Santos performing in a different role

A new basketball coach takes over a moribund high school program and, among other elements, dramatically changes your role. Some might pout, some rebel. Robert Santos? The 6-footer is thriving in his senior season at Valley Christian High in San Jose under Coach Mark DeLuca.

"Last year, I played a little point guard but was mainly shooting guard, Santos recalled. "I would run to the corner and primarily come off screens, relying on three-ball. I wasn't facilitating although I consider myself a point."

"This year, I'm playing mainly at the point with some combo guard. My role is to bring the ball up and get guys into the offense. I'm also attacking off the dribble-drive. There is a lot more freedom and the ball is in my hands in late-game situations."

"Coach (Gus) Argenal sees me as a point and the change is definitely helping prepare me for college." Santos signed back in November to play next season at Cal State East Bay in Hayward.

"Bobby is responsible for our guys really buying in," said Valley Christian Coach Mark DeLuca. "From day one, to everything I have preached his response has been 'yes coach.' His style of playing and my style of coaching fit like a glove. I love coaching the kid. Argenal is getting a player with a huge upside. The sky is the limit with Bobby.

DeLuca added, "He's becoming more of a complete player these past six months. Last season, Valley and Bobby just chucked up threes and this year we are attempting to concentrate on ball pressure, charges and playing hard. Changing a culture takes a while and there have been growing pains but we trust Bobby with the ball and his decisions."

Valley Christian sports a 9-5 overall record, 1-3 in West Catholic Athletic League play and Santos' individual game contributions have expanded. "All my numbers have increased. I was at 12 points, five assists and three rebounds last season and now it's 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds."

But roles aren't the sole difference in this season's Warriors. "We had a meeting about bringing a different culture to the team, about unity and what guys wore before and after games."

"We're playing better D and taking more charges," added Santos. "We watch more film and scout the other teams. Coach (Dominique) Pennix returned to the staff and runs the defense and Coach (Drew) Snelgrove runs the offense."

Santos lauded senior teammate Alex Sokol as "a really good shooter" and noted that 6-foot-7 sophomore Cam Fini was injured last season plus Valley Christian has added 6-foot-9 sophomore Jay Allen-Tovar, a transfer from Gunderson High.

Here's De Luca again: "Not being there on the WCAL sidelines for Bobby, the entire team, and the assistant coaches, is incredibly frustrating but my heart attack literally was out of my control. The team will continue to gel under Snelgrove and Pennix and we will be a tough draw for any CCS division II opponent."

Synchronicity is terrific element and it appears to be in full force for the benefit of all at Valley Christian, except for opponents of the Warriors.