For the last three seasons, the 7th grade boys have ended the year (4-4). For two straight seasons, they've been eliminated in the playoffs.
So the question mark that surrounds them is will this year be any different.
The most notable difference or similarity is that they will have a new head coach for the fifth straight year. In the coaching carousel, James Chiu has assumed the position of head coach, and perhaps a coach with a winning track record could be the one to get this team over the hump.
"I have high expectations for this team," James said. "They have the potential to make it far in this division, but they need to focus and work as a team to accomplish anything."
There's the word, potential, which has dangled over them every year from 3rd grade until now. They've always had the talent and have shown glimpses of putting it together, but never on a consistent basis.
Their best win as a team came in the first regular season game a year ago when they rallied from a 8 point deficit to win the game.
But then there are the hiccups, losing to teams that didn't even make the playoffs.
Which team will show up?
As James points out, it all starts with practice. The boys are a little bit more mature now, but still tend to goof around during practice. The fooling around, the bickering, the who gets to be first in line, all needs to be stopped if they want to seriously contend.
On the court so far, Justin has shown great ability finding his open teammates. His passing as a point guard in the last few years needed work, and it looks so far so good as he and Daniel have connected several times already this year.
Daniel is not the biggest 7th grader by any measure, but he rebounds like he is the biggest 7th grader. He's tough and is willing to pay the price down low to get the ball. He is going to get numerous opportunities around the hoop, and he'll need to finish.
Team chemistry will also be tested as they welcome two new players to the team, Christian and James, Gavy's little brother.
Christian had his breakout game in the final game of the tournament scoring 12 points and looks to be a huge addition to the squad. But he'll need seasoning and experience to limit his mistakes.
"He needs some more work in areas like his body control for shots and positioning on defense, but that will come through proper practice and hard work," James said.
Working together as a team is more important for this team than others because of the individual talents each player has. If they can, they are definitely going to be a dangerous team in their division.
"I expect the team to play their best at every game," said assistant coach Clarissa Lee, who is now in her third year with the team.
"They all must want to win it and they need to communicate as a team better in order to have a successful season."
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Wednesday, November 30, 2011
5th grade boys basketball season preview
It's rare, even in a small school like St. Mary's, that the best shooter from grades 3-8 is in 5th grade.
That shooter is Jonathan.
As most people know, Jonathan is arguably the best shooter in the sports program. Give him an open shot and more often than not he'll knock it down. From the free throw line, he's as good as it gets.
But for the 5th grade boys to return to the playoffs, they'll need a better team effort as well as a more well rounded game from Jonathan.
In their heartbreaking sudden death overtime loss in February, Jonathan scored 22 of the team's 26 points and didn't get much help from his supporting cast on the offensive end.
This year already appears to be different.
At the top of the list is the improvement of Ryan, who took only three games to sink his first shot of the year. The way he caught the ball, shot it, and made it, it looked like he had been doing that for years.
"From what many people have told me, Ryan has made strides in his game from last season to this season," said first year head coach Leslie Truong.
A season ago, the team had only five players, and nobody had a chance to breathe. This year, there's a little more flexibility with seven players on the team, three new.
Allen, Jason L. and Michael are the newest additions.
Michael has already opened some eyes with his quickness, but he will need to develop a little more in the ball handling department to round out his game.
"This kid is fast," Leslie said of Michael. "If he is in a good ready position on defense, he is very capable of getting a steal and beating everyone down the court for a fast break layup."
In the back-court, the 5th grade looks pretty strong. But the games will probably be won in the trenches, and that's where the team needs to play better the most.
Rebounding was a huge issue last year and will continue to be this year. In their two tournament losses, they were unable to box out and grab rebounds. Without that, they can't transition into the fast break as easily.
They are definitely not the biggest team, as Jonathan actually plays down in the post on the 2-3 defense. But size only goes so far when it comes to rebounding.
"Even though other teams may be taller than us, it is not impossible to utilize effective post moves against those taller teams," Leslie said.
After making the playoffs, the 5th graders move up a division, so it will be a challenge, even with the talented players they have, to get back to the post-season, and a shot to go further than the year before.
"I want this team this year to be at the very least playoff contenders since they made it to the playoffs last year," Leslie said.
"To set the bar even higher, I want us to aim for the championship."
Jason H. and Justin, returning from last year, round out the seven man team.
