Last season, the San Benito High boys basketball team took the
Tri-County Athletic League championship with a squad that featured
a good deal of height and size with the likes of 6-4, 250 pound
Anthony Butler playing for them in the paint.
Last season, the San Benito High boys basketball team took the Tri-County Athletic League championship with a squad that featured a good deal of height and size with the likes of 6-4, 250 pound Anthony Butler playing for them in the paint.
This season, the Haybalers will sport a new look on the court, and a modified style of play to go along with it.
They lost Butler, along with 6-3 forward Kevin Zanella, to graduation. But what they might have lost in size, they’re sure to make up for in athleticism and speed.
“In the past, we’ve concentrated more on the post,” said Balers head coach David Kaplansky. “But I think that we’re quicker as a group now. We get up and down the floor a little better. We’ll take more opportunities to get out into transition.”
Of course, having last season’s TCAL MVP in your lineup doesn’t hurt.
Kyle Sharp, who averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds last season and recently signed a letter of intent to play Division I ball for the University of Montana next season, is ready to help his team get back to the TCAL championship game.
“Where Kyle really helps is, he can shoot the ball very well from the perimeter and he gives us a strong post presence.” Kaplansky said of the four-year starter.
Sharp can not only play tough down low, he’s got a sweet shot from beyond the arc for a player his size, and he was showing it in practice on Tuesday.
Sharp’s above-the-rim game was also on display during Tuesday’s practice session as the 6-6 center/forward was taking passes from guard Eric Davis off of the backboard and slamming them home.
Davis, a senior in his third year as a starter for the Balers, will share time bringing the ball up the court with the squad’s other guards. Look for Davis to make some highlight-reel assists as he has a knack for looking defenders off of his true target before firing the pass in.
In addition to his skills as a passer, Davis can also shoot from the perimeter and he brings intense pressure with his defensive play.
Junior Vince Bautista, a left hander with a nice shot and superb court vision will be also be playing at guard, along with Danny Isaacson, who represents another serious outside threat, more than capable of draining an open three-pointer when Sharp kicks the ball out after being double teamed.
Sharp won’t be the Balers’ only weapon down low. John Creapeu is an agile player on the boards and Henry Taylor’s massive wingspan will help him get easy baskets down low as well as keep rebounds in play above the heads of his opponents.
And don’t’ forget, the Haybalers are currently waiting on five players to join the team on the hardwood as soon as the football team is done with its quest for a CCS title.
“My expectations this season are to compete every day in practice. To compete in each game with a high level of intensity,” Kaplansky said. “I feel that, with preparation and hard work, the winning will take care of itself.”
