It’s only a non-league boys hoop contest, but don’t tell that to
Hollister High coach David Kaplansky.
It’s only a non-league boys hoop contest, but don’t tell that to Hollister High coach David Kaplansky.
Kaplansky and his 12-2 Haybalers host 7-3 Monterey tonight at 7 p.m. The Toreadores feature an athletic group led by 6-7 power forward Yusef Smith, a transfer from the Bronx. Eric Jammerson is also a threat for the ‘Dores, as are Shawn Belisle and Daniel DeMayo.
“This should be a (heck) of a game,” said Kaplansky. “I expect them to press us the whole game, kind of like Salinas did.”
Monterey’s three losses have been against quality teams. The ‘Dores lost to East Bay power Oakland Tech by 13, CCS Division V champ Eastside Prep by three and Salinas by four in the first round of the Bob Steinbach Classic at North Salinas. The Balers’ two losses have come to Newark Memorial and Live Oak, no slouch teams.
With two tournament victories in the preseason, Hollister has gained respect enough to rise to No. 5 in the Central Coast Section rankings. That is believed to be the highest CCS ranking ever for the Balers, but Free Lance researchers are fastiduously checking it out.
“The players appreciate the press,” said Kaplansky. “But we’re playing it one game at a time. Every game is tough from here on out.”
The Balers are at James Lick on Saturday at 3 p.m., then host Seaside next Friday at 7 p.m. The Spartans made it to the final of the Luis Scattini Tournament at Palma before losing to Salesian of Richmond 59-51. They also lost to Eastside Prep by one and Salinas by seven, so the Spartans will be more than formidable.
But first, it’s the scrappy ‘Dores, who are coached by Wash Stallworth, the cousin of former New York Knicks forward Dave Stallworth.
A reminder that tonight’s freshmen and junior varsity games have been moved to Monday afternoon, due to the fact both Baler teams are in a tournament.
Matt Olejnik will send 11 wrestlers to this Saturday’s 24-team Turlock Invitational. Contending teams are expected to be from Huson, Oakdale and Los Banos. The Balers will be without an 189, a 215 and a 103-pounder.
“They haven’t been coming to practice,” said Olejnik. “We hope to place three or four wrestlers and bring home some hardware.”
Olejnik also hopes Alejo Velasquez will be cleared to wrestle before the Balers host Gilroy in their yearly grudge match.
“Alejo should be ready for Gilroy,” said Olejnik. “Gilroy is loaded this year. It’s going to be tough.”
The Balers will have to do without Matt De La Rosa, who was ranked ninth in the section at 215 pounds. De La Rosa had surgery on his shoulder and is out for the year.
“The sad part is that he never got an opportunity this year,” said Olejnik.
The Balers host Salinas this Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Coach Richard Silva welcomed back his girls hoopers to practice on Thursday. The Balers (9-3) haven’t played since Dec. 21, when the defeated Oak Grove for third place in the Oak Grove Tournament.
The Balers travel to Alisal today for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.
“I really don’t like the long layoff,” said Silva. “We had players taking off after Christmas. Alisal is going to be good.”
The Balers are at Monte Vista Christian on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. before hosting North County next Thursday at 7 p.m.
It’s showtime for the Baler girls soccer team. They open up TCAL play at Live Oak on Thursday. A win over the Acorns would be pivotal in a 10-game regular season.