That shooter is Jonathan.
As most people know, Jonathan is arguably the best shooter in the sports program. Give him an open shot and more often than not he'll knock it down. From the free throw line, he's as good as it gets.
But for the 5th grade boys to return to the playoffs, they'll need a better team effort as well as a more well rounded game from Jonathan.
In their heartbreaking sudden death overtime loss in February, Jonathan scored 22 of the team's 26 points and didn't get much help from his supporting cast on the offensive end.
This year already appears to be different.
At the top of the list is the improvement of Ryan, who took only three games to sink his first shot of the year. The way he caught the ball, shot it, and made it, it looked like he had been doing that for years.
"From what many people have told me, Ryan has made strides in his game from last season to this season," said first year head coach Leslie Truong.
A season ago, the team had only five players, and nobody had a chance to breathe. This year, there's a little more flexibility with seven players on the team, three new.
Allen, Jason L. and Michael are the newest additions.
Michael has already opened some eyes with his quickness, but he will need to develop a little more in the ball handling department to round out his game.
"This kid is fast," Leslie said of Michael. "If he is in a good ready position on defense, he is very capable of getting a steal and beating everyone down the court for a fast break layup."
In the back-court, the 5th grade looks pretty strong. But the games will probably be won in the trenches, and that's where the team needs to play better the most.
Rebounding was a huge issue last year and will continue to be this year. In their two tournament losses, they were unable to box out and grab rebounds. Without that, they can't transition into the fast break as easily.
They are definitely not the biggest team, as Jonathan actually plays down in the post on the 2-3 defense. But size only goes so far when it comes to rebounding.
"Even though other teams may be taller than us, it is not impossible to utilize effective post moves against those taller teams," Leslie said.
After making the playoffs, the 5th graders move up a division, so it will be a challenge, even with the talented players they have, to get back to the post-season, and a shot to go further than the year before.
"I want this team this year to be at the very least playoff contenders since they made it to the playoffs last year," Leslie said.
"To set the bar even higher, I want us to aim for the championship."
Jason H. and Justin, returning from last year, round out the seven man team.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
BREAKING NEWS: Boys basketball schedules released
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| 3RD GRADE |
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| 5TH GRADE |
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| 6TH GRADE |
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| 7TH GRADE |
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| 8TH GRADE DEMARILLAC |
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| 8TH GRADE ST. MARY'S |
CLICK THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE THE SCHEDULE.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Media Pig Monday
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| The 49ers helmet being inflated before the game |
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| The view from the press box |
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| Lunch time |
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| Halftime Snack Time |
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| David Akers warming up to kick. |
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| Cardinals defensive linemen Darnell Dockett. |
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| The 49ers press conference room as we await Jim Harbaugh |
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| Everybody's gone. |
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Boys Tournament Video Wrap
Be sure to read the game stories below as well as our Happy Birthday for November 26th.
Tournament Wrap: 7th grade falls in OT thriller, other teams finish out tourney
In the most thrilling game of the early boys basketball season, the 7th grade boys forced overtime against a team that won the championship last year, but fell short 45-39 in overtime in the final round of the CYO Preseason Tournament.
The team got an unexpected shot in the arm from rookie Christian, a 7th grader from DeMarillac, who tied for the game high with 12 points.
Having never played a game before last Sunday, Christian has slowly acclimated himself to the game of basketball and his breakout game came in the 7th grade's latest game.
He was able to utilize his best two strengths, size and speed, which helped him lead a furious second half comeback.
On the boards, he was able to pick up points by the basket, and his long arms were able to get him several steals that led to fast breaks.
With the 7th grade trailing 29-27 early in the fourth, Christian was able to chase down a rebound with his long arms, and take it coast to coast to tie the game with a lay-up.
Then again, with less than 30 seconds left in the game and the 7th grade down 36-34, Justin found Christian in the paint who then turned around and scooped a shot into the basket. That shot tied the game once again and forced overtime.
The game might not have even gone to overtime if the 7th grade would've shot better from the free throw line. They missed their first 13 chances from the line and went an atrocious 20% (4-for-20) for the game.
There was also a lane violation early in the game that cost the boys a point.
Daniel actually got to a rebound with about five seconds to go in the game, threw an outlet down court to Christian, whose desperate heave from just inside the three-point arc fell short.
