aptos Seascape Classic Saturday, defeating Pioneer High School 59-50 to rebound from a loss to Watsonville a day prior.
Jason Conrad was named to the All-tournament team as he collected his fourth double-double effort (18 points, 20 rebounds) in as many games, leading Gilroy (3-1) to victory.
“I thought we did a better job,” GHS Assistant Coach Jeremy Dirks said. ” Lorenzo (Dobson) and Jason came to play.”
Dobson was also a force in the Classic, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds against Pioneer.
“[Dobson] was very aggressive on the boards and going through to the hole,” Dirks said.
Another Mustang that stepped up his play was Kendrick Azcueta, who scored all 7 of his points on free throws in the final minutes of the game.
“[Azcueta] played really well on defense, too,” Dirks added.
The Mustangs will have a much tougher task in their 7 p.m.. home opener tonight against Oakland Tech.
“I think it will be a really tough game,” Dirks said. “I think we’re better basketball players than them, but they press, they’re going to force turnovers. And that’s something we’re having a real problem with.”
The team could receive a boost by adding several players to the roster who are no longer playing football.
Senior Marshad Johnson could see some time on the floor tonight despite limited practice time, and junior Tony Travis is also expected to join the team.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Gilroy’s varsity girls basketball teams performed well under unusual circumstances in the Mustang Classic taking place this past weekend.
Split the team in half after a school dropped out of the tournament, Gilroy B finished in third by beating North Monterey County High School. Gilroy A also won a game shorthanded, beating Gunderson before a tough loss to St. Francis the following day.
“The girls gave their all and that’s all that can be asked,” Coach James Wilkins said. “Having to split up (our roster), it did a lot for our team. It got our girls, our non-starters and the bench, a chance to start and face stiff competition.”
The girls team will now regroup in preparation for its game at 7 p.m Tuesday at Sobrato High School.
Note: The Gilroy freshman team was asked to fill a spot in the junior varsity bracket, and managed to take third place in the tournament.
BOYS Soccer
Gilroy’s varsity boys soccer team accomplished its first goal of the season, advancing out of group play in the Homestead Cup with a 2-1 victory over Leland High School Saturday.
The team dropped a game to Piedmont Hills 2-1 Monday, but by then the Mustangs (3-1) had already locked up a spot in the Cup’s round of 16, which will feature games from Dec. 17 through the 23rd when the tournament resumes play.
Freshman Jorge Sanchez scored Gilroy’s lone goal in the game Monday, as the team played primarily reserves and newcomers to the varsity level.
Taking a corner kick from Oscar Zuniga, Sanchez went unmarked and met the ball at the near post for a header past the keeper.
“Piedmont was just a little overwhelming in the midfield with their speed,” GHS Co-Head Coach Armando Padilla said. “We couldn’t find anyone in our midfield to contain their speed.”
The coach added, however, that the team took a more reserved approach to the contest since Gilroy had already advanced with a victory over Leland two days earlier.
“Some of our bench players got a lot of playing time today, and because we’ve already advanced we were able to afford to do that,” Padilla said.
On Saturday, Marcial Gonzalez and Bruce Ocana both netted goals, with Jose Armando Hernandez and Zuniga assisting, respectively.
The team’s next matches should provide a clearer picture of where the Mustangs are at to begin the season. Archbishop Mitty will be in Gilroy on Wednesday (6 p.m.) and Bellarmine Prep, the school Gilroy beat in last year’s Central Coast Section Championship game, will come to town on Friday (6 p.m.)
“This (week) will definitely be a good measuring stick for us,” Padilla said.
