This should be shown to every basketball player

Do you think Coach Randy Bennett has developed the right basketball culture with his players?

The definition of toughness -- Jay Bilas revisited

From Jeff Goodman:

Jay Bilas can actually write

Jay Bilas' resume is impressive. Player, coach, lawyer, broadcaster -- and now author. Yes, ESPN's college hoops analyst has written a book. At first, when his publisher sent it my way and the title read, "Toughness," I will admit I was skeptical. Another one of these self-help, motivational books. I've read enough of them. However, I was wrong -- and I'm not just saying it because of my respect for Bilas as a broadcaster and human being. I could have opted to get through a few pages, call it a day and never mention it. Plus, the last thing I want to do is inflate Bilas' ego.

Instead, I honestly couldn't put it down. This is not just a book for coaches and players. This is a book for people. Period. It will motivate you. It'll teach you. It'll inform you -- and believe it or not, this informative and highly entertaining book is actually well-written. I learned plenty -- from how toughness is built over time and experiences, how David Henderson was the toughest player Bilas ever played with, and how mental toughness is far more important than physical toughness on the court.

The idea was hatched after Bilas wrote an article a few years back about toughness and received no shortage of support, from college coaches all the way down to middle-schoolers who were told to read the article by their summer coach. He has insight from his former coach, Mike Krzyzewski, current coaches such as Bill Self and Tom Crean, and even ex-football coach Herm Edwards. The official release date is March 5.

A couple of my favorite lines from the book: "I appreciate true toughness in any person. I'll take true toughness over talent any day. Toughness wins. Toughness prevails. But when you combine talent and true toughness, that combination can be unbeatable."

"Failing doesn't make you a failure. Failing makes you a competitor. Every competitor fails. If you lay it on the line, you will come up short at times. Failure is a part of competing, and embracing that fact is an important component of toughness. Tough people fail, but tough people are not failures. The only failures are those who give up, or give in."

 Below is Bilas' original essay:

    I have heard the word "toughness" thrown around a lot lately. Reporters on television, radio and in print have opined about a team or player's "toughness" or quoted a coach talking about his team having to be "tougher" to win.

    Then, in almost coordinated fashion, I would watch games and see player upon player thumping his chest after a routine play, angrily taunting an opponent after a blocked shot, getting into a shouting match with an opposing player, or squaring up nose-to-nose as if a fight might ensue. I see players jawing at each other, trying to "intimidate" other players. What a waste of time. That is nothing more than fake toughness, and it has no real value.

    I often wonder: Do people really understand what coaches and experienced players mean when they emphasize "toughness" in basketball? Or is it just some buzzword that is thrown around haphazardly without clear definition or understanding? I thought it was the latter, and I wrote a short blog item about it a couple of weeks ago.

    The response I received was overwhelming. Dozens of college basketball coaches called to tell me that they had put the article up in the locker room, put it in each player's locker, or had gone over it in detail with their teams.

    Memphis coach John Calipari called to say that he had his players post the definition of toughness over their beds because he believed that true "toughness" was the one thing that his team needed to develop to reach its potential. I received messages from high school coaches who wanted to relay the definition of toughness to their players and wanted to talk about it further.

    Well, I got the message that I should expound upon what I consider toughness to be. It may not be what you think.

    Toughness is something I had to learn the hard way, and something I had no real idea of until I played college basketball. When I played my first game in college, I thought that toughness was physical and based on how much punishment I could dish out and how much I could take. I thought I was tough.

    I found out pretty quickly that I wasn't, but I toughened up over time, and I got a pretty good understanding of toughness through playing in the ACC, for USA Basketball, in NBA training camps, and as a professional basketball player in Europe. I left my playing career a heck of a lot tougher than I started it, and my only regret is that I didn't truly "get it" much earlier in my playing career.

    When I faced a tough opponent, I wasn't worried that I would get hit -- I was concerned that I would get sealed on ball reversal by a tough post man, or that I would get boxed out on every play, or that my assignment would sprint the floor on every possession and get something easy on me. The toughest guys I had to guard were the ones who made it tough on me.

    Toughness has nothing to do with size, physical strength or athleticism. Some players may be born tough, but I believe that toughness is a skill, and it is a skill that can be developed and improved. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo always says, "Players play, but tough players win." He is right. Here are some of the ways true toughness is exhibited in basketball:

    Set a good screen: The toughest players to guard are the players who set good screens. When you set a good screen, you are improving the chances for a teammate to get open, and you are greatly improving your chances of getting open. A good screen can force the defense to make a mistake. A lazy or bad screen is a waste of everyone's time and energy. To be a tough player, you need to be a "screener/scorer," a player who screens hard and immediately looks for an opportunity on offense. On the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team, Bob Knight made Michael Jordan set a screen before he could get a shot. If it is good enough for Jordan, arguably the toughest player ever, it is good enough for you.

    Set up your cut: The toughest players make hard cuts, and set up their cuts. Basketball is about deception. Take your defender one way, and then plant the foot opposite of the direction you want to go and cut hard. A hard cut may get you a basket, but it may also get a teammate a basket. If you do not make a hard cut, you will not get anyone open. Setting up your cut, making the proper read of the defense, and making a hard cut require alertness, good conditioning and good concentration. Davidson's Stephen Curry is hardly a physical muscle-man, but he is a tough player because he is in constant motion, he changes speeds, he sets up his cuts, and he cuts hard. Curry is hard to guard, and he is a tough player.

    Talk on defense: The toughest players talk on defense, and communicate with their teammates. It is almost impossible to talk on defense and not be in a stance, down and ready, with a vision of man and ball. If you talk, you let your teammates know you are there, and make them and yourself better defenders. It also lets your opponent know that you are fully engaged.

    Jump to the ball: When on defense, the tough defenders move as the ball moves. The toughest players move on the flight of the ball, not when it gets to its destination. And the toughest players jump to the ball and take away the ball side of the cut. Tough players don't let cutters cut across their face -- they make the cutter change his path.

    Don't get screened: No coach can give a player the proper footwork to get through every screen. Tough players have a sense of urgency not to get screened and to get through screens so that the cutter cannot catch the ball where he wants to. A tough player makes the catch difficult.

    Get your hands up: A pass discouraged is just as good as a pass denied. Tough players play with their hands up to take away vision, get deflections and to discourage a pass in order to allow a teammate to cover up. Cutters and post players will get open, if only for a count. If your hands are up, you can keep the passer from seeing a momentary opening.

    Play the ball, see your man: Most defenders see the ball and hug their man, because they are afraid to get beat. A tough defender plays the ball and sees his man. There is a difference.

    Get on the floor: In my first road game as a freshman, there was a loose ball that I thought I could pick up and take the other way for an easy one. While I was bending over at the waist, one of my opponents dived on the floor and got possession of the ball. My coach was livid. We lost possession of the ball because I wasn't tough enough to get on the floor for it. I tried like hell never to get out-toughed like that again. The first player to get to the floor is usually the one to come up with any loose ball.Close out under control: It is too easy to fly at a shooter and think you are a tough defender. A tough defender closes out under control, takes away a straight line drive and takes away the shot. A tough player has a sense of urgency but has the discipline to do it the right way.

    Post your man, not a spot: Most post players just blindly run to the low block and get into a shoving match for a spot on the floor. The toughest post players are posting their defensive man. A tough post player is always open, and working to get the ball to the proper angle to get a post feed. Tough post players seal on ball reversal and call for the ball, and they continue to post strong even if their teammates miss them.