In the extra quarter, the other team took advantage of a tired squad, that did everything they could to get back into the game, and closed out the 7th grade boys.
It was a bad start for the team, as they were a step slow on defense. They dug themselves an early hole and trailed by as much as 12 before halftime.
The comeback came in the second half as they were able to get some good secondary scoring from the Brandons. Brandon Khuu had two nice mid-range jump shots in the third and Brandon Tom, who was celebrating his 12th birthday, chipped in with 5 points.
It's going to take a team effort for the 7th grade to get back to the playoffs for a third straight year this season, as they will have a healthy 8 players to start the season.
Both Justin and Daniel have developed their games, as they both now not only have the ability to score, but they both have been really good passing the ball to open teammates. The last two games of the tournament were prime examples of that.
Despite only scoring 6 points, Daniel was able to set up many good looks for his teammates.
This game was a definite positive going into the season as they were able to go toe to toe with a really solid team. Barring some missed lay-ups and the aforementioned mistakes, they could've pulled off an upset.
It's going to be some fun basketball to watch this year as the 7th graders have shown their ability to score. They averaged 42.5 points in their last two games.
8th grade salvages final game
Both 8th grade teams combined to play in the final game of the tournament, and they were able to come away with a win.
The St. Mary's 8th grade team was able to keep pace in the first two quarters and trailed only 6-4 at halftime.
From there the DeMarillac 8th graders, representing St. Mary's took charge, and ran away with the game.
In the end, it was a 29-8 win.
Moises, a 7th grader playing with the 8th grade St. Mary's team scored 4 points in the first half, including a buzzer beating shot late in the first quarter.
Kenny, a new player for St. Mary's made his debut and was able to get some tough rebounds by the basket. Unfortunately, he was unable to put them back in for points.
On the DeMarillac side, Julio and Pablo led the way. Their athleticism helped them on many fast breaks and they were both able to cash in on the easy lay-ups in the second half. Pablo had a game high 10 points, Julio had 8 points.
John Jett scored 4 points and Anthony added 3 for the 8th grade DM team.
6th grade drops last two tourney games
After a blazing start in game one of the tournament, the defending champion 6th grade boys have lost their last two games.
Today's contest was much closer than their game Wednesday night but they both yielded the same result.
Raymond's team high 9 points was not enough as the 6th graders fell 18-13 in a hard fought and physical game.
Many of the players on the team came away bruised and battered against a very rough and rugged team. Several of the players left the game battered and bruised, but none of the bumps and scrapes appear to be serious.
Sometimes a game like this could toughen up a team like the 6th grade who are going to face some stiff competition this season.
Being able to endure games against teams who may be a little more physical than others will help them out as the season progresses.
Jason Ng and Joseph both scored two points in the loss. They had several good looks by the basket but their coach Justin Khuu said that they were unable to convert on them.
Rebounds lacking for the 5th grade
The 5th grade is going to be able to put up points, but are they going to be able to stop them.
In today's 28-23 loss, they were outrebounded decisively for the second straight game. For them to bring their game to the next level, they are going to have to play tougher inside.
The other team jumped on all the loose balls by the basket, and the lack of boxing out by the 5th grade. Their second chance points were the story of the game. For whatever reason, the 5th grade has trouble getting rebounds.
They are not that small of a team as Jason H. and newcomer Jason L. both are good sized 5th graders. But rebounding is not all about size, as a lot of it is having inside position. Today, they didn't.
Offensively, Ryan scored his first two points of the year on a jumper in the fourth quarter and Jason L. scored his first points of the year with an And-1 in the fourth.
3rd grade concludes tourney with a 3 spot
The 3rd grade wrapped up the first three games in their career with a 10-3 loss Saturday morning.
Brendan scored 2 points and Nathan had a point in the loss.
The team got an unexpected shot in the arm from rookie Christian, a 7th grader from DeMarillac, who tied for the game high with 12 points.
Having never played a game before last Sunday, Christian has slowly acclimated himself to the game of basketball and his breakout game came in the 7th grade's latest game.
He was able to utilize his best two strengths, size and speed, which helped him lead a furious second half comeback.
On the boards, he was able to pick up points by the basket, and his long arms were able to get him several steals that led to fast breaks.
With the 7th grade trailing 29-27 early in the fourth, Christian was able to chase down a rebound with his long arms, and take it coast to coast to tie the game with a lay-up.
