Apparently, three times is a charm. Gilroy’s varsity boys
basketball team got its first Tri-County Athletic League victory
against its third league opponent of the season Tuesday night,
defeating the North Salinas Vikings 58-38.
Apparently, three times is a charm.
Gilroy’s varsity boys basketball team got its first Tri-County Athletic League victory against its third league opponent of the season Tuesday night, defeating the North Salinas Vikings 58-38.
The margin of victory was somewhat of a surprise considering the Mustangs had lost seven-straight games entering the contest, and the Vikings had lost just once in 15 games this season. But through the use of a 2-3 zone, excellent rebounding on defense, and an uptempo attack when transitioning to offense, the Mustangs were able to run wild.
Derek Jensen led Gilroy in scoring with 19 points to go with eight rebounds while the Mustangs’ big men, Lorenzo Dobson and Marshad Johnson, combined for 27 rebounds and 13 points. Dobson had seven points and 17 rebounds and Johnson had six points to go with 10 rebounds.
“I think we’ve been playing a lot better since our loss to Palma,” Johnson said after the game. “We’ve been playing more like a team.”
Gilroy lost the TCAL opener to Palma by 20 points on Jan. 8. A four-point defeat to San Benito on Saturday showed progress, but Tuesday’s effort was far and away the best Gilroy has looked since losing center Jason Conrad to injury in December.
Mustangs assistant coach Jeremy Dirks said it was a matter of players getting a better understanding what they need to do.
“When we lost ‘J’ (Conrad), a lot of guys had to figure out their roles,” Dirks said. “Ever since the New Year, I think people realized it’s not going to work going on their own, and they have to work as a team.”
The Mustangs proved that point by taking control of the contest in the second quarter. The Mustangs led 14-12 after one period, but were able to exit the half up 31-17. Gilroy kept playing at high level in the third quarter – despite some turnovers forced by the Vikings’ full-court press – and entered the fourth ahead, 47-30.
Junior forward Justin Wheat provided Gilroy with a spark off the bench, scoring all of his points (10) in the first half. He also grabbed six rebounds.
For a player that was seeing little time on the court to begin the year, Wheat has been taking advantage of recent opportunities.
“It’s because I’ve been picking it up in practice and it’s been showing in my game,” Wheat said.
Other GHS players who provided points include Kendrick Azcueta (two points, five rebounds), Elijah Harrell (six points, four assists), Tyler Hartman (two points, three rebounds) and Spencer Ross, who canned a three-pointer at the final buzzer.
Donte Mosley and Quinczy Spencer had 11 and 9 points, respectively, for the Vikings.
Gilroy is now 7-11 overall, 1-2 in the TCAL. The Vikings dropped their first league game this season and are now 14-2 overall, 2-1 in the TCAL.
Junior Varsity Note:
Gilroy had equal success against a strong North Salinas team Tuesday, defeating the Vikings 62-42.
Raul Quintanar led the Mustangs with 13 points, but a balanced attack is what gave Gilroy the easy win. Dolopo Opere, Dylan Jensen and Max Fishler all had eight points for the Mustangs, and Greg Hamik dished out nine assists.
The junior varsity Vikings had the exact same record as its varsity squad entering the contest at 14-1, making the win all the better according to GHS coach Jay Baksa.
“Any time you can beat an elite team in the TCAL, you gotta feel good about it,” he said.
The Mustangs are now 14-4 overall, 2-1 in league.
Freshmen Note:
Gilroy won a laugher over North Salinas Tuesday afternoon, 58-34.
Cameron Harrell and Cameron Yawary led the Mustangs in scoring with 11 and 19, respectively. Connor Ross added eight points for Gilroy.
With the victory the Mustangs are now 10-8 overall, 1-2 in the TCAL.
