Riordan v Serra

[ArmchairGOAT]

Exactly...how do you improve?

• Look in the mirror. How can I do better?
• Total Team Buy-in and accepting your role
• Check your ego at the door
• Learn from your mistakes and experiences (coaches and players)
• Go all-out on defense and offense
• Win the 50/50 battle
• Box out
• Be physical and aggressive
• Move on offense when you don't have the ball
• Talk to your teammates on defense and in transition
• Listen to your coaches
• Leave it all on the court
• It's not about me, it's about the team!
• Have fun!

 

[ayalar09]

I have to agree with others that this team has all the talent to make a deep run in CCS and CIF.....but the coaching staff maybe the reason why these guys aren't reaching their full potential. Their lack of in game adjustments, makes me scratch my head.

You have a guy who is 7'1....in a city where probably the next tallest guy is 6'6-6'7. You have two scholarship guards who have been playing varsity since their freshman years. You have a 6'9 athletic freak in Riny Riny, and the guy can hardly find the court. 90% of the time the court should be: Bryce, Jelani, Riny, Mor, Ngot...with Hubbard, Vaiola and the others coming off the bench only as needed.

 

[ankleassassin]

In the end, to win consistently in the WCAL, you have to be efficient in the half court, on both ends of the floor. It's the opposite of what we are forced to swallow during the chaotic, no-preparation, no-attention-to-detail AAU season. Players have to buy in. They do so at Mitty, Serra, Bellarmine and a few others. Not sure about Riordan. The jury is still out.

there is no shot clock in aau basketball as well as no practices 6 days a week with your whole team. it is not even close. nobody forces you to swallow anything(you shouldnt use that cliche here) you do not have to go watch an aau game. thats on you if you decide to go sit in 'misery'

 

[ArmchairGOAT]

I have to agree with others that this team has all the talent to make a deep run in CCS and CIF.....but the coaching staff maybe the reason why these guys aren't reaching their full potential. Their lack of in game adjustments, makes me scratch my head.

You have a guy who is 7'1....in a city where probably the next tallest guy is 6'6-6'7. You have two scholarship guards who have been playing varsity since their freshman years. You have a 6'9 athletic freak in Riny Riny, and the guy can hardly find the court. 90% of the time the court should be: Bryce, Jelani, Riny, Mor, Ngot...with Hubbard, Vaiola and the others coming off the bench only as needed.

All of the other Riordan varsity head coaches for their major sports are full-time except basketball. Rich Buckner was let go because he was not full-time. Smh

 

[Barking Dog]

I did a quick google search on the “assistant coach”. According to the San Mateo Daily Journal, Carson has been Rapp’s assistant for 13 years, been an assistant at Chico State, College of the Siskyous and assistant to his brother on those loaded McAteer teams. I also think he played college basketball. If he was on the riordan staff three years ago, Joey might not be the head coach

Played for Lagarza @ Canada, Tark @ Fresno St and finished up @ Sonoma St. Inducted into Burlingame High School HOF a few yrs back

 

[superle]

No there is no nastiness in the bigs. None. Really a lot of nice kids, you would let them date your daughter.

In the age of 2020 millennials. Its a team comprised of nice middle class kids..#fact. And even the kids that may have had some adversity, have had things handed to them.

As a parent of one of probably the tougher kids on the team, and who talks the most sh*t, he is spoiled as well. So it is what it is...

I don't know about anyone else on the team. But he was mad as hell after the game. He took it personal and was visibly upset. Can't talk about anyone else's kids but practice is gonna be intense on Monday.

There might be something to the team with lesser players and better coaches will be beat the team with better players and lesser coaches.

First the Toronto Raptors now the Serra High team.