    Run the floor: Tough players sprint the floor, which drags the defense and opens up things for others. Tough players run hard and get "easy" baskets, even though there is nothing easy about them. Easy baskets are hard to get. Tough players don't take tough shots -- they work hard to make them easy.

    Play so hard, your coach has to take you out: I was a really hard worker in high school and college. But I worked and trained exceptionally hard to make playing easier. I was wrong. I once read that Bob Knight had criticized a player of his by saying, "You just want to be comfortable out there!" Well, that was me, and when I read that, it clicked with me. I needed to work to increase my capacity for work, not to make it easier to play. I needed to work in order to be more productive in my time on the floor. Tough players play so hard that their coaches have to take them out to get rest so they can put them back in. The toughest players don't pace themselves.

    Get to your teammate first: When your teammate lays his body on the line to dive on the floor or take a charge, the tough players get to him first to help him back up. If your teammate misses a free throw, tough players get to him right away. Tough players are also great teammates.

    Take responsibility for your teammates: Tough players expect a lot from their teammates, but they also put them first. When the bus leaves at 9 a.m., tough players not only get themselves there, but they also make sure their teammates are up and get there, too. Tough players take responsibility for others in addition to themselves. They make sure their teammates eat first, and they give credit to their teammates before taking it themselves.

    Take a charge: Tough players are in a stance, playing the ball, and alert in coming over from the weak side and taking a charge. Tough players understand the difference between being in the right spot and being in the right spot with the intention of stopping somebody. Some players will look puzzled and say, "But I was in the right spot." Tough players know that they have to get to the right spot with the sense of urgency to stop someone.

    The toughest players never shy away from taking a charge.Get in a stance: Tough players don't play straight up and down and put themselves in the position of having to get ready to get ready. Tough players are down in a stance on both ends of the floor, with feet staggered and ready to move. Tough players are the aggressor, and the aggressor is in a stance.

    Finish plays: Tough players don't just get fouled, they get fouled and complete the play. They don't give up on a play or assume that a teammate will do it. A tough player plays through to the end of the play and works to finish every play.

    Work on your pass: A tough player doesn't have his passes deflected. A tough player gets down, pivots, pass-fakes, and works to get the proper angle to pass away from the defense and deliver the ball.

    Throw yourself into your team's defense: A tough player fills his tank on the defensive end, not on offense. A tough player is not deterred by a missed shot. A tough player values his performance first by how well he defended.

    Take and give criticism the right way: Tough players can take criticism without feeling the need to answer back or give excuses. They are open to getting better and expect to be challenged and hear tough things. You will never again in your life have the opportunity you have now at the college level: a coaching staff that is totally and completely dedicated to making you and your team better. Tough players listen and are not afraid to say what other teammates may not want to hear, but need to hear.
    Show strength in your body language: Tough players project confidence and security with their body language. They do not hang their heads, do not react negatively to a mistake of a teammate, and do not whine and complain to officials. Tough players project strength, and do not cause their teammates to worry about them. Tough players do their jobs, and their body language communicates that to their teammates -- and to their opponents.

    Catch and face: Teams that press and trap are banking on the receiver's falling apart and making a mistake. When pressed, tough players set up their cuts, cut hard to an open area and present themselves as a receiver to the passer. Tough players catch, face the defense, and make the right read and play, and they do it with poise. Tough players do not just catch and dribble; they catch and face.

    Don't get split: If you trap, a tough player gets shoulder-to-shoulder with his teammate and does not allow the handler to split the trap and gain an advantage on the back side of the trap.

    Be alert: Tough players are not "cool." Tough players are alert and active, and tough players communicate with teammates so that they are alert, too. Tough players echo commands until everyone is on the same page. They understand the best teams play five as one. Tough players are alert in transition and get back to protect the basket and the 3- point line. Tough players don't just run back to find their man, they run back to stop the ball and protect the basket.

    Concentrate, and encourage your teammates to concentrate: Concentration is a skill, and tough players work hard to concentrate on every play. Tough players go as hard as they can for as long as they can.

    It's not your shot; it's our shot: Tough players don't take bad shots, and they certainly don't worry about getting "my" shots. Tough players work for good shots and understand that it is not "my" shot, it is "our" shot. Tough players celebrate when "we" score.

    Box out and go to the glass every time: Tough players are disciplined enough to lay a body on someone. They make first contact and go after the ball. And tough players do it on every possession, not just when they feel like it. They understand defense is not complete until they secure the ball.

    Take responsibility for your actions: Tough players make no excuses. They take responsibility for their actions. Take James Johnson for example. With 17 seconds to go in Wake's game against Duke on Wednesday, Jon Scheyer missed a 3-pointer that bounced right to Johnson. But instead of aggressively pursuing the ball with a sense of urgency, Johnson stood there and waited for the ball to come to him. It never did. Scheyer grabbed it, called a timeout and the Blue Devils hit a game-tying shot on a possession they never should've had. Going after the loose ball is toughness -- and Johnson didn't show it on that play. But what happened next? He re-focused, slipped a screen for the winning basket, and after the game -- when he could've been basking only in the glow of victory -- manned up to the mistake that could've cost his team the win. "That was my responsibility -- I should have had that," Johnson said of the goof. No excuses. Shouldering the responsibility. That's toughness.

    Look your coaches and teammates in the eye: Tough players never drop their heads. They always look coaches and teammates in the eye, because if they are talking, it is important to them and to you.

    Move on to the next play: Tough players don't waste time celebrating a good play or lamenting a bad one. They understand that basketball is too fast a game to waste time and opportunities with celebratory gestures or angry reactions. Tough players move on to the next play. They know that the most important play in any game is the next one.

    Be hard to play against, and easy to play with: Tough players make their teammates' jobs easier, and their opponents' jobs tougher.

    Make every game important: Tough players don't categorize opponents and games. They know that if they are playing, it is important. Tough players understand that if they want to play in championship games, they must treat every game as a championship game.

    Make getting better every day your goal: Tough players come to work every day to get better, and keep their horizons short. They meet victory and defeat the same way: They get up the next day and go to work to be better than they were the day before. Tough players hate losing but are not shaken or deterred by a loss. Tough players enjoy winning but are never satisfied. For tough players, a championship or a trophy is not a goal; it is a destination. The goal is to get better every day.

    When I was playing, the players I respected most were not the best or most talented players. The players I respected most were the toughest players. I don't remember anything about the players who talked a good game or blocked a shot and acted like a fool. I remember the players who were tough to play against.

    Anybody can talk. Not anybody can be tough.

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Bilas offers an excerpt from his new book.

Four to be honored

Robert Schmidt has the details of four new CCCMBCA Hall-of-Famers.

JC scores from last night

* SJCC 91 - De Anza 84 (Nor Cal play-in game)

San Jose City College 

Aaron Armstead 8 12-12 33 (five treys)
Frankie (Rodrigues High) Russell 9 7-8 25
Bobby (Nimitz High) Gray 8 3-6 20

De Anza College

Dawson (Castro Valley High) Johnson 9 3-6 23
Nolan Williams 8 3-6 21
George (Emery High) Henderson 5 2-3 12
Shaquille Gilbert 5 2-4 12

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Merritt College 63 - American River College 62

The Lumberjacks lose

The Times Standard reports on Humboldt State's fall to Cal State Dominguez Hills in Arcata last night.

A prep roundup of yesterday's contests

Cameron Schott/Nor Cal Preps covers the Serra and Mitty wins from yesterday and adds player analysis.

Doug Benton/Nor Cal Preps has the details of the Sheldon, Antelope, Pleasant Grove and Sheldon High Ws.

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Mitch Stephens and his crew were all over the Bay last night.

