San Benito defeats Gilroy for biggest win of season
Gilroy – San Benito proved Wednesday that hustle and desire can take a team farther than talent and height.
Even when the Haybalers most potent offensive weapon was neutralized, enough others stepped up as San Benito enjoyed its finest hour of the season when it defeated Gilroy 70-62 in overtime in a Tri-County Athletic League contest at packed Bob Hagen Memorial Gym.
“The character the kids showed was outstanding, fantastic,” ‘Balers’ coach John Becerra said. “They work hard every time. We hit the open players. The aggressive, intensity and hustle, that’s what makes the difference.”
Gilroy (10-6 overall, 0-2 TCAL) led throughout most of the first half. But when Todd Janisch hit a trey with 29 seconds left until halftime, the Mustangs never led again.
Kameron Handy almost single-handedly brought GHS back in the final 2 1/2 minutes with 11 of his 15 points. He would have had 12 except a lane violation against the Mustangs with 1:50 remaining that would have given Gilroy the lead left the teams tied at 46.
But Handy wasn’t finished. Playing with his chin bandaged after a nasty cut suffered during the game, he was the consummate counter puncher. When David Bryant hit a three-point play with 1:15 left, Handy answered with a trey. When David DeMateo hit a trey and Kevin Burley hit two free throws, Handy hit two free throws and a trey, the 3-pointer with two seconds remaining to make it 54-54 and send the game into overtime.
The Mustangs had all the momentum and yet San Benito didn’t know how to quit.
“We weren’t even supposed to be there, so why not pull it out,” said Marty Bueno, who had a marvelous floor game with 17 points and seven assists. “I’m proud of everybody. Everyone did their job.”
Bueno scored off a drive and hit two foul shots in the first 53 seconds, and the ‘Balers never trailed in the four-minute stanza. San Benito hit 10 of 13 at the line in the overtime period.
Janisch had 21 points but was held in check in the second half by Handy’s tough defense. And San Benito big men Sterling Wilson and Dominic Zanella each fouled out in the second half. But Gilroy was unable to take advantage inside. Only Handy and Javin Charlot (13 points) were able to break down the ‘Baler defense.
“We didn’t match their intensity,” GHS assistant coach Jeremy Dirks said. “It’s a rivalry and our kids just don’t get it. They might not be as skilled but San Benito plays tough every time.”
Sub-varsity: The Gilroy JV team defeated San Benito 56-35, and the Gilroy freshmen defeated San Benito 37-35.
San Benito (70) – DeMateo 5, Bryant 7, Bueno 17, Burley 7, Janisch 21, Medeiros 8, Wilson 1, Zanella 4, Silva 0. Totals 22 21-28 70.
Gilroy (62) – Siha 3, Handy 15, Martinez 2, Harrell 1, Dobson 2, Ford 9, Charlot 13, Jensen 6, Johnson 3, Conrad 8. Totals 19 20-33 62.
San Benito 13 15 8 18 16 – 70
Gilroy 14 12 9 19 8 – 62
3-point goals: SB, Janisch 3, Bueno, DeMateo.
GHS-Handy 2, Charlot, Siha.
