WCAL 2017: NORCAL PLAYOFFS

[jordan24]

cats looking pretty good so far. worth nothing that they have good-looking JV team out there with two 6'6" guards and 4 sophomores playing varsity and doing well. very excited to see what this team will do in the near future

The 'Cats are playing very well right now. Lots of youth and height. Starting to see a lot of underclassmen in the varsity ranks. Both SHC and Riordan have 3 sophs and a frosh on their respective rosters that see playing time. Riordan's JVs and Frosh A teams have good teams and some height coming up. SI and Mission look to be tops in the City with SHC and Riordan very young and inexperienced and will take their lumps this year.

 

[jordan24]

I wonder since people mentioned about a SHC player getting expelled and other things led to the demise of the basketball program with Barbour. Maybe, now we can surmise Barbour really didn't have control of the team as well as we thought or get them to play together. I still respect his body of work, he is a good coach. However, with the team not getting along and not playing well, I could actually see why the administration decided to go with a new coach.

When are the player(s) ever held accountable? As you say, Barbour's body of work speaks for itself. Heck, that SHC team with Fox and Johns was a joy to watch as these kids were not only talented but had the proper mindset and discipline and played as a team. There were no "look at me!" videos being made...

 

[CityVibesII]

Look the Cats under Coach M have made a concerted effort to build from within over past three years. The start of their Champions AAU program was their attempt to attract enough basketball-minded players to complement a strong core of players already wanting to attend S.I. The fruits of their labor spawned last year, with things starting to come together this year. The program looks solid for next three years. I will be curious with the start up of their grammar school program, what athletes they are able to attract through that route. SHC had an incredible run of funneling SF Rebel players to its program, but the demand, character of players and their parents/followers have put SHC on alert that its just not working anymore for admin and their alumni. For every Kevin Green, Johns, Pratt and Fox, they have had to deal with a number of questionable enrollees. There is such a disconnect between the basketball players and the student-body and alumni that it was best to cut the cord with a very good coach (and better person) and start a new. The fans will be there in force for the SI/SHC game at USF but after that. Despite its legacy and argubly best gymnasium and niche to attract student/athletes, Riordan has come under rough times. They are just not attracting the players they used to and so much the coach can do. It does look like they decided to go young and build from there. The alumni, though strong, is difficult to open their purse strings to jump start the improvements to their infrastruture.

Look the league is down (relatively) so teams should stay the course; things can happen.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

SH's main two issues is scoring and not being able to play big. Their wings are young and unpolished. You can tell the effort was there vs a far better Bellarmine team even though the 2nd half was pretty decisive. I'm not expecting anything else this first year under MacKay other than a change in attitude/effort from the kids that remain under the Barbour years. If you're not Serra or Mitty, all teams in league go through rough patches (classes) where talent isnt there, team chemistry isnt there and there is more losing than winning. Bellarmine and SI have gone through those rough patches now have really really good teams. SH and Riordan have usually been in the top half before but its their time now to be at the bottom half. Long season for Irish and Crusaders but hopefully in the next few years they will turn it around.

 

[SHgradSIdad]

I mentioned in a previous post the Cats are for real and will be solid for the next few years. Can they keep the momentum going is the question?

Will the Irish or Crusaders go win less? Will they split and each have 1 win?

 

[CityVibesII]

I mentioned in a previous post the Cats are for real and will be solid for the next few years. Can they keep the momentum going is the question?

Will the Irish or Crusaders go win less? Will they split and each have 1 win?

My gut tells me S.I. is better prepared this year. As I indicated before, they had a solid preseason last year, started strong, then faded fast as the youngster got tired. I believe the extra (and relatively down) year will keep them competitive through February, with a March run, possible. Irish and Crusaders can only hope for a weak field to justify a CCS III run that's still possible.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

Im very impressed with Trammell. When you watch him play, on offense you know something good is going to happen when he the ball is in his hands and on defense you feel like he's going to make the guy who has the ball make a bad decision. Also feel like damn, they got an intimidator in Roberts. Kid is big and will literally remove you from any position you are at on the court. Kevin Greene did the same thing except Greene was a better offensive player than Roberts. If they dont beat SH by 20 this week it would be a disappointment.

 

[Mr. Direct]

My gut tells me S.I. is better prepared this year. As I indicated before, they had a solid preseason last year, started strong, then faded fast as the youngster got tired. I believe the extra (and relatively down) year will keep them competitive through February, with a March run, possible. Irish and Crusaders can only hope for a weak field to justify a CCS III run that's still possible.

Luckily for those two teams the CCS D3 is extremely weak.

Week 2

BRUCE-MAHONEY GAME 1/10/17
SI (2-0) against SHC (0-2) @USF - I think the Wildcats run away with this one in Coach MacKay's first Bruce, even with Melo Dunbar back at the PG spot. Incredible atmosphere year in and year out.

Game of the Night 1/11/17
St. Francis (1-1) @ Bellarmine (2-0) - Huge rivalry game. Can the Lancers steal one on the road and keep pace with their rivals atop the league standings?

Other Games:
Riordan (0-2) @ Serra (1-1) - I don't see the Crusaders hanging with the Padres in this one. Very sloppy offense with no real identity as a team. Hard to watch.

Valley Christian (1-1) @ Mitty (1-1) - If Jay Allen Tovar doesn't play I suspect a long night for the Warriors.

