The San Benito boys hoops team may have the height and quickness
to make a run at the Tri-County Athletic League title this season.
But third-year coach Dave Kaplansky is taking no one for
granted.
”
It so competitive in such a short 10-game schedule that anyone
can win,
”
Kaplansky said.
”
We will just take one game at time. We’re going to go in and
fight every game like we did last year and hopefully come out at
the top.
”
The San Benito boys hoops team may have the height and quickness to make a run at the Tri-County Athletic League title this season. But third-year coach Dave Kaplansky is taking no one for granted.
“It so competitive in such a short 10-game schedule that anyone can win,” Kaplansky said. “We will just take one game at time. We’re going to go in and fight every game like we did last year and hopefully come out at the top.”
With Live Oak’s two trees graduated, the Balers will be the team of intimidation this year with 6-6 junior Kyle Sharp and 6-4 senior Anthony Butler.
Last year, the Balers finished with a 21-8 record, losing to Serra 75-47 in the Central Coast Section quarterfinal game. The Balers won two tournaments last season – at Independence and at North Salinas.
The Balers will open up their season tonight at Monterey. San Benito will have to watch out for all-Conference player Prince Ray Pope, who can make things happen at guard.
“They will be a very athletic, talented team,” Kaplansky said. “They have been able to practice with all their kids.”
Over the summer, the Balers played about 30 games at various tournaments and played in a league in Salinas.
“This year, we are real young with three seniors,” Kaplansky said. “Last year we had seven.”
The three seniors are Butler, Kevin Zanella and Mike Moisa.
“There are a lot of new guys this year,” Butler said. “We are starting to work together. We need to execute the offense and finish the plays.”
Kaplansky plans to keep about 15 players on the roster. But the roster won’t be finalized until after football season is over. There are four players who have expressed interest in playing. Kaplansky plans to hold three-day tryouts after the football season ends.
“Some players will be juggled between JV and varsity,” Kaplansky said. “We will go with the 15 best athletes who can best represent our program. They (the new players) will bring an intensity to practice that will pick things up.”
Currently Eric Davis will be running the offense at point guard.
“He developed a perimeter jump shot in the offseason, so I am looking to him to take some more shots,” Kaplansky said.
Davis said he is excited about working with this year’s team.
“We meshed well over the summer,” Davis said. “We are bigger and quicker this year. I am just going to try to run our offense. If someone is hot, I will try to find him.”
Moisa, who was academically ineligible last season, will see action at the one or two spot this year, Kaplansky said.
“He is a good ball handler,” Kaplansky said. “He plays good guard defense.”
Sophomore Darryl Baladad will be playing a lot of time at the guard position as well.
“He is very quick up and down the court,” Kaplansky said. “He has got a good ability to get off the floor, so he gives us another rebounder.”
Sharp and Butler, both all-Conference players last year, provide the Balers an overpowering presence down low.
Sharp, who started as a freshman for Kaplansky, can make the outside shot. In practice, he frequently dunks with little effort.
“He has worked hard in the offseason and gotten a lot stronger,” Kaplansky said.
Butler is capable of knocking people over without moving much. He flicks most people off him like flies.
Sharp said that it is even tougher for him to score off of Butler.
“He is quick to get off the ball,” Sharp said. “He is such a good player. It is tough. The only advantage I have on him is my long arms.”
Among the other kids Kaplansky expects to contribute is 6-6 junior Jason Sims in the post.
Zanella played for Kaplansky for three years and is another player who can make things happen.
“He should give us a good scoring threat off the bench,” Kaplansky said. “He brings a good, aggressive defense.”
Danny Isaacson is another player who can hit the big outside shot off the bench, Kaplansky said.
Other contributors include junior guard Abraham Baladad, who is Darryl’s cousin, junior forwards Ian Whitey, Henry Taylor and Josh Lemos as well as junior guards Steve Huerta and Juan Tomayo.
Clint Quilter and Frank Perez are the assistant coaches for the Balers this year. Joe Bonuva and John Becerra return as JV and freshmen coaches respectively.