Then again, with less than 30 seconds left in the game and the 7th grade down 36-34, Justin found Christian in the paint who then turned around and scooped a shot into the basket. That shot tied the game once again and forced overtime.
The game might not have even gone to overtime if the 7th grade would've shot better from the free throw line. They missed their first 13 chances from the line and went an atrocious 20% (4-for-20) for the game.
There was also a lane violation early in the game that cost the boys a point.
Daniel actually got to a rebound with about five seconds to go in the game, threw an outlet down court to Christian, whose desperate heave from just inside the three-point arc fell short.
In the extra quarter, the other team took advantage of a tired squad, that did everything they could to get back into the game, and closed out the 7th grade boys.
It was a bad start for the team, as they were a step slow on defense. They dug themselves an early hole and trailed by as much as 12 before halftime.
The comeback came in the second half as they were able to get some good secondary scoring from the Brandons. Brandon Khuu had two nice mid-range jump shots in the third and Brandon Tom, who was celebrating his 12th birthday, chipped in with 5 points.
It's going to take a team effort for the 7th grade to get back to the playoffs for a third straight year this season, as they will have a healthy 8 players to start the season.
Both Justin and Daniel have developed their games, as they both now not only have the ability to score, but they both have been really good passing the ball to open teammates. The last two games of the tournament were prime examples of that.
Despite only scoring 6 points, Daniel was able to set up many good looks for his teammates.
This game was a definite positive going into the season as they were able to go toe to toe with a really solid team. Barring some missed lay-ups and the aforementioned mistakes, they could've pulled off an upset.
It's going to be some fun basketball to watch this year as the 7th graders have shown their ability to score. They averaged 42.5 points in their last two games.
8th grade salvages final game
Both 8th grade teams combined to play in the final game of the tournament, and they were able to come away with a win.
The St. Mary's 8th grade team was able to keep pace in the first two quarters and trailed only 6-4 at halftime.
From there the DeMarillac 8th graders, representing St. Mary's took charge, and ran away with the game.
In the end, it was a 29-8 win.
Moises, a 7th grader playing with the 8th grade St. Mary's team scored 4 points in the first half, including a buzzer beating shot late in the first quarter.
Kenny, a new player for St. Mary's made his debut and was able to get some tough rebounds by the basket. Unfortunately, he was unable to put them back in for points.
On the DeMarillac side, Julio and Pablo led the way. Their athleticism helped them on many fast breaks and they were both able to cash in on the easy lay-ups in the second half. Pablo had a game high 10 points, Julio had 8 points.
John Jett scored 4 points and Anthony added 3 for the 8th grade DM team.
6th grade drops last two tourney games
After a blazing start in game one of the tournament, the defending champion 6th grade boys have lost their last two games.
Today's contest was much closer than their game Wednesday night but they both yielded the same result.
Raymond's team high 9 points was not enough as the 6th graders fell 18-13 in a hard fought and physical game.
Many of the players on the team came away bruised and battered against a very rough and rugged team. Several of the players left the game battered and bruised, but none of the bumps and scrapes appear to be serious.
Sometimes a game like this could toughen up a team like the 6th grade who are going to face some stiff competition this season.
Being able to endure games against teams who may be a little more physical than others will help them out as the season progresses.
Jason Ng and Joseph both scored two points in the loss. They had several good looks by the basket but their coach Justin Khuu said that they were unable to convert on them.
Rebounds lacking for the 5th grade
The 5th grade is going to be able to put up points, but are they going to be able to stop them.
In today's 28-23 loss, they were outrebounded decisively for the second straight game. For them to bring their game to the next level, they are going to have to play tougher inside.
The other team jumped on all the loose balls by the basket, and the lack of boxing out by the 5th grade. Their second chance points were the story of the game. For whatever reason, the 5th grade has trouble getting rebounds.
They are not that small of a team as Jason H. and newcomer Jason L. both are good sized 5th graders. But rebounding is not all about size, as a lot of it is having inside position. Today, they didn't.
Offensively, Ryan scored his first two points of the year on a jumper in the fourth quarter and Jason L. scored his first points of the year with an And-1 in the fourth.
3rd grade concludes tourney with a 3 spot
The 3rd grade wrapped up the first three games in their career with a 10-3 loss Saturday morning.
Brendan scored 2 points and Nathan had a point in the loss.
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