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Glenn Reeves brings readers the scoops on the Mitty, Serra, Bellarmine and Burlingame victories.

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Steve R. Waterhouse was on press row for Dublin's takedown of Mt. Eden.

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Tony Gonsalez reports on San Leandro's extinguishing of Freedom.

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Mike McGreehan was in the building for the St. Joseph Notre Dame success over Head Royce.

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Get your Sacramento area scores and reports here, here, here, here and here.

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Bay Preps covers CCS action from last night -- BP NCS game reports are here.

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From the Marin Independent Journal, it was El Cerrito topping San Marin High. The MIJ also covered the University W over Branson.

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Matt O'Donnell writes on Bethel High's loss to Sheldon High.

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Brian VanderBeek double dips with news on both Capital Christian over Ripon Christian and Brookside Christian besting Central Catholic.

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Bob Padecky features Newark Memorial frustrating Montgomery High.

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Michael Coit and Eric Witmershaus are all over the Rincon Valley Christian win over Laytonville.

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Joe Pasquini has all the games involving Sonoma County teams.

Jeremy Russotti Stockton Clinic this Friday

1% CLUB Basketball is hosting a clinic in Stockton area this coming Friday, March 1.  

 

The event will be directed by top basketball skill development specialist Jeremy Russotti and will be held at Langston Hughes Academy, located in Stockton.  This event is for boys and girls ranging from 1st grade - high school.

* 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. -- 1st - 3rd Grade

* 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. -- 4th - 5th Grade

* 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. -- 6th - 10th Grade

For more information please contact: 

 

Calvin Brice (209) 451-6550, or via email at trainhard2playhard@gmail.com 

To register: 

 

go here, or participants can pay at the door. The cost is $35, cash only.

The community college basketball playoffs

Joe Davidson reports on the status of Yuba College, Sierra College and American River College vis-a-vis the basketball playoffs beginning this week.

Below are some of the games and dates:

CCCAA Playoffs

Wednesday's first round

No. 17 San Jose City (19-7) at No. 16 De Anza (13-12), 5:30 p.m.

No. 18 American River (12-13) at No. 15 Merritt (14-12), 7 p.m.

Friday's second round

No. 9 Lassen (22-8) at No. 8 Sequoias (21-8), 7 p.m.

No. 12 Contra Costa at No. 5 Cabrillo (19-8), 7 p.m.

No. 10 Yuba (21-7) at No. 7 Ohlone (20-8) 7 p.m.

No. 11 West Valley (18-10) at No. 6 Sierra (19-8), 7 p.m.

Saturday's second round

De Anza/San Jose City winner at No. 1 San Francisco (28-0), 7 p.m.

No. 11 West Valley (18-10) at No. 6 Sierra (19-8), 7:30 p.m.

No. 13 Chabot (14-13) at No. 4 Santa Rosa (25-5), 7:30 p.m.

American River/Merritt winner at No. 2 Fresno City (24-6), 7:30 p.m.

Johnson treying the NBA

Orlando Johnson receives some nice pub.

Not Nor Cal related but ... Nike & Jabari Parker

Keith Griffith/Chicago Grid digs deep into the connecting of Jabari Parker with the Nike folks.

Giusti recognized

Matthew Snyder lauds St. Mary's redshirt frosh backcourter Jordan Giusti (it will take some scrolling down to get to the piece).

Not re-broken but sore

Here's the latest on Will Cherry and his sore foot.

The Jacks play Cal State Dominguez Hills tonight

Danny Penza covers Humboldt State's hopes with two game to go in the regular season.

Your prep basketball link roundup

George Watkins reports that both Seaside High and Palma High fell last night so Monterey County is no longer repped. John Devine provides a Palma game report.

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Darren Sabedra covers the St. Francis and Willow Glen High advancements.

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Jimmy Durkin has the details of Oakland High's win over Oak Tech.

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Sacramento area hoops coverage via Bill Paterson is here, here, here and here. It doesn't take much to picture him with phones in both hands and yet somehow typing away on the computer while watching a game.

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Bay Preps serves up audio interviews with a number of the coaches whose teams are still in the playoffs.

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Bay Preps also offers game previews here and here plus game reports from last night here.

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Matt O'Donnell previews the Bethel High - Sheldon High matchup.

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Brian VanderBeek, Jonamar Jacinto and Kevin Niendorf all game report on the Modesto Christian downing of Weston Ranch.

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Jonamar Jacinto did double duty by also covering Sierra High's victory over Casa Roble.

Artis to return on Thursday

Jordan Whitley is reporting that freshman point Dom Artis will be back on the court as of Thursday, playing time TBD.

The Nor Cal community college brackets

Click here to be taken to the Nor Cal community college brackets. Those on the right miss City College of San Francisco until super serious time-- no, make that they don't miss CCSF at all.

A hoops-related human interest piece

Here's a great human interest story -- no lead-ins, no teases.

You have the chance, now what do you do with it?

Brandon Parker takes an interesting look at what separates the possibility from the actualization.

Coaching is not a contact sport

Consider this an enthusiastic endorsement of Coach Bob Walsh for his essay here.

A JC roundup: seeding articles

From the Fresno Bee:

The Fresno City College men's basketball team will begin defense of its state championship as the No. 2 seed in the Northern California bracket.

The Rams (24-6) received a first-round bye and will open at home Saturday against the winner of Wednesday's game between No. 15 Merritt (14-12) and No. 18 San Jose City (19-7).

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From Howard Senzell on Santa Rosa JC which faces Chabot on Saturday:

Craig McMillan, the Bear Cubs men’s coach, said he and his team are ready for the playoffs.

“We’re excited,” he said. “I thought we’d get a No. 3 seed but I’m not complaining. The key is getting in the top four. Then, you get at least two home games.”

If the Bear Cubs get those two wins, they’ll likely go on the road to face No. 1 City College of San Francisco (28-0) with the winner advancing to the state tournament.

“We’re capable of beating anyone if we play like we can,” McMillan said. “We’ve gotten better as a team as the season progressed. Our defense has been solid lately.”

Four players are averaging double figures for McMillan. Bobby Sharp leads the way with 17 points per game and is followed by Jajuan Hammond (14.2), Max Fujii (12.8) and Xavier McCall (12.5).

Sharp and McCall played high school ball at Cardinal Newman while Fujii gained All-Empire Player of the Year honors at Analy. Hammond hails from Fresno.

The Bear Cubs are 25-5 and bring an eight-game winning streak into the playoffs.

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From Mark Godi on San Joaquin Delta College  which faces host Foothill on Saturday:

The Delta men (17-10) played the Owls (22-5) in December in Foothill's tournament and lost in the championships 67-59 in overtime. Foothill was second in the Coast Conference North behind City College of San Francisco, the No. 1-ranked team in the state.

The Mustangs made the playoffs in coach Rich Ressa's first three seasons but missed them last season after going 5-20. Delta got all-conference nods for Alex Simmons and Mitch Postle, while Ryan Gaarder and Dan Schwarzberg were honorable mentions. Unlike the women, the men do not designate first-team picks, opting instead for general "all-conference" selections.

"We are excited to be back," Ressa said. "This is an enjoyable group to coach and they deserve it."

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From the Appeal Democrat: Yuba Coach Doug Cornelius is not happy with his team's seeding.

The Delta men (17-10) played the Owls (22-5) in December in Foothill's tournament and lost in the championships 67-59 in overtime. Foothill was second in the Coast Conference North behind City College of San Francisco, the No. 1-ranked team in the state.

