Team lost 10 players to graduation, just three returning players
remain
They had a 30-point win on Tuesday against Seaside and a
52-point win against Watsonville earlier this season.
They also have a one-point loss to Pacific Grove
– which, for what it’s worth, lost to Seaside by seven – and a
seven-point defeat at the hands of Fremont.
Team lost 10 players to graduation, just three returning players remain
They had a 30-point win on Tuesday against Seaside and a 52-point win against Watsonville earlier this season.
They also have a one-point loss to Pacific Grove – which, for what it’s worth, lost to Seaside by seven – and a seven-point defeat at the hands of Fremont.
For the San Benito boys’ basketball team, inexperienced may be an appropriate word to describe the team through eight games in the preseason.
And although the term may be rightfully justified, as the Haybalers lost 10 players to graduation and only returned three from last season’s 20-9 team, San Benito head coach John Becerra certainly isn’t letting them use it as an excuse.
“We’ve lost some close games and it’s because of the inexperience, to an extent,” Becerra said. “I thought we’d be doing better, but there are some young guys. I think they’re improving as time goes on, but we need to improve a lot more.”
The Balers boast a 4-4 record to start, but they still have three games, as well as the Condor Christmas Classic on Dec. 29, to improve upon any weaknesses before the Tri-County Athletic League season kicks off on Jan. 6.
“We’re doing okay, but we need to get to another level,” Becerra said. “Not that we’re unhappy, but we need more improvement.”
Specifically, Becerra noted offensive patience as well as bringing a consistent energy to the defensive end, instead of simply relying on spurts throughout the game.
For instance, in Tuesday’s 67-37 victory at home to Seaside, San Benito jumped out to a 13-2 lead to open before the Spartans came all the way back, and even grabbed a narrow 16-15 lead at one point in the second quarter.
It appeared early on it was going to be a blowout, but the Balers only held a 21-20 lead at the break.
It did, of course, turn into a blowout, but only until the second half when San Benito opened up an onslaught on the Spartans, outscoring Seaside 46-17 in the second half and 21-4 in the fourth quarter alone.
“They would step up a little bit and then we would have to answer back,” post player Dominic Zanella said. “We just had to adapt to it. But we shouldn’t let that affect us and how we play.”
The Balers have been anchored by the 6-foot-4 Zanella so far, one of the three returnees for San Benito, along with Jason Canchola and Tim Von Urff.
Zanella dropped 18 points on Seaside Tuesday, and has yet to have been held below a double-digit point total so far this season, averaging 15 points per game for the Haybalers.
“He’s improved a lot and tonight (against Seaside) he had an outstanding ball game,” Becerra said. “He’s been improving, progressing and is doing a tremendous job.”
Junior Kyle Vallejo, who came out late due to football season, played the 4-spot on Tuesday and delivered perhaps his best game of the season with a 15-point performance. The forward scored the majority of his points off turnovers and on offensive rebounds.
Guard Tim Von Urff returns to the starting lineup as well with strong ball handling, while returnee Jason Canchola and newcomer Eric Elayda can light it up from behind the arc.
Tyler Rickard brings a lot of energy off the bench for the Balers, Isidro Corral is strong defensively, and Darin Gillies and James King continue to improve, Becerra said.
“But they all help us become a better team,” the coach added.
San Benito will open league on Jan. 6 at home to Everett Alvarez, which has started this season at 8-0, nearly topping its 9-17 record from one year ago.
Alisal, too, can boast of an undefeated record, as the Trojans sit at 7-0 already this season, while defending league champion Palma is 2-2, though should still be considered a top team despite losing all five starters to graduation.
“Everyone’s going to be tough because we’re in a tough league … but I do think Salinas is going to be the toughest team in our league,” Becerra said of the Cowboys, which are currently 6-1. “Preseason is a certain level. You get into league, and the pressure increases, for some reason. You get into the playoffs, and it’s a different level.
“But we’re gonna strive and fight to win every game.”
