Hollister High basketball coach David Kaplansky became the first
person to coach as well as play in the Kiwanis All-Star Basketball
Classic when he coached the North team against the South Saturday
at Hartnell College.
Hollister High basketball coach David Kaplansky became the first person to coach as well as play in the Kiwanis All-Star Basketball Classic when he coached the North team against the South Saturday at Hartnell College.
Kaplansky’s North were also victors, topping the South 105-94 after building up a 52-30 bulge at the half.
“They informed me I was the first player/coach before the game and they made an announcement,” said Kaplansky, who played in the game as a Baler in 1994. “I thought that was pretty cool.”
Baler Broc Sondgroth had five points, including one three-pointer. The North was led by Mateja Dicic of Soquel, who had a game-high 28 points. Dicic is from Serbia.
“You can tell he’s had a tough upbringing,” said Kaplansky. “He was aggressive and so smooth. He’s very athletic.”
Kaplansky’s strength was in his front line, starting with the 6-foot-5 Dicic and continuing with 6-5 Miles Curley of Live Oak, the Tri-County Athletic League MVP, and Monte Vista Christian’s two big men – Michael White and J.T. Tipton. The bulk of the North’s scoring came from the fellas up front.
Gilroy guard Daniel Vadillo played well defensively on Salinas star Drew Sanchez and contributed 13 points. Live Oak’s Drew Pearson, who stands 6-9, played well, according to Kaplansky.
Girls All-Star Classic
In the girls game, the Balers’ Naomi Ruiz had 9 points with 7 of 9 free throw shooting, but the North fell to the South 67-59. Hollister’s Gina Caianiello, who was slated to play, was not in attendance.
