Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something
Baler red. Somewhere, somehow, something about that age old,
slightly-twisted adage fits the Hollister High girls basketball
contingent for 2002-03.
Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something Baler red.
Somewhere, somehow, something about that age old, slightly-twisted adage fits the Hollister High girls basketball contingent for 2002-03. The Balers, who begin the non-league portion of their schedule this Saturday at home versus Watsonville at 3 p.m., will offer a blend of experience and youth this season.
Three-year starter Gina Caianiello, who will switch from the point to the off guard this year, has faith that the team will come together. It just might take some time.
“I think we’ll mesh together,” said Caianiello. “Our chemistry has been good so far, but we still have a lot of room to grow.”
Caianiello seems enthused about her transition on the offensive end.
“It will give me an opportunity to drive and shoot more,” said Caianiello, who has a quick first step to her left on her way to the hoop. She also has a quick jumper.
“We did it to create more shots for Gina,” said head coach Richard Silva, who begins his fourth year. “She’s going to have to score a lot for us to win.”
Caianiello is also co-captain, along with senior power forward Naomi Ruiz.
“They give us leadership on and off the floor,” said Silva.
Ruiz should be poised for a breakthrough season.
“She works hard,” said Silva. “She’s a catalyst.”
“We’re young,” said the 5-foot-11 Ruiz. “We’ll pick it up. We can win the league. It will be hard, but we can do it.”
Senior center Sarah Groman, at 6-2, had a fine junior year and will be counted on to score in the interior. But she, along with 6-2 Kaylie Kortsen, are still involved with the Baler volleyball team. Kortsen could prove interesting for she hasn’t played since she was a freshman. But, oh, that height and athletic ability. Can someone say “Twin Towers”?
“Kaylie will backup Sarah at first,” said Silva. “Then we might play them together at times.”
The small forward is sophomore Erika Rodrigues, whom Silva said is ready for the big-time.
“Erika is looking real good,” said Silva. “She’s running the floor well and she can shoot.”
The point position will be a battle between senior Desina Gonzales and sophomore Trisha Lee.
“We’re going to let each of them start a half and we’ll see who does the best,” said Silva.
Because Groman isn’t out yet, senior Jennifer Tremblay will start at the ‘four’ on Saturday with Ruiz playing the ‘five’.
“Jennifer has really improved,” said Silva. “She’s ready to go inside and be a factor.”
Two more athletic sophomores, Kristina Osborne and Dani Andrewson, will get a lot of playing time, according to Silva. That makes four sophomores playing integral roles.
Something new. What is not new is the favorites to win the Tri-County Athletic League.
“Notre Dame and North Salinas are the teams to beat,” said Silva.
The Spirits return the superb Jessica Ross and slick point guard Sarah Benavente. The Vikings sport size with Monica Abbott and Jennifer Patterson.
“And their guards have really improved, too,” said Silva. “And Notre Dame has another guard who played in the summer league who is coming down from Gilroy, like Ross.”
Live Oak, Gilroy and Salinas, whom Silva also likes, round out the compact, but feisty TCAL.
The Balers will be in two tournaments this season – Mt. Pleasant Dec. 4-6 and Oak Grove Dec. 16-21. The TCAL slate starts Jan. 16 when the Acorns come to Mattson Gym.
