‘Stangs Jump on ‘Balers Early, Wear Them Out Late; Cruise to
53-40 victory
By Scott Campbell
Gilroy – As far as opening nights go, this one couldn’t have gone much better for the Gilroy boys basketball team. The Mustangs not only posted a big win in their Tri-County Athletic League debut in front of their home fans, but they also did so at the expense of their nemesis, San Benito.
Gilroy (10-6, 1-0 TCAL) jumped out to a quick 12-4 lead and never trailed, using its superior size and an outstanding night of shooting to prevail 53-40.
“Having beaten them, it’s a perfect way to start,” said Mustangs head coach Bud Ogden. “For our seniors … this is something the kids can take with them. A San Benito win? They’re a big rival.”
Two of those seniors were responsible for Gilroy’s hot start. Guard Jeremy Teschera and forward Ryan Chisolm put the Haybalers on their heals from the opening tip, combining for 14 points as the ‘Stangs raced to a 16-10 lead after the first quarter.
“I think it just built up momentum for us,” said Teschera of the early advantage. “It helped us stay focused and let us know that we could win this game.”
Six points in the second quarter from ‘Balers forward Todd Janisch kept Sam Benito within striking distance. Though outsized at every spot on the floor, the gritty ‘Balers hung around and closed within 36-29 in the fourth quarter when sophomore forward Kevin Burley pulled down an offensive rebound and converted the put-back.
Ogden was glad his team was forced to work for the win, calling it a barometer of what the ‘Stangs should expect during the rest of the league season.
“This is what it’s going to be like every night–a dogfight,” said Ogden. “Tonight we got a taste of the physical play that’s going to be part of our future.
The ‘Balers (5-7, 0-1 TCAL) seemed determined to make a late comeback, but it was a 10-second sequence in the third quarter that would ultimately pay crunchtime dividends for the ‘Stangs.
San Benito’s aggressive defense, the offensively-challenged team’s hallmark, took a turn for the worse when the ‘Balers were whistled for four consecutive fouls on a Gilroy possession. With more than a minute remaining in the third quarter, the ‘Stangs would shoot free throws for any San Benito infraction the rest of the way.
Gilroy exploited this advantage by shooting a lights-out 13-15 in its parade to the charity stripe in the final period to secure the victory.
Kameron Handy, who came off the bench to score 14 points, said the ‘Stangs 20-27 performance from the foul line on the night was one of the keys to the win.
“Free throws, free throws and big boards down the stretch,” said Handy, who shot 6-9 from the line and grabbed eight rebounds. “[The foul shots] showed that we’ve practiced them a lot, so it felt good.”
Teschera shared game-high scoring honors with Handy at 14 points and was a perfect 6-6 from the line. Chisolm finished with 12 points and sophomore center Jason Conrad enjoyed a strong overall performance with 10 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.
San Benito head coach John Becerra was impressed with what he saw from the ‘Stangs.
“They’ve got good size, they’re athletic and they shot the ball well today,” said Becerra. “I didn’t think they could shoot the ball that well, but they did.”
Center Dean Wilkins led the ‘Balers with 11 points and five blocks, while forward Daryl Baladad and Janisch contributed nine points a piece.
As for the host ‘Stangs, Ogden had some measured words of confidence and expectation.
“I have high hopes for our team, but … we try not to look too far ahead,” said Ogden.
Nevertheless, the coach continued, “If be disappointed if we’re not at the top [of the TCAL] or near the top when this thing’s over.”
The ‘Stang players were content just to savor the big win over their rivals.
“We’ve been waiting for this game the whole year,” said Teschera. “We knew we had to come out strong for TCAL and [by] beating these guys, there’s no better way to do it.”
