Hollister
Just how big was San Benito’s win Friday over North Salinas?
Coach John Becerra said the 63-48 Haybaler victory would hold weight in terms of the team’s seeding for this week’s Central Coast Section Division I playoffs, and could possibly move the boys basketball team up to a No. 6 seed.
He was right.
“It’s where we thought we’d be,” Becerra said Monday, in reference to his squad’s CCS standing.
The No. 6 seed brings with it a first-round bye as well, as the ‘Balers will host either No. 14 Alisal (14-12) or No. 11 Independence (17-9) on Thursday night at Mattson Gym in Hollister.
While San Benito knows plenty on Alisal, as the two squads split their season series this year in the Tri-County Athletic League, Becerra admitted to not knowing too much on Independence.
He did, however, say they were not that tall and that they pressured full court.
“At this point,” Becerra said, “you just play whoever shows up.”
Thursday’s second-round contest will mark nearly a week since San Benito has played a game, though, but that was the case heading into last week’s game against North Salinas as well.
“We went a whole week without playing, and we played extremely well on Friday, so who knows?” Becerra said.
With strong free-throw shooting by the ‘Balers, San Benito capitalized on North High’s missed jumpers and pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 63-48 win.
San Benito had 10 different scorers Friday with Tyler Ruiz leading the way with a game-high 16 points. Tim Von Urff had nine on the night, and added eight rebounds and four assists. Brian Haggett contributed eight points and 10 rebounds for the ‘Balers.
“In the first quarter, we turned the ball over too many times,” Becerra said. “But in the second quarter, we were a little more settled and controlled. In the second half, it was no problem.”
San Benito only took a two-point lead to the fourth quarter, and had just a three-point lead after Haggett drained a trey with five minutes remaining.
But down the stretch, the ‘Balers not only capitalized on North Salinas’ missed opportunities, but shot 12 of 18 from the line in the final stanza.
San Benito shot 22 of 53 from the field, 7 of 11 in the fourth quarter. The Vikings shot 16 of 61 for the game, 4 of 17 in the fourth.
San Benito, which finishes their regular season at 9-3 in the TCAL, 19-8 overall, will host their second-round playoff game on Thursday. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
JV Note:
The San Benito junior varsity team defeated visiting North Salinas 59-47 Friday at Mattson Gym in Hollister.
“We played a really good game,” coach Mitch Burley said.
San Benito finishes their regular season with an 18-10 record.
Frosh Note:
The San Benito freshmen team defeated North Salinas Friday night 59-34 at Mattson Gym in Hollister, and completed their season with a perfect 12-0 record in the TCAL, 22-4 overall.
“It’s difficult to go undefeated, even at the freshmen level,” coach Gilbert Soza said. “The kids continued to play hard and do the right things and that’s why they were a successful group.
“It’s quite an accomplishment to go 12-0.”
