Tough seasons, but some players still stood out
The boys and girls varsity basketball teams at San Benito High
may have struggled this past season, but that doesn’t mean that
several Balers players weren’t recognized for their efforts on the
court.
The boys and girls varsity basketball teams at San Benito High may have struggled this past season, but that doesn’t mean that several Balers players weren’t recognized for their efforts on the court.
Recently, those players were named to the All-League team.
One of those players was senior Todd Janisch, who was the most prolific scorer this season for the boys’ team. A 6-foot-2 forward, Janisch averaged 18 points and six rebounds a game this year. His scoring totals made him the third best scorer in the Tri County Athletic League.
“He did a tremendous job for us,” said Baler coach John Becerra of his First Team player. “He kept moving around and utilizing the screen well. He just kept moving, moving, moving.”
Although the Baler boys’ team finished tied for fifth in league and missed the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade, Janisch continued to shine on the court.
He was San Benito High’s best inside scoring threat because of his patience and control around the basket.
He also was one of the best rebounders on the team and was just as effective on defense as he was on offense, according to Becerra.
Although the league MVP award was given to Palma’s NCAA Division I prospect Orlando Johnson, who averaged 25 points per game, Janisch was clearly the offensive MVP of the Baler boys’ squad.
While Janisch was the Balers most recognized scorer, 5-foot-6 junior Marty Bueno made the All-League Second Team for his ability to set the game’s tempo at the point guard position and play strong, relentless defense.
“His man on defense was outstanding,” said Becerra, whose Balers finished this season with a record of 8-18 overall. “He did a great job. He tried to distribute the ball to everyone and set them up.”
Although Kevin Burley didn’t make the First or Second Team list, the 6-foot-3 forward was named to the league’s All-Defensive team for his stellar play at defending the Baler basket and picking up the crucial defensive rebounds.
“He led the team in steals this year and he anticipated things real well too,” Becerra said.
Senior Carlos Ramos was not overlooked for his efforts either, as he picked up one of the TCAL’s Sportsmanship awards. During the season the 5-foot-8 guard also saw some time at forward.
“He hustled and he never complained,” Becerra said. “He battled in there and never backed down. He was also a tremendous caring kid.”
The Baler girls’ varsity basketball team also just barely missed the playoffs this year. Overall, they finished the season with a record of 8-15 and went 5-7 in league play.
North Salinas’ Briana Matthews won the league’s MVP award.
The lone Baler to be named to the league’s First Team squad this year was sophomore Vanessa Farias. A 5-foot-7 shooting guard, Farias averaged 13 points a contest and was an impressive 82 percent from the free-throw line.
“She was an all-around tremendous player. She has the skills and the athleticism,” Baler girls coach Al Rowe said. “She still has a ways to go but she’ll go somewhere (college ball). If it came down to the final game and it’s close, you want to get the ball into her hands. She’s that type of player.”
In addition to Farias, junior guard Elena Fata made the Honorable Mention list and 6-foot-1 senior forward Megan O’Laughlin made the Sportsmanship team.
“Elena was really the quarterback of our team,” Rowe said. “The girls really respected her. Morgan is the type of player that is a pleasure to coach – a tremendous all-around person. She was the senior veteran and the girls had a lot of respect for her, too.”
One player that Rowe would have liked to have seen make the All-League list was sophomore center Megan Halstead. But because of the changes in the awards list structuring this year, Rowe was not able to get her nominated.
“We eliminated the Second Team this year,” he said. “That was a big let down to not be able to name her. She was a big part of this team.”
But at least Rowe will have the 6-foot-2-sophomore center back next year.
“We just missed the playoffs this year and played in a lot of tight games,” Rowe said. “We lost two-point games to Gilroy, Notre Dame and Salinas. It was tough, but the plus is that most of them will be back next year.”
John Bagley can be reached at
jb*****@pi**********.com