I'm just calling it as I see it.
So what did the team work on the past 2 weeks? Big men not blocking out, jumping in the air trying to swat shots on the opponent's first move, rather than staying on the ground with hands straight up in the air and moving their feet. Still saw lots of defensive lapses leaving shooters wide open. In general, I just don't see a toughness/nastiness in the bigs, much less the entire team. They should be DOMINATING. Coach Tofi was a beast in his playing days and was hoping that quality would be instilled...And when they do go strong and get fouled - it's brick city at the line. All the bigs should be practicing free throws. No excuse for Mor as he lives on campus! Ayalar asked about Riiny - was hoping for a breakout senior season, but he rarely gets playing time.
Lastly, the Crusader Forum has a state of the art scoreboard. Why aren't the players, scoring fouls info listed?!? USE IT!
This team has all the talent and upside, and yes, they do have target on their backs. The players and coaches need to take this as a challenge and answer back! Losing to an assistant coach is not acceptable.

 

[ArmchairGOAT]

No there is no nastiness in the bigs. None. Really a lot of nice kids, you would let them date your daughter.

In the age of 2020 millennials. Its a team comprised of nice middle class kids..#fact. And even the kids that may have had some adversity, have had things handed to them.

As a parent of one of probably the tougher kids on the team, and who talks the most sh*t, he is spoiled as well. So it is what it is...

I don't know about anyone else on the team. But he was mad as hell after the game. He took it personal and was visibly upset. Can't talk about anyone else's kids but practice is gonna be intense on Monday.

If you are a coach and player and are not mad or pissed off, you are not all in.

 

[ayalar09]

All of the other Riordan varsity head coaches for their major sports are full-time except basketball. Rich Buckner was let go because he was not full-time. Smh

Not Buckners biggest fan, but he has done a hell of a job over the last couple years with that St. Mary’s program.

 

[ankleassassin]

No there is no nastiness in the bigs. None. Really a lot of nice kids, you would let them date your daughter.

In the age of 2020 millennials. Its a team comprised of nice middle class kids..#fact. And even the kids that may have had some adversity, have had things handed to them.

As a parent of one of probably the tougher kids on the team, and who talks the most sh*t, he is spoiled as well. So it is what it is...

I don't know about anyone else on the team. But he was mad as hell after the game. He took it personal and was visibly upset. Can't talk about anyone else's kids but practice is gonna be intense on Monday.

there's a middle class in san francisco?

 

[Renard Monroe]

there is no shot clock in aau basketball as well as no practices 6 days a week with your whole team. it is not even close. nobody forces you to swallow anything(you shouldnt use that cliche here) you do not have to go watch an aau game. thats on you if you decide to go sit in 'misery'

There is a shot clock on the Circuits.

 

[FLAGRANT]

Damn, all of this over 1 loss in league? It’s like Riordan doesn’t have a chance to win league still.

 

[ankleassassin]

There is a shot clock on the Circuits.

he aint at the circuits

 

[ankleassassin]

Damn, all of this over 1 loss in league? It’s like Riordan doesn’t have a chance to win league still.

equal to blowing a 3-1 lead.. riordan looking to sign durant now

 

[FLAGRANT]

equal to blowing a 3-1 lead.. riordan looking to sign durant now

I get debating, but they might as well not play the remainder of the season. It’s over now lol

 

[superle]

Glad you aren't the coach. With that starting lineup you just layed they would be getting killed defensively. Just spread the floor and attack...

Who can defend the perimeter? There is a reason certain players aren't playing. You have to play both ends of the court. Or at the very least one side/end has to outweigh the other side by a a lot [Steph Curry]. The Crusaders are good. But they were not gonna go 14-0 in league. They had a lil trouble with Stuart Hall...Also. Lets be honest. These are teenage young men. dealing with a lot of things. Home situations. Some got family in other countries. One of the other varsity players who will be a big time player in the future, isnt even in the country. He will be back this week.

Maybe they might have took the Padres lightly. Or how about Serra might have played there A game and Riordan played there C game...Mike Tyson lost to Buster Douglass. Things happen.

And its better to gell late in season then early. Its a long but short season. So watch and enjoy or critique.

I have to agree with others that this team has all the talent to make a deep run in CCS and CIF.....but the coaching staff maybe the reason why these guys aren't reaching their full potential. Their lack of in game adjustments, makes me scratch my head.

