John Devine on Wednesday's FCC win over MPC

John Devine/Monterey Herald:  The Lobos’ best season in nearly two decades came to an end in the Northern California quarterfinals.

MPC finished the season with 20 wins. It closed the regular season with five straight wins to finish second in the Coast Conference and earn a playoff spot, upsetting Chabot in the first round.

“This team had to overcome so much adversity,” MPC coach Blake Spiering said. “We had a great run. We made it very exciting for everyone. Being one of the top 16 teams in the state is very exciting.”

Depleted by injuries left the Lobos with six healthy players for the final month. Yet MPC went 9-1 before falling to Fresno City.

“They (Fresno) are so strong and big, aggressive, athletic and disciplined,” Spiering said.

An undermanned Lobos squad only trailed by a point 10 minutes into the game. MPC cut a 10-point halftime deficit to seven in the second half before fatigue set in.

“We did a great job at points in the game,” Spiering said. “But not for 40 minutes. We competed. But we gave up too many offensive rebounds. That kind of deflated us a little bit.”

Seaside High graduate Kyle Hieb played his last game for MPC, leading the team with 18 points. DeOndre Otis added 16 while Isaac Clark and Chris Evans both chipped in with 15.

“Kyle and Chris were instrumental in this season in being leaders,” Spiering said. “You will see both of those guys playing at a four-year school next season.”