The Mustangs made the playoffs in coach Rich Ressa's first three seasons but missed them last season after going 5-20. Delta got all-conference nods for Alex Simmons and Mitch Postle, while Ryan Gaarder and Dan Schwarzberg were honorable mentions. Unlike the women, the men do not designate first-team picks, opting instead for general "all-conference" selections.

"We are excited to be back," Ressa said. "This is an enjoyable group to coach and they deserve it."

- See more at: http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130226/A_SPORTS/302260310#sthash.fwvIjFU0.dpuf

Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2013/02/25/3188702/sports-briefs-fresno-city-men.html#storylink=cpy

Cal Maritime repeats

Thomas Gase reports it was a 66-63 final in Vallejo with Cal Maritime besting Menlo College. Now it's on to the Show-Me state for the Keelhaulers.

Congratulations to Coach Bryan Rooney and his guys on their achievement.

A Tuesday high school link roundup

Bay Preps checks in with it usual assortment of links involving games today and tomorrow.

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Joe Davidson features tall and taller, the Stuteville brothers of Casa Roble High.

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Mitch Stephens focuses on the Marin County squads in the playoffs, and more.

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Prep2Prep provides a boys basketball honor roll, fronted by a terrific photo taken by Samuel Chang.

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Jonamar Jacinto has the previews of Weston Ranch versus Modesto Christian and Sierra going up against Casa Roble, both happening tonight.

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George Watkins reports it's Seaside High facing Half Moon Bay and then Palma squaring off with Menlo.

Bill Russell moving and jumping

Below is USF's Bill Russell displaying his speed and jumping ability:

Williams plays well but Jackson State falls

Host Arkansas Pine Bluff downed Jackson State by one, 73-72, with Christian Williams totaling 21 points and six rebounds for the Mississippi-ians.

Note to players: skill development is lagging

Bigger, stronger and faster but less skilled. That seems to be the summary of this article.

Yes, exposure is important but what's being exposed?

Make this promise to yourself: come back better than last season. Return having added to your skills set.

Talent will be found but the buzz is initially created by superb production which is the outgrowth of elevated talents.

Culture + talent

SI's Seth Davis writes: "Buzz Williams made a great point when I spoke with him on the phone last week: His team is tied for first place in the Big East, yet it probably does not have anyone who will be named first team all-conference. Nor was he arguing they should be. His point was that this team wins because of its culture, not just its talent. Not a bad way to go, apparently."

This is a subject that deservedly could be a very lengthy piece.

Straight talk from Sean Miller

Bruce Pascoe quoting Arizona Coach Sean Miller:

Without using Brandon Ashley's name, Miller expressed disappointment in the freshman forward, who fouled out after 16 minutes. Ashley had seven points and three rebounds.

"Our lack of intensity, attention to detail and focus..." Miller said. "We got guys fouling out on almost four or five plays? It’s really hard to foul out in college basketball unless you’re playing 37, 38 minutes in a ferocious game.

"You’re playing 16 minutes and you have five fouls? That’s the officials' fault? ... again I always tell the truth and for our team to perform like we did against Washington State it’s not disappointment. It's a sign of where we are."

Yes, sometimes coaches do lose it but other times it's intentional. That jump to to a Pac-12 level is big for everyone and adjustments times are necessary. Miller is just trying to hurry the process and progress in any way he can.

Lee goes for a double-double

Dominique Lee went for 30 points and 16 rebounds in Casper College's 90-82 triumph over Sheridan College on Saturday.

Will someone please get him back to California?

The latest on Will Cherry

Well, the good news is Will Cherry didn't re-break his foot.

Solid work by Prep2Prep

The Prep2Prep site serves up a lengthy CCS summary-to-date, working it's way from the Open Division to D-V.

Aronis' contribution highlighted once more

Kevin Aronis receives more press for his play in Saturday night's New Mexico State 55-51 win over UTEP.

Tony Johnson is ice and enfuego simultaneously

In leading Lafayette to a 79-71 win over Lehigh, Tony Johnson scored 29 points (10-12 overall shooting, 5-5 from long distance) alongside four assists and a pair of steals. Freshman teammate Bryce Scott scored went for nine points, five assists and two steals.

Williams powers Wagner

Jonathan Williams produced 20 points, four rebounds and a pair of steals in Wagner's 94-92 victory over LIU-Brooklyn yesterday.

Cherry hurt again

It looks like Will Cherry has re-injured his foot:

Then with 4:40 to play, Will Cherry came up lame. He spent the rest of the game on the bench with ice on his right foot, the same one he broke back in September. He said after the game that it feels the same as it did when he broke it during a pick-up game.

“That’s what he says, but obviously we won’t know anything until we get an X-ray,” Tinkle said. “He said it feels the same, but who knows? Obviously, if that’s true, it’s not a good thing.”

From Friday night: DVC 65, ARC 51

In a game from Friday night:

Diablo Valley 65, American River 51

Diablo Valley College

Connor (Northgate High) Jean 12 0-1 30 (six treys)
Mike (Monte Vista High) Harris 4 5-7 13

American River College

Chad (Center High) Haysbert 5 3-5 13
Jarvis (Antelope High) Watkins 3 5-8 10
Adaku Anumu 2 5-5 10

Ohlone 80, Cañada 53

Ohlone 80, Cañada 53

Ohlone College

Chris (Castro Valley High) Read 8 2-2 20
Henry McCarthy 5 2-2 12
Anton Miller 4 1-2 10

Cañada College

Qaadir (Tennyson High) Ali 6 0-0 15 (three treys)
Rashad (Franklin High) Brackeen 5 0-0 14 (four treys)

CCSF 90, LPC 74

San Francisco 90, Las Positas 74

City College of San Francisco

Dulani (McClymonds High) Robinson 6 3-4 19 (four treys)
Delon Wright 4 5-7 14
Quincy (Deer Valley High) Smith 2 6-7 10
Bryan McGriff 4 2-2 10

Las Positas College

Jacob (Amador Valley) Contreras 9 9-12 29 (eight treys)
Kapunohu (Hayward High) Sweetwyne 5 1-1 11

SJCC over MPC

San Jose City 80, Monterey 63

San Jose City College

Aaron Armstead 7 6-6 24
Bobby (Nimitz High) Gray 7 1-2 17 (three treys)
Frankie (Rodriguez High) Johnson 6 2-3 17
Corey Barrett 3 4-4 10

Monterey Peninsula College

Zen (Santa Cruz High) Maki 5 0-0 14 (four treys)
Jonny (Valley Christian High) Parker 4 4-4 12

The Seawolves fall by eight

It was 68-60 on Sonoma State's Senior Night versus Cal Poly Pomona with the Seawolves on the short end of the stick. SSU athletics has the game report.

Chico State wins on Senior Night

The Wildcats faced Cal State Los Angeles last night and, after bidding adieu to five seniors, won 70-61. Chico State athletics has the game report.

The Gators are biting

The Times Standard reports on Humboldt State's 79-61 loss to San Francisco State. SF State offers its own game report.

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Below is video of Friday's dramatic Gator victory over Pomona -- former Serra frontcourter Decensae White is the shooter. The SF State - Pomona game report can be found here:

FCC bops Columbia

From the Fresno Bee:

Now all the Fresno City College men's basketball team has to do is wait to see where it is seeded for the postseason.

The defending state champions did all they could to earn a high slot, wrapping up another undefeated Central Valley Conference season after beating host Columbia 79-64 Saturday.

The Rams (24-6, 12-0) likely will open at home as a No. 2 or 3 next Saturday. Regional seedings to be announced Monday.

Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2013/02/23/3186300/sports-briefs-fresno-city-mens.html#storylink=cpy

Dons surf the Waves by six

USF took down Pepperdine 64-58 with redshirt freshman Mark (San Ramon Valley High) Tollefsen totaling 18 points and five boards for the winners.

The high school roundup

Not a lot of games last night but here goes:

* Bay Preps offers the most extensive recap.

* From SFGate: Mitch Stephens, Harold Abend and Pat O'Rourke circle around the bay with reports.

* The Monterey Herald has Palma and Seaside advancing with wins.

* Per the SC Sentinel, it was Santa Cruz High over Saratoga.

Butterfield helps in another Aggie success

Utah State won another game last night 80-71, this one over Illinois State with Spencer Butterfield aiding the cause. He finished with 16 points (7-9 shooting), six rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Aronis leads NMSU to victory

New Mexico State topped rival UTEP last night with Kevin (Santa Rosa Junior College) Aronis leading the Aggies with 11 points in just 13 minutes of court time. He shot 3-5 from long distance.

Davis nabs win on last-second shot

A last second jumper by backcourter  Paolo (Shasta College) Mansacola pushed host UC Davis ahead of Northern Colorado 79-78 last night and that turned out to be the final score. His frontcourt teammate JT (Oakmont High) Adenrele powered for 18 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots.

Tigers fall despite Gill's effort

Western Michigan proved to be rude hosts to visiting Pacific and came away with a 67-62 win last night. But in 28 minutes of play for the Tigers, junior forward Tony (Cosumnes River College) Gill totaled 18 points (4-5 from long distance) and six boards.

The Highlanders lose despite a double-double from Fox

UC Riverside fell 66-58 to host Portland State last night despite 12 rebounds and 10 points from freshman Josh Fox in 23 minutes of court time.

Williams' 44 leads Jackson State to victory

Jackson State scored 90 points last night to Mississippi Valley State's 71 as Christian (Sierra High - Manteca) Williams poured in almost half the total of the victors with 44 points. His shooting numbers: 13-16 overall, 7-8 from three-point range and 11-11 at the foul line.

EW takes SH State

Eastern Washington welcomed Sam Houston State to the Northwest last night by winning 81-76 as Collin Chiverton scored 20 points in 18 minutes for the victors.

Davis & McNealy power the Anteaters

UC Irvine went to the Lone Star State and bested Texas Arlington 77-70  yesterday with Will Davis contributing 16 points, six rebounds and five blocked shots for the Anteaters while Chris McNealy posted 12 points, four assists and a trio of rebounds.

JC scores from last night

* San Joaquin Delta College 68 - Sacramento City College 60

* Contra Costa College 83 - Solano College 68

* Los Medanos College 65 - Napa Valley College 48

* Hartnell College 71 - Gavilan College 52

* Santa Rosa Junior College 82 - Cosumnes River College 67

* Diablo Valley College 65 - American River College 51

* College of Alameda 76 - College of Marin 61

* Foothill College 58 - Skyline College 56

West Valley by a trey over Cabrillo

It was host West Valley College 66-63 over Cabrillo College last night.

From the Cabrillo College basketball site:

The Cabrillo College Seahawks lost a tough one tonight in Saratoga to West Valley College 66-63. The Seahawks ended Coast Conference South play with a 10-2 record and a third straight Championship. West Valley also completed Coast Conference South play tonight with a 9-3 record and sole possession of second place.

Tonight's matchup was a game of runs. In the first, WVC enjoyed a seven point lead with 4:15 to play only to see the Seahawks go on a run of their own and tie the score at 35 at halftime.

The second half was back and forth early. Cabrillo held an eight point lead with 6:13 to play and a five point lead with 4:02 to go. WVC rallied to tie the game with 3:11 to go as both teams traded baskets. Cabrillo fouled on a late WVC 3 pt. attempt and followed that with a turnover to give WVC the win.

Colin Gruber lead Cabrillo in scoring with 17 points. Dalton Noble added 13 points.

Next, the Seahawks will wait on the CCCAA seeding committee to make their selections for the 18 team bracket for northern CA. The Seahawks will be informed as to where, when and whom on Monday (2-25-13) early afternoon.

Yuba College by seven

Andy Arrenquin game reports on Yuba College's 80-73 victory of Merritt in a game played last night.

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/2013/02/22/2590429/mjc-drops-hoop-finales.html#storylink=cpy

Sierra College 77, MJC 67

From the Modesto Bee:

Tashawn Mabry led the Pirates (12-16, 4-10 Big 8) with 20 points in their season ended. Modesto JC coach Paul Brogan said a cold second half was his team's downfall, but he was proud of the way his eight players finished the season. Sierra (19-8, 10-4 Big 8) was led by Jordan Ngatai's 16 points.

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/2013/02/22/2590429/mjc-drops-hoop-finales.html#storylink=cpy

Lee aids Casper victory

Casper College won again last night, topping Gillette College 77-64 behind 16 points and eight rebounds from Dominique Lee.

The Seawolves succeed way up north

The Times Standard game reports on Sonoma State's Olsem-powered 83-68 win over Humboldt State.

Jessup falls by three

Matt Horrocks writes that William Jessup fell by a trey to Menlo College last night in the California Pacific Conference tournament semis.

Cal Maritime on the verge of repeating

Jose San Mateo was on press row for Cal Maritime's win over UC Merced, a success that has the Keelhaulers entering the conference tourney championship game

A roundup of last night's prep games

Mitch Stephens checks in with a focus on games involving WCAL members.

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Darren Sabedra is all over the Mitty and Riordan victories.

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Glenn Reeves covers the Serra and Sacred Heart Cathedral successes.

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Steve Waterhouse was on press row for the Mt. Eden win over San Lorenzo.

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Chace Bryson reports that DLS had no trouble with Berkeley High.

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Jimmy Durkin has the details of Freedom's handling of Monte Vista.

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Bill Paterson covers the playoff contests up in the Sacramento area here, here, here and here. Bill was also present at Antelope.s win over Burbank. Joe Davidson offers the details of Grant's triumph versus Cosumnes Oaks.

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Bay Preps' daily buffet is available.

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Dave Curtis has the scoop on Drake's takedown of Miramonte.

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The Times Herald offers what you need to know about Bethel's victory against Golden Valley.

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Brian VanderBeek goes long regarding Modesto Christian's latest W.

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Scott Niendorf eyeballed Sierra's win over Auburn-Placer, a game that featured a four-point play by Guillermo Nunez.

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 Michael Coit's Montgomery over College Park game report is up.

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Bob Padecky profiles Rylan Kobre, game winner.

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Joe Pasquini recounts last night's action up in Sonoma County. Then Joe previews tonight's pairings.

