Gilroy still has plenty of talent this year
Gilroy – The controversy that has swirled around Gilroy boys’ basketball will finally come to a conclusion Dec. 1 when the Central Coast Section rules on the eligibility of three student-athletes who transferred.
However, the season opener is three days earlier when the Mustangs welcome Valley Christian to Bob Hagen Memorial Gym.
At this point, an investigation into recruiting is pending, according to CCS commissioner Nancy Lazenby-Blaser. Meanwhile, the three transfers practice with the Mustangs.
“It only bothers you when you think about it,” said Bud Ogden, starting his fourth year as head GHS coach. “Once we get on the floor, we’re pretty focused.”
There is talent beyond Spencer Ford, Lorenzo Dobson and Javin Charlot. Of course with the trio, Gilroy could be a special team.
Only one starter returns from last year’s team that was 11-1 in the Tri-County Athletic League and 21-8. That is 6-10 junior Jason Conrad. Guard Kameron Handy, however, saw significant action and 6-4 forward Marshad Johnson was moved up to varsity for the playoffs.
In fact, Ogden felt Handy gave the Mustangs an added ingredient coming off the bench with his quickness and slashing ability. Despite not starting, Handy earned all-league honors.
GHS will learn much about its team before the TCAL schedule begins with a challenging slate.
“We have a good preseason schedule,” said Ogden. “Valley Christian is always tough. The West Coast Classic has some real good teams.”
Interestingly, the opener is against Valley Christian where Ogden spent 13 years, including three as head basketball coach.
Palma, which handed Gilroy its only conference loss last year, looks once again to be a top TCAL contender.
“We should be very deep,” Ogden said. “We should be able to rebound and we should be able to run. We can be aggressive on the perimeter knowing we have stoppers inside.”
Of course, at this point he doesn’t know how many stoppers he has inside. With the 6-10 1/2 Ford and the 6-7 Dobson added to the much improved 6-10 Conrad, the inside would be the team’s strength. With the 6-1 Charlot, who has played the point all his life, the team would have an excellent field general.
For now, Ogden can only deal with what he has. The three transfers will continue practicing with the team pending the CCS ruling.
He’s hoping the focus can be on the basketball team rather than issues out of his or the team’s control. And yet he knows the ruling will affect everyone involved no matter the outcome.
