GILROY
–– San Benito coach David Kaplansky will have to increase his
heart medicine after this week’s exciting 24th annual Bob Hagen
Memorial Tournament.
The Haybalers (8-2) won the consolation championship after
rebounding from a tough 53-50 loss in the opener.
GILROY –– San Benito coach David Kaplansky will have to increase his heart medicine after this week’s exciting 24th annual Bob Hagen Memorial Tournament.
The Haybalers (8-2) won the consolation championship after rebounding from a tough 53-50 loss in the opener.
The Balers defeated Monterey in overtime Friday 59-53 and defeated Harbor 69-58 with a strong fourth-quarter run Saturday.
“I was glad we were able to bounce back against two quality opponents,” Kaplansky said. “The kids are learning what it takes to win at the varsity level.”
On Friday, Monterey had a chance to win at the buzzer, but the layup was too late. The game went into overtime tied at 51. The Balers limited Monterey to just a couple free throws.
Anthony Butler, who had 12 points, started the Balers’ scoring in the extra frame with a big offensive rebound and basket. In overtime, San Benito also had a couple key baskets from Kyle Sharp, who had 29 points, and Kevin Zanella, who was named to the All-Tourney team.
“Kevin has been playing tough minutes and has been doing the little things needed to win games,” Kaplansky said.
The consolation was a game the Balers won in the fourth quarter.
“They showed a lot of character,” Kaplansky said. “They hit their free throws and were able to make some key shots. We wore them down. We were bigger than them. They were knocking down the perimeter shots. We did a good job getting out to them in the second half.”
San Benito is off to a strong 8-2 start after playing in its first three tournaments of the year.
“I would like to have the Aptos game back because I thought we were a better team,” Kaplansky said. “If we are going to be able to contend, we have to get better as a team. We have to do a better job executing the offense and getting people more touches.”
Note: The game scheduled at Greenfield for Tuesday has been moved to tonight.