You have a guy who is 7'1....in a city where probably the next tallest guy is 6'6-6'7. You have two scholarship guards who have been playing varsity since their freshman years. You have a 6'9 athletic freak in Riny Riny, and the guy can hardly find the court. 90% of the time the court should be: Bryce, Jelani, Riny, Mor, Ngot...with Hubbard, Vaiola and the others coming off the bench only as needed.

 

[colhenrylives]

Those are all valid points. Riordan is right in the WCAL title mix despite that surprising loss at home. As for Serra, let's see if the over-achieving Padres suddenly suffer from a case of the dreaded "inflated teen self-image syndrome" this week in the wake of their outstanding effort vs. Riordan.

 

[WM483]

Glad you aren't the coach. With that starting lineup you just layed they would be getting killed defensively. Just spread the floor and attack...

Who can defend the perimeter? There is a reason certain players aren't playing. You have to play both ends of the court. Or at the very least one side/end has to outweigh the other side by a a lot [Steph Curry]. The Crusaders are good. But they were not gonna go 14-0 in league. They had a lil trouble with Stuart Hall...Also. Lets be honest. These are teenage young men. dealing with a lot of things. Home situations. Some got family in other countries. One of the other varsity players who will be a big time player in the future, isnt even in the country. He will be back this week.

Maybe they might have took the Padres lightly. Or how about Serra might have played there A game and Riordan played there C game...Mike Tyson lost to Buster Douglass. Things happen.

And its better to gell late in season then early. Its a long but short season. So watch and enjoy or critique.

The WCAL is off too a great start ! A rivalry game, expected wins and an upset. Looking forward to the watch and enjoy approach, especially the 3 City schools. I don't see how this won't be another great year.

 

[ankleassassin]

Glad you aren't the coach. With that starting lineup you just layed they would be getting killed defensively. Just spread the floor and attack...

Who can defend the perimeter? There is a reason certain players aren't playing. You have to play both ends of the court. Or at the very least one side/end has to outweigh the other side by a a lot [Steph Curry]. The Crusaders are good. But they were not gonna go 14-0 in league. They had a lil trouble with Stuart Hall...Also. Lets be honest. These are teenage young men. dealing with a lot of things. Home situations. Some got family in other countries. One of the other varsity players who will be a big time player in the future, isnt even in the country. He will be back this week.

Maybe they might have took the Padres lightly. Or how about Serra might have played there A game and Riordan played there C game...Mike Tyson lost to Buster Douglass. Things happen.

And its better to gell late in season then early. Its a long but short season. So watch and enjoy or critique.

you better not talk about Stephanie Curry like that.... he the best player in the league PERIOD
*EVER

 

[Crosstown Rival]

All of the other Riordan varsity head coaches for their major sports are full-time except basketball. Rich Buckner was let go because he was not full-time. Smh

Where’s Forslund comment had me laughing. He was let go by current staff, guess they didn’t need his knowledge. Yes Buckner let go because they wanted an on campus coach was laughable.

Riordan will be fine based off talent alone!

 

[colhenrylives]

They might well be fine but they won't be truly outstanding if they can't remedy those obvious and well-chronicled defects.

 

[berdooman]

A hotline has been established to talk Riordan fans through this most difficult time.

 

[Jaw Knee]

Fire the head coach and promote the assistant to interim while they interview potential candidates. Relax...its game 1.

 

[CityVibesII]

Not surprised. AAU rarely prevails in WCAL play. WCAL play does eventually get caught once Nor Cal starts, but rarely before (when teams with quality athletic depth are willing to play both sides of the court).

 

[cityfan]

It’s been a long time since I have posted on this site. I am a east bay resident these days, last 7 years to be exact. But I am still a WCAL first type of guy, unfortunately starting a family makes it difficult to get out to some great games.

Thanks to Jordan, Renard, Larry Legend and Kiddman(you are amazing) for keeping us all updated.

First thing I was confused of is when Riordan took 2 weeks off. Could you imagine Duke taking two weeks off before the ACC season started. The WCAL is and always has been recognized as the second best league in the state. I think the number of state titles, state appearances, between all schools speaks for itself.

