Contra Costa College basketball

So how did Contra Costa College get to an overall record of 19-6, 8-1 in the Bay Valley Conference? Actually, how did Contra Costa College get to an overall record of 19-6, 8-1 in the Bay Valley Conference without generating some media notice and recognition? CCC is 5-0 at home thus far, 4-1 away, 10-5 on neutral courts and riding an eight game winning streak.

Granted, community college sports generally receive minimal coverage unless the location is a small to medium-sized city where it is the highest level of athletics available and no professional teams demanding daily press diminishes other coverage.

So maybe something in the Contra Costa Times?

With the Comets, it's been these (sorry Quentin Tarantino) essential six leading the way:

* 6-foot-3 sophomore Anthony (El Cerrito High) Sullen - 16.3 points, 51%, 36% and 62% shooting plus 4.9 rebounds

* 6-foot-4 sophomore Larry (Vallejo High) Wickett - 15.5 points, 52%, 35%, 62% shooting, 7.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists

* 6-foot-2 freshman Rae (El Cerrito High) Jackson - 13.2 points, 45%, 32% and 59% shooting, 2.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists

* 6-foot-4 freshman Jeremiah (San Loreenzo High) Alston - 10.2 points, 49%, 42% and 83%, 3.4 rebounds (the best overall shooter per percentage)

* 5-foot-11 sophomore Bobby (El Cerrito High) Syvanthong - 8.8 points, 38%, 21% and 58% (actually perplexing numbers), 5.8 rebounds (second on the team), 6.8 assists (first on the team)

* 6-foot-7 sophomore Deonte (International Studies Academy) Smith - 6.8 points, 51% and 39% shooting, 5.3 rebounds

That's a pretty solid mix of newcomers and veterans for Coach Miguel Johnson. With such a large group of contributors, others can and have stepped up when someone is off his game.

This is not a team many will want to face come the playoffs where it's win or the season is over.