The California Pacific Conference honorees

The honors for players in the California Pacific Conference have been awarded:

* Player of the Year: Aki Chambers, UC Merced

* Defender of the Year: Jaquai Wiley, CSU Maritime

* Newcomer of the Year: Keenan Prince, William Jessup

* Freshman of the Year: Dalton Thacker, Simpson

* Coach of the Year: Jeff Bussell, William Jessup

First Team

Will Bell
Pacific Union
6-2
SR
G

Keith Bowman
Menlo
6-7
JR
F

Keven Campbell
California Maritime
6-0
SR
PG

Aki Chambers
UC Merced
6-3
SR
G

ChaRunn Jones
Menlo
5-10
SR
G

Keenan Prince
William Jessup
6-1
SR
G

Anthony Simi
California Maritime
6-4
JR
G

Dalton Thacker
Simpson
6-2
FR
PG

Guy Varsek
Simpson
6-5
JR
G

Jordan Wilson
William Jessup
6-4
SR
F

Second Team

Marcus Carter
Pacific Union
6-3
SR
G/F

Ian Corella
Simpson
6-7
SO
F

Martin Harris
UC Merced
6-0
SR
G

Howie Manzo
California Maritime
6-1
SR
G

Marquis Robinson
William Jessup
6-0
SR
G

Honorable Mention:

California Maritime: Casey Healy

Menlo: Charles Barnes, John Smith

Simpson: Jordan Collins

UC Merced: Javon Barrino, George Idehen, Mike Pierick, Michael Yonemoto

William Jessup: Sterling Shells

The Marin County Athletic League honorees

Player of the Year - Liam Hunt, Drake
   
All League - 2013
     
First Team
   
Patrick Conroy, Marin Catholic    
Lucas Chavez, Drake    
Nick Calcaterra, Marin Catholic    
Joe Compagno, Redwood    
Brandon Kenilvort, Drake    
     
Second Team
   
Sho Brahmah, San Rafael   
Max McKone, Novato    
Samson Donick, Redwood    
Noah Everly, San Marin    
John Broderick, Branson    
     
Honorable Mention
 
Matt Potter, Drake    
Craig Moore, Justin-Siena    
Malik Huff, Drake    
Zach Able, Terra Linda    
Lorenzo Jordan, Tamalpais    
Derek Wrenn, Justin-Siena

Meet newest Utah Stater JoJo McGlaston

Kyle Goon profiles the latest Utah State basketball commit, Dublin High's JoJo McGlaston. The Aggies are headed to the Mountain West Conference next season.

Spencer Butterfield profiled

Kyle Goon profiles Spencer Butterfield who is the frontrunner for mayor of Logan, Utah should he choose to run. Right now, he is carrying Utah State basketball.

McGlaston going from Gael to Aggie

Whether it was going for 40 against against Miramonte and 31 points versus both Freedom and Campolindo, the alley-oop dunks or the off-the-charts athletic ability or the entire package, Dublin High's JoJo McGlaston received an offer from a Mountain West Conference-to-be school known for winning and decided home sweet home would next be in the Beehive State.

Ranked #15 in the NorCalPreps 2013 rankings, the 6-foot-4 McGlaston is headed to Utah State which makes its debut in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) next season. The Aggies perennial win the Western Athletic Conference they are departing and are looking for talent and athletic upgrades as the MWC is going to be a step up.

Why Coach Stew Morrill and Logan, Utah?

 "It was great out there," McGlaston explained. "The coaches stayed loyal and real with me and the players took me in and accepted me. It was like a big bond of brotherly love.."

He also added, "Utah State joining the Mountain West Conference is important."

McGlaston found the people he met as "real friendly" and maybe, just maybe, the fans at the game he attended put Utah State over the top.

As McGlaston described it, they "chanted 'future Aggie, future Aggie' at me, showing me love."

Most fans aren't even aware when a recruit is on a visit, let alone perform some serenading. Utah State fans are known for their creative loyalty.

So what will McGlaston bring to his new team?

"Definitely my scoring and athletic ability."

The Aggies have no one on their roster remotely close to McGlaston's running and jumping talent. Additionally, the Utah State roster lists two wings, period, who will be seniors next season.

He is looking to major in business and economics, attracted to those because "so many players in the NBA don't know how to spend their money right and those classes will help in not making that mistake."

But why did McGlaston end up affiliated with the roundball? If there is such a thing as preordainment, call it that as he offered, "in the McGlaston family tree, my sister played basketball at San Jose State, my Dad coached at Alameda and my brother played at St. Joseph's."

But in looking back, he recalls that all was not an easy path

"As a freshman, I didn't play a lot. I was small, like 6-foot-1, 150 pounds. Guys were older and bigger than me. But I never thought I was better than anyone else and took the time to work and improve."

What's especially charming is his response when asked about his best moment in basketball. He responded, "It was in fifth grade playing CYO basketball at St. Isadore. We were down by two and I hit a bankshot three to win the game."

Unfortunately, no videotape is available to see if he called it.

JC scores from last night

* Shasta College 66 - Butte College 44

* Lassen College 92 - Feather River College 85

How will the new 'Open Division' play out?

Jeremy Balan has a fascinating piece in the San Francisco Examiner on the possibilities of the new CCS 'Open Division'

Remember E.J. Rowland

Former Gael backcourter E.J. Rowland came back to the St. Mary's campus last night to catch the victory over BYU. Wasn't he on Coach Randy Bennett's very first team in Moraga?

It's the host 49ers versus Merritt tonight

Bryan DeMain looks at the Yuba College - Merritt College game tonight and what a win or a loss means.

Siskiyous tops Shasta

Danny Penza reports on the College of the Siskiyous 81-71 win over Shasta College.

A prep roundup

Bay Preps is overflowing with reports today: 12 audio interviews with coaches in the playoffs, D-I quarterfinal previews, D-II quarterfinal previews, D-III quarterfinal previews.

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George Watkins and Laramie Trevino report on Salinas High's one-point loss to Wilcox High.

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John Devine has the details of Monterey's single digit victory over Christiopher High.

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Santa Cruz High will now face Saratoga after downing Del Mar High last night.

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Aptos High, led by Cole Welle, had no trouble with Terra Nova last night. Mills High is up next.

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Joe Pasquini is all over the North Coast Section with his preview plus he offers a bit about Santa Rosa Junior College hoops at the end.b

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The Marin Independent Journal reports that Drake High's Liam Hunt is the MCAL player-of-the-year.

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Mitch Stephens chimes in primarily regarding Paly High.

JC scores from last night

* Los Medanos College 81 - College of Alameda 65

* Mendocino College 72 - College of Alameda 70

* Foothill College 58 - Cañada College 48

Merritt bests CCC

Merritt 78, Contra Costa 62

Merritt College

Anthony (El Camino High) Knight 9 1-2 20
Jalil (Berkeley High) Eppenger 5 0-0 12
Eric (El Cerrito High) Nelson 4 4-8 12

Contra Costa College

Larry (Vallejo High) Wickett 5 9-11 20
Tyler West 4 2-4 11

Chabot by two over Ohlone

Chabot 55, Ohlone 53

Chabot College

Greg Brown 6 1-2 17 (four treys)
Damien (San Lorenzo High) Stewart 5 1-1 11

Ohlone College

Chris (Castro Valley High) Reed 7 5-5 19
Casey (Newark Memorial High) Norris 3 3-4 10

Skyline tops LPC

Skyline 80, Las Positas 67

Skyline College

Kevin (Lincoln High) Brandenberg 6 5-8 18
Brandon (Mills High)  Berkovatz 6 4-6 16
D.J. (Riordan High) Harvey 3 3-5 11
Agustin (Half Moon Bay High) Arroyo 4 0-0 11 (three treys)

Las Positas College

Booker (Berkeley High) Shabazz 5 5-6 16
Julian (Bishop O'Dowd High) Redmon 6 1-2 16 (three treys)
Steven (College Park High) Cazeres 6 0-0 13
Cameron (Lincoln High) Womack 5 1-3 11

WV by one over MPC

West Valley 50, Monterey Peninsula 49 (OT)

West Valley College

D'vaughn (JFK-Fremont) Mann 5 3-4 13
Chris (JFK-Fremont) Murry 4 2-2 12
Chris (Del Mar High) Aitchison 5 0-0 10

Monterey Peninsula College

Brandon (Monterey High) Hanson 7 0-0 17 (three treys)
Jonny (Valley Christian High) Parker 4 2-5 10

SJCC over Hartnell

San Jose City 88, Hartnell 74

San Jose City College

Aaron Armstead 10 0-0 27 (seven treys)
Andre (San Leandro High) Russell 8 3-4 19
Bobby (Nimitz High) Gray 6 3-5 16
Corey Barrett 6 0-0 12

Hartnell College

Billy Giles 8 4-6 21
Kyle Baird 4 6-7 17 (three treys)
Brad Kohler 6 3-4 16
Kyle Dragnich 5 0-0 11

De Anza handles Gavilan

De Anza 57, Gavilan 44

De Anza College

Denzel (Santa Teresa High) Copeland 5 4-5 15
Shaquille Gilbert 4 6-12 14

Gavilan College

Andrew Belonia 3 4-8 11
Davontea Johnson 4 2-4 10

FCC wins CVC

From the Fresno Bee: 

Fresno City College secured the Central Valley Conference men's basketball title outright Wednesday with an 87-70 win over West Hills-Coalinga behind Alex Perez's 17 points.