I can speak from experience, when you are the talk of the league, from days of watching my boy Fontana while attending SH, and the Kately Tofi days, one thing is for sure, everyone wants to knock you off period.

Therefore to win the WCAL, Riordan states title year they did not, takes a combination of great coaching, preparation, and players buying in 100 percent.

One guy above asked what happened to Coach Forslund. Great question. My alum blew it twice when they had the opportunity to hire him, anyone that lets that man slip is crazy. He is a preparation specialist, and to win in the end at the state title level, it takes tremendous preparation and on the fly adjustments to win the big one. He was pretty darn good at that and it’s too bad he is not part of the staff this season.

Lastly I look forward to continue reading all the WCAL posts, that Jordan is awesome to start. Look forward to getting back to my floor seats in Sacramento that until that starting a family thing kicked in was cut short 4-5 seasons ago. As well as my golf game, LOL. Hopefully I get to see WCAL schools represent at State. Had the pleasure to see Serra, my alum SHC, St Francis, Mitty, and Riordan on a intimate level represent since 1996. Keep it
up. It takes a combination of all things going right to win a state title. Cause trust me, Riordan was a heavy underdog against Aaron Affalo, Gabriel Pruitt, Darius Sanders and a very athletic support squad and pulled it off cause the coaching on down was superb. Yes the game is a tad different these days. But offensive sets and great defense helps tremendously to take down the giants all of nor cal face from Souther California.

Take Care, and Go WCAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And good luck to all Nor Cal teams as the season rolls on.

I’m guessing that they had 2 weeks off because they had already played 10 nonleague games by Dec 21st - is there a limit? They played 7 games before mid-December.

 

[Renard Monroe]

I’m guessing that they had 2 weeks off because they had already played 10 nonleague games by Dec 21st - is there a limit? They played 7 games before mid-December.

Yep...10 game limit

 

[iamgearyblvd]

Everyone just call the eff down. It was one game, one loss. If anything Riordan will play lights out and ticked off next game vs SH and SH coming off of their high of beating rival SI in the BM game sets themselves up for a big letdown. Not a good combo.

 

[3 baller1224]

Everyone just call the eff down. It was one game, one loss. If anything Riordan will play lights out and ticked off next game vs SH and SH coming off of their high of beating rival SI in the BM game sets themselves up for a big letdown. Not a good combo.

 

[3 baller1224]

This is why is it so tough to win the WCAL. Coaches are prepared. Players are focused, skilled and well coached. Most every night is a battle, so you better be ready, mentally and physically. A lot of details to cover, and if you don’t, you will get beat.

Good luck to all the coaches, players, parents and schools. Enjoy it while you can, it is truly, a great experience.

 

[ds1968]

is the 10 game non league limit from wcal or ccs rules?

 

[ankleassassin]

Not surprised. AAU rarely prevails in WCAL play. WCAL play does eventually get caught once Nor Cal starts, but rarely before (when teams with quality athletic depth are willing to play both sides of the court).

so whats more satisfying.. a norcal title or wcal title. i will take aau and win a norcal and possible state then a league title

 

[observer22]

so whats more satisfying.. a norcal title or wcal title. i will take aau and win a norcal and possible state then a league title

Depends what division it is. An Open or D1 State title is quite the achievement, and tops a WCAL title. But a D2 or D3 title in this current format just means you weren’t one of the top 24 or 40 teams in NorCal, and beat a lot of bad teams in the postseason (see NIT).

 

[ayalar09]

1) CIF Open and D1
2) CIF Any Division
3) CCS Open/NCS Open
4) Regular season title
5) Other CCS divisions/NCS divisions
6) Tournaments

Honestly in terms of value some of the postseason tournaments are just as valuable as as a league title. Bellarmine winning the National Division in Torrey Pines is just as impressive, if not more impressive than winning the WCAL

 

[HSWIZARD73]

Yep...10 game limit

Renard never met you before. Congrats you and your son and moving to the next level.

Can you refresh my memory on something. If I recall the state title Riordan team was 31-4, so 35 games and I am pretty positive at that time 35 was the state limit of games you can play. I know today some formats have changed.

