On the eve of the Central Coast Section playoffs, the San Benito boys basketball team is preparing itself for what it knows will be an uphill climb.
After Kyle Sharp-led San Benito teams made consecutive appearances in the CCS semifinals in 2004 and 2005, these Haybalers hope to achieve those same results with a vastly different cast of characters.
“We had way more height last year,” said San Benito senior Daryl Baladad. “Experience, too. It’s going to be way tougher for us because we’re going to play one of the best teams in the first game. I think we’ll be seeded pretty low.”
The ‘Balers (13-13, 7-5 TCAL) know they won’t enjoy the advantage of hosting a first-round game in the Division I playoffs. And with head coach John Becerra projecting a seed in the No. 12-14 range when the CCS selection committee announces the brackets on Sunday, San Benito expects to enter the tournament as an underdog from the start.
Even with Sharp playing for the University of Montana and the heart of those CCS semifinal teams in the college ranks, San Benito’s core of seniors who are battle-tested in postseason play know that once the ball goes up for tip-off, anything can happen.
“It’s high intensity,” said guard Vince Bautista of the postseason atmosphere. “The playoffs are tough because it’s one [bad] game and you’re out. You go home.”
After last year’s team rolled to a 22-5 regular-season record, Haybalers center Dean Wilkins said the team could hardly believe its season ended in a 63-51 defeat to Serra.
“It’s three times more intense,” said Wilkins of the postseason. “I thought we couldn’t be beaten last year. We played as hard as we could and we still lost.”
Asked what he thought the keys for this year’s team were entering the playoffs, Wilkins said, “playing hard. Be patient on offense and be active on defense the whole game.”
After the Haybalers wrapped up their practice yesterday, Becerra spoke of the team’s pulse.
“We feel good,” said Becerra. “There are 3-4 teams out there that’ll be outstanding, but the other teams out there are just like we are.”
Returning to the varsity sidelines after stints at Gavilan College and as the San Benito freshmen coach, Becerra was eager to take his team into the postseason.
“It’s just fun to go play in the playoffs,” said the ‘Balers’ coach. “It’s a totally different atmosphere. In the preseason, there’s an intensity. Then you get to league and it’s even more so. And when you get to the playoffs, it’s unbelievable. You’re not going to play tomorrow unless you win.”
While San Benito might benefit from avoiding Bellarmine and Serra–daunting West Catholic Athletic League programs–in the first round, Wilkins echoed the sentiment of many Haybalers.
“Bring ’em,” said the senior center. “It doesn’t matter who we play. We’ll play anyone.”
