Seaside tops Palma

Minus Noah Allen, Palma High was vulnerable and Seaside High seized the opportunity last night, winning 59-52.

George Watkins/Ryan Wallace and game report as does John Devine.

Half Moon Bay 49, Palma 42

Mark Foyer and John Devine have the details of Half Moon Bay's seven-point victory over Palma High.

Palma over Hollister

George Watkins reports it was Palma High versus Hollister High for the top spot in league play and the former won out 52-44. Noah Allen led the way with 23 points.

Palma 73, Alvarez 60

Palma, led by 27 points from Noah Allen, was 13 better than Alvarez High.

Palma has worked the kinks out

George Watkins goes long on Palma High hoops, a squad now ready to generate some momentum.

Palma by a trey over Salinas

Host Palma High proved to be three points better than Salinas High as George Watkins reports.

Palma over San Ramon Valley

Noah Allen and Jack Powers led Palma High to a one-point win over San Ramon Valley High.

Santa Cruz tops Palma

Jerry Stewart has all you need to know about Santa Cruz High's 63-44 victory over host Palma High.

Soquel one better than Palma

Palma fell to Soquel High despite 17 points apiece from Noah Allen and Jack Powers.

Archbishop Mitty over Palma

Archbishop Mitty and Palma High matched up on Tuesday night -- the final was 67-50 in favor of host AM. Aaron Gordon finished with 33 points while Noah Allen led the Chieftains with 18.

Orlando Johnson returns to UCSB

Former Palma High star and current primo player on the UCSB basketball squad Orlando Johnson has decided to remain a Gaucho. From UCSB athletics:

Orlando Johnson, who has led UC Santa Barbara to consecutive Big West Conference Tournament championships and NCAA Tournament berths for the first time in school history, has removed his name from consideration for the 2011 NBA Draft, he announced Sunday.

"I want to finish what I started," said Johnson. "I want to get my degree. When I went to LMU (Loyola Marymount, where he played as a freshman) my goal was to graduate and I don't want to leave college without achieving that."

Johnson, a two-time Big West Tournament MVP, two-time First Team All-Big West choice, and two-time league scoring champion, will return as one of the top players in the nation. As a junior, he ranked among the top-15 in scoring nationally at 21.0 points per game.

"I want to return and take my game to a new level," he said. "I am excited because we have so much potential. We've gone to two NCAA Tournaments and I know that we have a chance to be so successful."

UCSB head coach Bob Williams is pleased to see his top player return for his senior campaign.

"Obviously I am glad that Orlando decided to return," he said. "It was his decision and we would have supported him either way. He is the leader of this team and the opportunity to have him next year is huge for us. It is very exciting."

Johnson made himself available to the NBA in April. On Saturday, he attended a workout in New Jersey for several prospects and while he fared very well, he still opted to return.

"The opportunity to display my abilities was a good one," he said. "I know what I have to do now and I will work on those things."

With Johnson's return, the Gauchos will have much of their arsenal from 2011 back for the 2011-12 season. In addition to the league's leading scorer, they will also welcome back James Nunnally, who averaged 16.7 points per game and was an Honorable Mention All-Big West selection. Nunnally and Jaimé Serna were both selected to the All-Big West Tournament Team after UCSB swept three games and stormed to the title.

An Orlando Johnson update

Former Palma High star and current UC Santa Barbara player Orlando Johnson has declared for the NBA draft but with the proviso of not hiring an agent, meaning he can return to the Gauchos if he decides to pull his name out from consideration.

Head here for the school announcement.