Tri-County Athletic League play is well underway for both soccer
and basketball and already fans have been treated to upsets or near
upsets, making each and every matchup in the TCAL one to watch.
By Leann Shea
Tri-County Athletic League play is well underway for both soccer and basketball and already fans have been treated to upsets or near upsets, making each and every matchup in the TCAL one to watch.
Last week alone the Acorns boys basketball team nearly pulled off two huge TCAL upsets, first by defeating the tough Palma Chieftains in Salinas to start off TCAL play 1-0. Then the Acorns hosted the Monterey Bay Preps No. 2 ranked team in Gilroy, taking the Mustangs into overtime before being narrowly defeated.
The Live Oak/Gilroy game had everything a fan looks for in a competition; league rivals, the underdog taking it to the favored team, controversial calls and frenzied fans trying to be their team’s sixth man. It will be a game remembered long after Live Oak jumps into the Blossom Valley Athletic League next season.
I think it’s a safe assumption that both Palma and Gilroy underestimated what Live Oak could do and both teams were surprised. I’m sure the Acorns will be given their due the rest of the season, following their performance last week.
The Sobrato Bulldogs boys basketball team has surprised a few people in their inaugural varsity season, opening up TCAL action with wins over Salinas and North Salinas. The 2-0 start gives the young Bulldogs confidence and momentum as they try to achieve their goal of reaching the Cental Coast Playoffs at the end of the season.
Sobrato coach Lawrence Crawford is encouraged by his team’s performance and looks to have continued success as the season progresses and they face top TCAL teams such as Gilroy and Live Oak.
In girls TCAL hoops, the visiting 0-3 San Benito Haybalers gave the 2-1 Lady Acorns a run for their money with a late surge in the second half. The Acorns held on for the 44-38 win, but the ‘Balers made a statement to other TCAL teams, warning if they count Hollister out, they could find themselves beat.
Live Oak, may have also surprised some people, finding themselves in third place in the TCAL, with its only loss coming at the hands of a very good Gilroy Mustang team. You can bet when the Acorns face first place North Salinas (3-0 TCAL) on Wednesday it will be a hard fought battle.
TCAL soccer matchups have also been exciting, with few outcomes assured. The underdog San Benito Haybalers boys squad put a scare into the Acorns, who are favored to win the TCAL, last Tuesday nearly snapping Live Oak’s undefeated streak.
In a penalty marred match, the Acorns were able to come from behind for the win, preserving their undefeated streak, but got a clear wake up call. Live Oak found itself once again trailing to North Salinas on Thursday, but staged a second half comeback to tie the Vikings, keeping their eyes focused on the TCAL crown.
In girls’ action the much anticipated matchup between the Live Oak Acorns and the Gilroy Mustangs in Gilroy has been rescheduled for about the third time. The game was supposed to be played Saturday, but was put off until Monday, January 30, two days after Gilroy travel Live Oak for a regularly scheduled match.
The Acorns/Mustangs matchup is highly anticipated by players, coaches and fans because of the perceived bad blood following last season’s CCS seedings. Despite winning the TCAL crown and finishing league undefeated, the Acorns were given a lower seeding than the second place Mustangs last season.
Next week Live Oak and Gilroy will have two chances to exert their dominance in the last two times these team will meet in league play. Those games should make everyone’s must see list.
My point to the mini league wrap up is just like in college and professional sports, whenever teams take the court or field, their records are reset to 0-0. Just because a team seems insurmountable, doesn’t mean the 0-5 underdogs can’t slay them.
If you haven’t been out to see any TCAL games this season, I recommend you do your best to take one in this week. You don’t want to be the only who didn’t see the blown call, amazing last second shot or diving save.
LeAnn Shea is the sports editor of the Morgan Hill Times. She can be reached at ls***@*************es.com
