I attended two games this past weekend, both good games but both similar outcomes.
1st game: Folsom @ Salesian, There is no way Salesian should have lost this game, not taking anything away from Folsom, cause they deserved what they earned and that was a big fat W. Being up 10 with 3 to play, are you kidding me, with a top D1 point guard. I didn't like anything about this game for the Pride, horrible substitutions, they can't get out of their own way and just awful execution down the stretch. I have been a big fan of Mellis and the job that he does but this isn't D4 or D5 anymore, you are playing with the big boys and you have had early exits the past two years (last year I think it was at De La Salle & now while hosting away from home) and you have had the more talented team in both years. This AAU style of high school basketball isn't working for you, please change and advance further in Norcals or else you will be looking at more of the same.
2nd game: Dublin @ Las Lomas, Dublin was up early, dominated this game and missed on several opportunities to put this game out of reach. Las Lomas (very impressed with their team, coaching and execution) fought back and had a chance to tie the game up right before but a 3 by Holman rattled in and out, giving the Gaels the small lead at half. Costello and his staff had some serious defensive breakdowns at the very worst times. Holman was a huge reason why Las Lomas won and I have been critical of his one dimemsional gift, and that is shooting the 3. He is very gifted at that but unfortunately, he doesn't provide much help other then that but fits in perfectly with the other much more talented players. probably had 8 wide open looks and if I am not mistaken, probably hit 5 or 6 of them. How does this happen, well you have a team that might be the most talented but worst defensive team in the EBAL and I am not sure if they practice defense at all. I will say the same this as I said about Salesian here, these teams that play that I will outscore you AAU ball have all had early exits. Dublin did not win their league title, did not win NCS or now a 1st round scare against Serra and an exit against Las Lomas.
Robinson and Prince were by far the best players on the court during this game and they showed what it's like to play both ends of the court. Prince has by far the best attitudes of any player I have seen all year. I have seen him play at least 5 games this year and he is your example of a perfect teammate, get's the best of of his teammates, talks and gives feedback to the coaches, doesn't look over and talk to or make gestures to his dad every play during the game, doesn't ask why he's being taken out of the game and has great rapport with the officials. I enjoy watching him play each and every time.
Since I am on a roll here, I might as well put Clayton Charter in there with these two teams. Clayton didn't with the DFAL, lost in the NCS finals to Las Lomas and had an early exit against Menlo at home. These 3 teams press, press and more press, they can't get out of their own way and just try to outscore you. They think this style of basketball hides their inability to play solid defensive but I think it shows it even more.
I will say, all 3 teams had years that most schools dream about and these are 3 very highly successful teams and 3 teams, coaches and players I really enjoy watching but something has to be done about there lack of defense and inability to make changes when things aren't working. Zero reason given the talent level, why Dublin and or Clayton didn't win their league, NCS or Norcals.
Hats off & Congratulations to Las Lomas & coach Dietschy, Folsom & coach Wall and Menlo & coach Larsen, your programs are well run, your players play really hard and you earned these victories I mentioned above. 2nd time seeing Folsom and I will see them again against Modesto Christian. 1st time seeing Menlo and now I can see why they are 25-3.
1st game: Folsom @ Salesian, There is no way Salesian should have lost this game, not taking anything away from Folsom, cause they deserved what they earned and that was a big fat W. Being up 10 with 3 to play, are you kidding me, with a top D1 point guard. I didn't like anything about this game for the Pride, horrible substitutions, they can't get out of their own way and just awful execution down the stretch. I have been a big fan of Mellis and the job that he does but this isn't D4 or D5 anymore, you are playing with the big boys and you have had early exits the past two years (last year I think it was at De La Salle & now while hosting away from home) and you have had the more talented team in both years. This AAU style of high school basketball isn't working for you, please change and advance further in Norcals or else you will be looking at more of the same.
2nd game: Dublin @ Las Lomas, Dublin was up early, dominated this game and missed on several opportunities to put this game out of reach. Las Lomas (very impressed with their team, coaching and execution) fought back and had a chance to tie the game up right before but a 3 by Holman rattled in and out, giving the Gaels the small lead at half. Costello and his staff had some serious defensive breakdowns at the very worst times. Holman was a huge reason why Las Lomas won and I have been critical of his one dimemsional gift, and that is shooting the 3. He is very gifted at that but unfortunately, he doesn't provide much help other then that but fits in perfectly with the other much more talented players. probably had 8 wide open looks and if I am not mistaken, probably hit 5 or 6 of them. How does this happen, well you have a team that might be the most talented but worst defensive team in the EBAL and I am not sure if they practice defense at all. I will say the same this as I said about Salesian here, these teams that play that I will outscore you AAU ball have all had early exits. Dublin did not win their league title, did not win NCS or now a 1st round scare against Serra and an exit against Las Lomas.
Robinson and Prince were by far the best players on the court during this game and they showed what it's like to play both ends of the court. Prince has by far the best attitudes of any player I have seen all year. I have seen him play at least 5 games this year and he is your example of a perfect teammate, get's the best of of his teammates, talks and gives feedback to the coaches, doesn't look over and talk to or make gestures to his dad every play during the game, doesn't ask why he's being taken out of the game and has great rapport with the officials. I enjoy watching him play each and every time.
Since I am on a roll here, I might as well put Clayton Charter in there with these two teams. Clayton didn't with the DFAL, lost in the NCS finals to Las Lomas and had an early exit against Menlo at home. These 3 teams press, press and more press, they can't get out of their own way and just try to outscore you. They think this style of basketball hides their inability to play solid defensive but I think it shows it even more.
I will say, all 3 teams had years that most schools dream about and these are 3 very highly successful teams and 3 teams, coaches and players I really enjoy watching but something has to be done about there lack of defense and inability to make changes when things aren't working. Zero reason given the talent level, why Dublin and or Clayton didn't win their league, NCS or Norcals.
Hats off & Congratulations to Las Lomas & coach Dietschy, Folsom & coach Wall and Menlo & coach Larsen, your programs are well run, your players play really hard and you earned these victories I mentioned above. 2nd time seeing Folsom and I will see them again against Modesto Christian. 1st time seeing Menlo and now I can see why they are 25-3.