So let’s say Riordan makes the state final would it be 35 games total. It is a travesty if it is not. Unless the state limit went down. I just don’t think a 2 week lay off helps great teams. I would have loved to see Riordan play in say a Torrey Pines or back in Hawaii like they have done way back.

The 2002 team played in the Burlingame tourney, Crusader Classic, Chaminade tourney which was a 16 team tournament if I recall. Also played MLK. So I don’t think back then CCS had a 10 game limit.

Just curious, how many games total would it be.

 

[RJ223]

Winning WCAL is 100x better than winning a 2nd division Torrey Pines title.

 

[HSWIZARD73]

1) CIF Open and D1
2) CIF Any Division
3) CCS Open/NCS Open
4) Regular season title
5) Other CCS divisions/NCS divisions
6) Tournaments

Honestly in terms of value some of the postseason tournaments are just as valuable as as a league title. Bellarmine winning the National Division in Torrey Pines is just as impressive, if not more impressive than winning the WCAL

Ayalar, I think Bellarmine has a serious chance at being a sleeper and winning more league games than people think. So I agree with you.

Rich Forslund always said when he coached at Lowell, he could change things on the fly due to kids being highly smart.

Bellarmine is well coached, kids are super smart, and last year I had a opportunity to watch their JV team play, and they might have been one of the best JV teams in the WCAL. Great size, they are going to cause trouble and it wouldn’t surprise me if they actually won the league.

 

[WhoGotNext]

 

[HSWIZARD73]

View embedded media

Thanks for posting this. You titled the video Pump Fake. I saw four Serra jump stop ball fakes that they converted and a few opportunities where they could have used a few more. Next time you see Coach Tofi ask him how many times he has heard that.

Missed seeing Rapp on the court, LOL, hopefully he recovers well with what ever he is going thru. Thanks for posting the highlights. Great crowd, and if I am a veteran coach in the WCAL I am working the hell out of the ball offensively running sets.

And man a 7 footer in the WCAL, that doesn’t come around often. His highlights reminded me somewhat of a guy who was a tad shorter, not as athletic, Jay Webb from Mitty.

 

[superle]

There is a ten game preseason limit. FROM the league....If you look at every team record. Everyone has played 9 or 10 games. If they played 9 they have a game coming up. Personally I would rather win a state title then league.

The year Riordan won D3 state in 2002. They did not win either league or ccs. Sacred Heart won it. Riordan beat them in Norcal finals.

Bellerminne has a good junior class. [2021] They went 45-1 from freshman As and Bs to JVs. Ryan is there best player though and he has been on Varsity since his sophomore year.

Ayalar, I think Bellarmine has a serious chance at being a sleeper and winning more league games than people think. So I agree with you.

Rich Forslund always said when he coached at Lowell, he could change things on the fly due to kids being highly smart.

Bellarmine is well coached, kids are super smart, and last year I had a opportunity to watch their JV team play, and they might have been one of the best JV teams in the WCAL. Great size, they are going to cause trouble and it wouldn’t surprise me if they actually won the league.

 

[ankleassassin]

There is a ten game preseason limit. FROM the league....If you look at every team record. Everyone has played 9 or 10 games. If they played 9 they have a game coming up. Personally I would rather win a state title then league.

The year Riordan won D3 state in 2002. They did not win either league or ccs. Sacred Heart won it. Riordan beat them in Norcal finals.

Bellerminne has a good junior class. [2021] They went 45-1 from freshman As and Bs to JVs. Ryan is there best player though and he has been on Varsity since his sophomore year.

pre season or non conference? who plays 10 games that do not count then 30 regular games???

 

[superle]

non conference. most are preseason. Some play 9 because they play in a showcase game. Like Sacred Heart is this year. There are 14 league games...There used to be a WCAL conference championship...Like the ACC conference championship. They canceled that. Now its just sectional play [ccs]. But you have to finish either at or above 500 in preseason/non conference games or at or above 500 in league play.

pre season or non conference? who plays 10 games that do not count then 30 regular games???