San Benito’s one-point halftime deficit appeared to be an
aberration as the Haybalers routed visiting Santa Cruz in the
second half last Friday night, defeating the visiting Cardinals
77-55.
San Benito’s one-point halftime deficit appeared to be an aberration as the Haybalers routed visiting Santa Cruz in the second half last Friday night, defeating the visiting Cardinals 77-55.
Led by 16 points each from Kevin Burley and Brian Haggett, the ‘Balers outscored Santa Cruz 47-24 in the second half.
Jason Canchola had one of his best performances of the season, pouring in 15 points behind a pair of 3-pointers for San Benito. Jamil Taylor also had a strong game with 11 points and five rebounds, while Marty Bueno sparked the offensive movement in the first quarter with 12 assists to go along with eight points.
The ‘Balers will now compete in the 8-team Christmas Condor Classic at North Monterey County.
Before last Friday’s game, coach John Becerra said he’d like to see a more disciplined team at the Condor Classic, which starts today in Castroville. But Becerra’s wish was granted against Santa Cruz, as the ‘Balers played “outstanding basketball,” not to mention disciplined basketball, in the second half.
“It was just good basketball, just sharing the ball. It was fantastic,” Becerra said. “They didn’t complain about the calls. There were some terrible calls, but they controlled themselves emotionally.”
Winning the turnover battle against Santa Cruz (21-17), the ‘Balers shot an impressive 34 of 60 (57 percent) from the field. San Benito’s transition offense and tight passes provided high-percentage shots, often leading to open attempts on the floor or short jumpers in the paint.
“Get up and go. Let’s attack them,” Becerra said. “Transition basketball will be a big part of our scoring.”
Capitalizing on point guard Bueno’s many assists, Haggett (five assists) shot 8 of 11 from the field, while in the paint, Burley (nine rebounds) shot 7 of 11 individually.
Bueno triggered a 10-0 run off the bench in the first quarter, and put the ‘Balers out ahead 18-11 after one. San Benito held a 10-point lead in the second until the Cardinals opened a 9-0 run to finish the half and take a narrow 31-30 lead.
From there, though, San Benito’s quick transition game put a spotlight on every Cardinal mistake. Despite 7 of 17 shooting from the free-throw line and 2 of 10 shooting from the behind the arc, San Benito pocketed 16 points off Santa Cruz turnovers, much of them coming on fastbreak opportunities.
“Sharing the ball and lay-ups,” Becerra said proudly. “The second half was just outstanding basketball.”
Tonight, San Benito (7-4) will open the Condor Christmas Classic against San Lorenzo Valley (2-8), losers of their last three games. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m.
Note: Tim Von Urff had five assists and five rebounds to go along with four points … San Lorenzo Valley’s two wins on the season have come against Soledad (51-40) and San Benito’s Tri-County Athletic League rival Gilroy (61-60).
Team 1 2 3 4 F
SB 18 11 23 24 77
SC 11 20 10 14 55
SB (77) – Bueno 3-8 2-4 8, Burley 7-11 2-2 16, Canchola 6-8 1-2 15, Haggett 8-11 0-0 16, Medina 0-2 1-2 1, Pina 1-2 0-2 2, Taylor 5-8 1-2 11, Von Urff 2-5 0-1 4, Zanella 2-3 0-2 4.
Three-point goals – Canchola 2.
Boys basketball
Alisal 73, Anzar 50
Salinas
Up against Division I Alisal of the Tri-County Athletic League, the Anzar Hawks battled early but couldn’t keep pace with the host Trojans last Saturday and fell 73-50.
Erik Olson had 21 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double performance, as well as four assists and three blocks. Tavo Indarose added 15 points behind three 3-pointers and Steven Mockabee had nine points to go along with five assists, three steals and a pair of boards.
“The kids played hard,” coach Ed Cecena said. “Overall, I was pretty happy with the hustle and the way they stayed positive.”
Anzar stayed with the Trojans early, trailing by only four points after one quarter to last season’s Central Coast Section DI qualifier. But Alisal opened the door in the second quarter, and pushed ahead 43-25 at the half after outscoring the Hawks 25-11 in the second stanza.
Nonetheless, Cecena was pleased with the way his team played hard in the second half and “hung in there.”
Anzar will open the Bulldog Chase Tournament at Sobrato High School in Morgan Hill tonight against Santa Clara. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m.
