St. Mary's-Stockton beatable?

[bulldogmgc]

St. Mary's-Stockton played a tough game yesterday vs Clovis West, a team they beat by a comfortable 23 points a month ago (70-47). Clovis West yesterday led much of the second quarter before a late spurt put St. Mary’s-Stockton ahead 31-28 at halftime. Clovis West had led 25-17 before SMS guard, Ariel Johnson, hit a step-back 3-pointer and then scored on a fast break in the final seconds to cap a 14-3 run.

SMS was without starters Mi’Cole Cayton (concussion) and Angel Johnson (hip flexor), both in street clothes on the bench. Still, as deep as SMS's bench is, it was not easy, especially considering it was at home. St. Mary's ended up winning by 10 (70-60). Still, injuries can shake things up and good thing sophomores Ariel Johnson and Aquira DeCosta stepped up and combined for 37 points, 16 rebounds, eight steals and five assists.

More from The Record here.

 

[mkbgdns]

Thoroughbred horses occasionally lay eggs.

 

[colhenrylives]

Of course, they are beatable. But let's see a CA team do it. We are waiting.

 

[Paytc]

Of course, they are beatable. But let's see a CA team do it. We are waiting.

I think they may have played all the games they will play with teams from outside of the state of California. So if they will lose this season the chances are best that a California team will beat them. St. Mary's is the best team, but they have to go undefeated or they don't live up to the hype.

I think they have the best team in the country, but the best team doesn't always win. They will need to stay healthy and play well down the stretch to go undefeated and win another open state championship. They are expected to do so, but it still has to be done. I wish them all the best. They are a fun team to watch.

 

[colhenrylives]

Indeed they are. Certainly the strongest NorCal dynasty since the incredible Sacred Heart Prep outfits that won 88 games in a row and multiple state titles back in the 1990s.

 

[ClayK]

It's really hard to convince players that they have to play hard and get ready for a team they beat by 23 early in the season. The advantage always lies with the loser in these situations ...

And not having two senior leaders -- Tom raved about Angel Johnson's play in the TOC -- is a pretty big loss.

But of course, SMS could lose. The schedule is tough and we are talking about teenage girls ...

 

[colhenrylives]

So very true.

 

[Paytc]

It's really hard to convince players that they have to play hard and get ready for a team they beat by 23 early in the season. The advantage always lies with the loser in these situations ...

And not having two senior leaders -- Tom raved about Angel Johnson's play in the TOC -- is a pretty big loss.

But of course, SMS could lose. The schedule is tough and we are talking about teenage girls ...

You take two of the best (and senoirs at that) off any other team and they probably lose the game by 20 under the same circumstances.

Tom does a fantastic job challenging and motivating his players. No he is not perfect, and like all coaches, some may disagree with the way he handles some things.

But he definitely encourages and demands for his players to reach for their max potential. Angel is definitely an underrated force. And we know Mi'Cole was ridiculous and a big factor in last season's Open championship victory over Mater Dei. So I wish all a quick and full recovery. Not just St. Mary's of Stockton. Hopefully all can keep their players healthy. Because health is more important than winning. And it counts more when all are at full strength.

 

[Paytc]

Indeed they are. Certainly the strongest NorCal dynasty since the incredible Sacred Heart Prep outfits that won 88 games in a row and multiple state titles back in the 1990s.

colhenrylives,

You are probably right with that statement. I have certainly not seen a deeper team in my limited time watching girls high school basketball.

I think graduating Cayton, Johnson, and Tudor will certainly bring them down a notch. But I'm sure they will reload.

 

[RespectBBGame]

Paytc

I have been saying that all year long. Once Cayton ( pace setter and quick scorer ), Tudor ( 3 pointer shooter in clutch time ) , Johnson ( The enforcer ) and don't forget about Fadal (DeCasta sub for rest). It will be hard to replace players like them and be just as strong next year.

 

[Paytc]

RespectBBGame,

I knew was forgetting someone. Fadal. Thanks for filling in the blank. I think it is fair to say there will be a bit of a drop off. But SMS will still be a deep team and you will see the emergence of a few younger players who have just not had enough playing time, responsibility, and exposure to make their presence felt. They will most likely still be the favorites to repeat next year. But like this year, they are beatable. They may be more beatable next year. But you know how the games go. Each game has a unique personality. There are no guarantees. So SMS must continue to get up for each and every game. They could lose in the final four or championship this season with perhaps their best team. And win it all next season with a team that may not be as talented but plays better together? Or faces an easier challenge next year than they may face this season. Or they may pull off the 3 peat? Bottom line is every team has to seize the moment. This may be every teams best or last chance. More pressure comes with being the most talented team. So everyone must step up and seize the opportunity that is not guaranteed to anyone.

 

[bodyguard]

RespectBBGame,

I knew was forgetting someone. Fadal. Thanks for filling in the blank. I think it is fair to say there will be a bit of a drop off. But SMS will still be a deep team and you will see the emergence of a few younger players who have just not had enough playing time, responsibility, and exposure to make their presence felt. They will most likely still be the favorites to repeat next year. But like this year, they are beatable. They may be more beatable next year. But you know how the games go. Each game has a unique personality. There are no guarantees. So SMS must continue to get up for each and every game. They could lose in the final four or championship this season with perhaps their best team. And win it all next season with a team that may not be as talented but plays better together? Or faces an easier challenge next year than they may face this season. Or they may pull off the 3 peat? Bottom line is every team has to seize the moment. This may be every teams best or last chance. More pressure comes with being the most talented team. So everyone must step up and seize the opportunity that is not guaranteed to anyone.

They have a freshman coming in next year who I saw play during the summer and she is a potential top-10 in her class kid. They will slip a little with three big-time seniors graduating but will probably still be the top ranked team in NorCal.

 

[bodyguard]

It's really hard to convince players that they have to play hard and get ready for a team they beat by 23 early in the season. The advantage always lies with the loser in these situations ...

And not having two senior leaders -- Tom raved about Angel Johnson's play in the TOC -- is a pretty big loss.

But of course, SMS could lose. The schedule is tough and we are talking about teenage girls ...

I think you also have to take into account they just finished traveling back east for a tough tournament and the NIKE TOC before that. That's a lot of physical and mental energy that gets drained and it can take a few days, especially given the holidays as well, to rejuvenate.

 

[Paytc]

They have a freshman coming in next year who I saw play during the summer and she is a potential top-10 in her class kid. They will slip a little with three big-time seniors graduating but will probably still be the top ranked team in NorCal.

bodyguard,

Thanks for the information on both of your comments above. I think you made some really good points. And with reference to the SMS drop off in all fairness I am sure many other good teams are graduating a few good players too. I don't think SMS, Tom, or any of his players are going to be losing any sleep worrying about how they will do this season or next season. They are a talented, well coached , and confident team.

But they better take my advice.......... "Seize the moment " otherwise someone else will.

 

[Willtalk]

The Clovis West game had all the markings of a trap game. SMS coming off big wins in East. Having beaten CW soundly in last meeting. Missing key players. A bunch of starters having really off games. Plus some really bad officiating ( by one official ) in the first half. These things happen. It's part of the timing factor. Add the fact that CW is a really good team and played really well. Beat the press etc.-------

Any team can be beaten on any given night by the right team. The other team only needs to be close enough in ability to take advantage of the right circumstances.

 

[bulldogmgc]

Almost happened today. SMS was stretched to win in OT vs Salesian. One heck of a game. Final score: SMS 83 Salesian 78 with Kat Tudor hitting some critical FT's at the end. SMS is definitely missing the presence of their 2 senior starters.