Mustangs looking for success at Seascape Classic this week
Gilroy – Coach Bud Ogden can only hope that the distractions happen early rather than late in what Gilroy is hoping will be a special season for the boys’ basketball team.
The main distraction, the eligibility of Spencer Ford, Javin Charlot and Lorenzo Dobson, will be determined Friday by the Central Coast Section. But there are others, and they were evident in Tuesday’s loss against Valley Christian as well as with other occurrences away from the court.
The Mustangs are in action at 5pm today against Pioneer in the opening round of the Aptos Seascape Classic. Who will be available is still to be determined.
Kameron Handy was slowed by leg cramps against Valley Christian. Michael Martinez was also injured. That gave Ogden few second-half options against the Warriors, and those he had were light on varsity experience with the exception of Jason Conrad.
“I am resigned to take things one day at a time,” Ogden said.
Conrad and Marshad Johnson have both fought illness, which makes the depth of the squad even more questionable. Also, because of what GHS was missing Tuesday, Valley Christian was able to collapse inside against Conrad.
“They did a great job doubling down on Jason,” Ogden said. “They were so quick in getting in and out that they were able to recover even when we made passes.”
Ogden isn’t sure what to expect from Pioneer, which is playing its season opener.
“They are always well coached and fundamentally sound,” Ogden said. “I expect them to be good, but I don’t expect them to do anything like we saw (against Valley Christian).”
It’s a good bet, since coach Joe Berticevich was present at Tuesday’s game, that Pioneer will utilize fullcourt pressure until GHS shows it can handle it. Besides, there is nobody on the San Jose school’s roster listed at taller than 6-3.
This is the first of three straight weeks of tournament play for Gilroy.
“In tournament play, you have a very short-term goal which is to win the tournament,” Ogden said. “You focus on what has to be done and don’t look too far ahead.”
The only looking ahead for GHS is to Friday’s meeting at the CCS office at which time Ogden will finally learn who is available for the long term.
Aptos Seascape Classic Schedule
San Lorenzo Valley vs. Watsonville, 3:30pm
Pioneer vs. Gilroy, 5pm
Oceana vs. Monte Vista Christian, 6:30pm
San Benito vs. Aptos, 8pm