Chris Ashanti and Junior Morgan each scored 14 points for the state No. 8-ranked Rams (23-6, 11-0), who close the regular season Saturday at Columbia.

Yuba is the BVC top dog

The Appeal Democrat has the news on Yuba College's conference-clinching victory over College of Marin.

Today's prep roundup

Bay Preps leads off with its always fine link collective.

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Mitch Stephens notes Salesian's win over Gateway plus more.

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The Sac Bee links to Sacramento area games from last night are here, here, here, here.

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Neil Tarpey reports on McKinleyville High's 58-49 victory over Fortuna High.

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Dave Curtis was on press row for Marin Catholics takedown of Middletown.

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The MIJ has Branson's success against Athenian.

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Matt O'Donnell has the scoop on Bethel High succeeding against Granite Bay.

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The Times Herald provides the details of Benicia High falling to Antelope by six.

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Joe Cortez fills readers in about Modesto Christian High having zero trouble versus Manteca.

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Ron Agostini tells of Sierra High's romp over Ceres.

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Dave Campbell provides what you want to know about El Camino High's last-second shot that dropped St. Mary's.

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Richard J. Marcus was in the building and has the story of Cardinal Newman's bopping of Cloverdale High.

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Michael Coit covers the Summerfield Waldorf win.

Anteaters best Pacific

UC Irvine withstood Pacific 68-59 last night despite a very solid game from Tony (Cosumnes River College) Gill (17 points, seven rebounds). For the Anteaters, Will Davis finished with 13 points and eight caroms.

UTEP falls despite Moore's D/D

Southern Mississippi handled UTEP 45-39 last night (the final score, not a halftime offering) although McKenzie Moore contributed 12 points plus 11 rebounds for the Miners.

Fullerton rolls

Cal State Fullerton rolled over Cal Poly 77-60 last night as Kwame Vaughn finished with a team-leading 23 points and seven assists. D.J. Seeley totaled 21 points (9-12 shooting) and went over the 1,000 point mark for the Titans. Alex Harris had a solid night and finished at 10 points and seven rebounds.

Deja vu all over again

Lafayette's Tony Johnson is making a name as a dagger guy with his latest last second shot carrying Lafayette to a 79-76 win over host Holy Cross. His line: 20 points, six assists and five boards. Frosh teammate Bryce Scott totaled 13 points plus four rebounds.

For HC, Eric Obeysekere enjoyed 11 points 95-5 from the floor) , seven boards and a pair of blocked shots.

The Wildcats over the Huskies

In 20 minutes of court time, freshman forward Brandon Ashley compiled 10 points and five rebounds during host Arizona's 70-52 takedown of Washington last night.

Long Beach tops Davis

It was on-the-road UC Davis falling to Long Beach State 71-65 last night. Peter Pappageorge went for six points, three rebounds and a pair of assists for the 49ers. J.T. Adenrele produced a 13/11 double-double for the Aggies while Paolo Mansacola totaled seven points plus six assists at the point for Coach Jim Les.

SCCAL honors announced

The Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League has announced its 2012-13 basketball honorees and juniors Cole Welle of Aptos High and Sam Walters of Soquel High are the Co-MVPs.

Go here to read more about Welle.

A winning culture

Coach Bob Walsh has another winner (pardon the pun) titled "A Winning Culture"

Not Nor Cal-related but you gotta read it

Justice B. Hill has written a classic: "Whatcha doin’ here, white boy?"

Dame on the cover of DIME

This looks familiar like it was previously posted here but, regardless, it's still worthy: Damian Lillard on the cover of DIME and with a feature article.

A JC roundup from last night

*  American River College 86 - Sierra College 74

*  Sacramento City College 94 - Cosumnes River College 87

* Santa Rosa Junior College 96 - San Joaquin Delta College 76

From Joe Pasquini:

Bobby Sharp hit eight 3 point shots on his way to a 31 point night as the SRJC Men clinched the Big 8 championship with a 96-76 win over San Joaquin Delta.  SRJC had a 48-31 lead at the half. SRJC is 24-5 overall and 12-1 in league. 

* Modesto Junior College 82 - Diablo Valley College 75

From the Modesto Bee:

Modesto was hanging on to a one-point lead with 50 seconds left when Tashawn Mabry nailed a 3-pointer to give the Pirates some breathing room. Alex Rivera soon followed with a steal and uncontested layup as Modesto went on to win 82-75.

Mabry finished with 23 points, including four 3s, and teammate Mike Hill added 21 points.

The daily prep roundup

As usual, Bay Preps saturates with coverage of the various high school matchups from last night. The Heritage High and San Ramon Valley High kids definitely deserved permission to sleep in this morning.

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Mitch Stephens checks in with his prep report.

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Steve Waterhouse was on press row for the last second Mt. Eden High win over Alameda.

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George Watkins offers the details of Alvarez High's triumph against Alisal as Mitch Wood exploded for a 34 point/11 rebound double-double.

Butterfield continues strong play

Utah State fell 72-70 to host BYU last night despite the Herculean efforts of Spencer Butterfield who posted a 21 point, 14 rebound, five assist line.

Johnson & Giddings power Fresno State to victory

Fresno State took down Nevada 69-64 last night with Tyler Johnson going for 19 points, four rebounds and three assists. Freshman center Tanner Giddings also started for the Bulldogs and scored seven points alongside five rebounds in 27 minutes.

McGlaston Beehive State bound

Dublin High's JoJo McGlaston recently tripped to Utah State, a perennial Western Athletic Conference power and a program which is joining the Mountain West Conference next season.

UPDATE: Kyle Goon reports that McGlaston has given a verbal to the Aggies.

This week's JC polls

Robert Schmidt has a must read post up today along with the weekly team rankings:

CCCMBCA State Poll

1.   San Francisco
2.   Saddleback
3.   Mt. San Antonio
4.   Santa Rosa
5.   Foothill
      (tie) Ohlone
7.   Riverside
8.   Fresno City
9.   Canyons
10. Sierra
11. Antelope Valley
      (tie) Chaffey
13. Yuba
14. Palomar
15. Sequoias
16. East Los Angeles
17. Contra Costa
18. Allan Hancock
19. Lassen
20. Ventura

Northern California

1.   San Francisco
2.   Santa Rosa
3.   Foothill
      (tie) Ohlone
5.   Fresno City
6.   Sierra
7.   Yuba
8.   Sequoias
9.   Contra Costa
10. Lassen
11. Cabrillo
12. San Joaquin Delta
13. Marin
14. San Jose City
15. West Valley
      (tie) DeAnza

The daily prep roundup

Mitch Stephens explores the Open Division and more in his latest post.

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Joe Davidson writes an intriguing post about the playoffs up Sacramento way. He has some opinions, some questions and some answers.

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Bay Preps offer a trio of initial game previews.

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George Watkins provides CCS first-round game previews.

Benicia dances past Hiram Johnson

Thomas Gase provides the game report of Benicia High's victory over Hiram Johnson High.

Edward Moore named MVP

From the Times Herald:

Bethel High School senior Edward Moore was named MVP of the Solano County Athletic Conference in boys basketball after a vote of the league's coaches on Monday.

Moore averaged 21 points per game in league play and led the Jaguars to the league crown for the second straight season.

Koree Cox of Benicia and Moore's teammates, Noah Wellington and Gary Wilson were also on the first team.

Devin Bracy of Vallejo was honorable mention along with Bethel's Akeem Wallace, Benicia's Derek Johnstone and Kenon McClanahan and American Canyon's Josh Williams and Tajay Gedra.

Davion Berry honored

Weber State’s Davion Berry and Northern Colorado’s Derrick Barden have been selected as the Co Big Sky Conference men’s basketball Players of the Week.

Berry, a 6-foot-4 junior guard/forward from Oakland, Calif., averaged 17.0 points, four assists, 3.3 rebounds and two steals per game in the three wins. Berry shot .643 percent from the field, .500 percent from 3-point range, and .769 percent from the free-throw line in three wins.

Berry opened with 14 points, three steals, two rebounds and an assist in Weber State’s 56-40 win over Idaho State on Monday night. Berry made 6-of-9 shots form the floor. In Thursday night’s 87-63 win over first-place Montana, Berry scored 16 points with six assists, four rebounds and three steals. Berry and the Wildcats halted Montana’s 14-game winning streak, and the Grizzlies’ conference record of 25 straight regular-season conference wins. On Saturday night in a 69-61 win over Montana State, Berry enjoyed a perfect shooting night en route to 21 points. Berry was 7-of-7 from the field – 3-of-3 from 3-point range, and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. He also had five assists, four rebounds and a blocked shot...

Others Nominated...

...Will Cherry, G UM: Averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds, 4.5 assists in a win and a loss...

A Theo Johnson update

Theo Johnson packed his bags and headed east after a successful stint at Franklin High so how is the 6-foot-6 freshman doing at College of Charleston? Try 3.5 points a game in 14 appearances/nine minutes an outing. He is shooting 47% overall, 31% from long distance and 73% at the foul line. Johnson's 10 blocked shot are tied for second on the team.

A Tim Harris update

Tim Harris, formerly of Valley Christian High and St. Mary's, is enjoying a very productive junior season at Concordia University in Irvine. His numbers: 16.8 points and 3.3 rebounds a game while shooting 47% overall, 42% from long distance and 77% respectively. He leads the Eagles with 10 blocked shots and is second with 36 steals.

Recruiting and fan-dom

Graham Couch (gotta love that surname for a story about psychology) digs into the whys and wherefores of the fanatical following of college recruiting.

Three Bay Area talents on the Riverside roster

UC Riverside isn't having the best of seasons (5-18 overall, 2-9 in the Big West Conference) but two freshman out of Sacred Heart Cathedral are performing well and this adds a degree of hope for future betterment.

6-foot-6 Josh Fox has started 22 of 23 games and is averaging 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds an outing. He's shooting 49% overall, 4-9 from long distance and 63% from the foul line. His 82 free throw attempts leads the Highlanders.

6-foot-7 Taylor Johns has two starts in 16 game appearances while averaging 6.5 points and 4.6 boards. His shooting numbers: 50% overall and 68% at the foul line (no three-point attempts). He tops the team with 15 blocked shots.

Also, 6-foot-8 junior Lucas Devenney has four starts in 22 appearances while averaging 1.9 points and 4.2 rebounds a contest. Almost half of his carom total is from the offensive end.

A writeup on the Shasta College win

Thomas Lawrence writes about Shasta College's 72-59 win over College of the Redwoods on Saturday night.

What a difference a season makes

Julia Prodis Sulek writes about the comeback of the 2012-13 Gunderson High basketball squad after the ultimate tumult the season before.

The 2012-13 WCAL honorees

The West Catholic Athletic League has announced its 2-12-13 honorees:

PLAYER OF THE YEAR – AARON GORDON – ARCHBISHOP MITTY - SENIOR

First Team

* Henry Caruso, Junipero Serra, Senior

* Grant Vermeer, Bellarmine, Senior

* Trevor Dunbar, Saint Ignatius, Junior

* Chiefy Ugbaja, Archbishop Riordan. Junior

* Khalid Johnson, Saint Francis, Senior

* Herman Pratt IV, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Senior

* Brandon Farrell, Archbishop Mitty, Senior

* Andre Miller, Junipero Serra,Senior

Second Team

* Jacqui Biggins, Junipero Serra, Senior

* DeOndre Otis, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Junior

* Connor Peterson, Archbishop Mitty, Junior

* Khalil James, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Senior

* Jackson Gion, Bellarmine, Senior

* Frankie Ferrari, Archbishop Riordan, Junior

* Julian Marcu, Saint Ignatius, Junior

Honorable Mention

* Bobby Arenas, Archbishop Riordan, Junior

* Jiday Ugbaja, Archbishop Riordan, Junior

* Geru Mabrey, Archbishop Riordan, Senior

* Matt Jajeh, Junipero Serra, Senior

* Sean Watkins, Junipero Serra, Junior

* Matt McAndrews, Archbishop Mitty, Junior

* Khalik Johnson, Saint Francis, Senior

* Blair Mendy, Bellarmine, Senior

* Al Waters, Saint Ignatius, Senior

* Elias Haile. Valley Christian, Sophomore

A prep roundup

The story from yesterday is the playoff rankings/pairings so here goes:

* The CCS matchups

* The NCS matchups

*  The NCS matchups

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Bay Preps checks in with links, quotes and more.

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Dave Curtis writes about chips off the old block for Drake High.

American prevails

American University downed Holy Cross 64-61 in overtime yesterday with a pair of northern California frontcourters mixing it up.

In 42 minutes of court time, Stephen Lumpkins posted a 17/12 double-double for the victors.

For HC, Eric Obeysekere played 22 minutes and totaled six points, three rebounds and a pair of blocked shots.

Remember Gent Davis?

Jose San Mateo writes about Gent Davis' induction into the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame.

McChristian playing well

Idaho fell to Western Athletic Conference leader Louisiana Tech last night although Mike McChristian posted a solid line for the Vandals: 10 rebounds, nine points and a trio of assists.

Butterfield with another strong game

Utah State dropped one to New Mexico State 73-69 Saturday night but Spencer Butterfield still enjoyed another all-around effort: 17 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Dame wins

Another honor earned by Damian Lillard.

JC scores from last night

* Feather River College 106 - College of the Siskiyous 76

* Lassen College 74 - Butte College 54

* Shasta College 72 - College of the Redwoods 59

SJCC by eight over DeAnza

San Jose City 74, De Anza 66

San Jose City College

Bobby (Nimitz High) Gray 8 5-10 21
Aaron Armstead 6 7-7 19
Frankie (Rodriguez High) Johnson 5 4-6 18 (four treys)


De Anza College

Dawson (Castro Valley High) Johnson 7 2-3 18
Nolan Williams 6 5-7 18
Denzel (Santa Teresa High) Copeland 4 3-4 12

The Wildcats by a trey

Luke Reid serves up the game report of Chico State's 64-61 wild triumph Saturday night over UC San Diego. It was a you-had-to-be-there game.