 

[Irishman32]

I normally do not post in these threads. But reading some of these assessments of high school teams from some people is just ridiculous. I am a Sacred Heart fan and supporter but to read this stuff is too much. It's obvious that people are putting things in the atmosphere that is just ridiculous. People are watching which parents are upset or leaving the gym....really. Inaccurate story telling is really irresponsible!
The Irish struggled in the Serra game scoring but the Freshman Bryce Monroe led the team in scoring. Sophomore Emmett Neal had a good preseason averaging almost 15 points a game. These kids are learning to play with each other, along with a new Head Coach. Nate Robinson is a great player but he has to trust his team mates . Shot selection has been a issue. This team only has a few seniors so they have a bright future as well. Only time will tell if they Gel together this season. This young team already won the Drake Tournament in the preseason in which Junior Nate Robinson, Sophomore Emmett Neal and Freshman Bryce Monroe made the All Tournament Team. They also went 3-1 in a tough Sacramento Tournament in which Emmett Neal hit a game tying three pointer and Bryce Monroe hit a Game winning shot in the same game. The scoring will get consistent with time. Lavar, Carter, Amin and Gary will all be important to Sacred Heart success.

 

[Mr. Direct]

http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/St-Ignatius-Sacred-Heart-Cathedral-set-for-10846149.php

Chronicle article on tonight's game.

 

[Crosstown Rival]

I normally do not post in these threads. But reading some of these assessments of high school teams from some people is just ridiculous. I am a Sacred Heart fan and supporter but to read this stuff is too much. It's obvious that people are putting things in the atmosphere that is just ridiculous. People are watching which parents are upset or leaving the gym....really. Inaccurate story telling is really irresponsible!
The Irish struggled in the Serra game scoring but the Freshman Bryce Monroe led the team in scoring. Sophomore Emmett Neal had a good preseason averaging almost 15 points a game. These kids are learning to play with each other, along with a new Head Coach. Nate Robinson is a great player but he has to trust his team mates . Shot selection has been a issue. This team only has a few seniors so they have a bright future as well. Only time will tell if they Gel together this season. This young team already won the Drake Tournament in the preseason in which Junior Nate Robinson, Sophomore Emmett Neal and Freshman Bryce Monroe made the All Tournament Team. They also went 3-1 in a tough Sacramento Tournament in which Emmett Neal hit a game tying three pointer and Bryce Monroe hit a Game winning shot in the same game. The scoring will get consistent with time. Lavar, Carter, Amin and Gary will all be important to Sacred Heart success.

Great post from a true supporter of SHC, well done.

 

[Irish_Cheers]

Great post from a true supporter of SHC, well done.

With those doomsayers, I thought somebody was taking f*bo pills. Winless? RUFKM? One bad game and one bad quarter doesn't equal no talent. The talent and coaching is there. They just have to gel and execute. It's essentially a new team this season.

 

[Lincoln240]

19 for trammel in the 3rd quarter. He is undersized but the kid can create his own shot. And he can really fill it up. SI 52-30 after the 3rd

 

[Scott2138]

Im very impressed with Trammell. When you watch him play, on offense you know something good is going to happen when he the ball is in his hands and on defense you feel like he's going to make the guy who has the ball make a bad decision. Also feel like damn, they got an intimidator in Roberts. Kid is big and will literally remove you from any position you are at on the court. Kevin Greene did the same thing except Greene was a better offensive player than Roberts. If they dont beat SH by 20 this week it would be a disappointment.

Trammel was awesome seriously was unstoppable tonight. Congrats to SI.

 

[Irishman32]

Trammell played an awesome game . You can not take anything away from him or St. Ignatius. Sacred Heart has to grow up some and Gel as a team. Seems as the coach is searching for answers. In their 12 games I believe this is their 10th different starting line up. You don't see that with good programs. Kids that been contributing didn't get an opportunity tonight. Not a good showing for anyone except Romello in garbage time but he clearly lost the point guard match up. Emmett Neal was saddled with foul troubled. Nate look good early but tailored off. The Freshman Monroe did not play much which is curious since he had been a starter and a major contributor up to this point. Ramzi other than a nice slam dunk was a non factor with unforced turnovers. St. Ignatius outplayed the Irish in all facets. The coaching staff if being honest with themselves should really assess themselves and their purpose. Just giving the ball to Romello and watch him dribble is not the key to success. I sure hope they have a good second half of league. 0-3 start in league. Only being competitive for a quarter or two is not going to cut it.

 

[Irish_Cheers]

Only being competitive for a quarter or two is not going to cut it.

Neither is missing layups and tossing up 24 foot bricks. Irish have better talent than SI. They must get cohesive. They barely shot 24.percent.

Even after all these years, you would think that they would play above their heads against a century-old rival instead of being intimidated by cat-box users.

No IAGB, I've seen it before. Sometimes confidence wins. Irish will easily win the second game.

 

[Scott2138]

IC, there have been many years "arguably" you can say SHC had better talent, but it never makes the Bruce Mahoney games easier for SHC, SI has consistently shown it is better in the limelight...still hoping for a great run one day for at least a decade

 

[Irish_Cheers]

IC, there have been many years you can say SHC had better talent, but it never makes the Bruce Mahoney games easier for SHC...still hoping for that at least one decade

I know only too well. It's an even money bet SHC will win the second game. I might see the girls more often. They play with confidence.

Too bad Ramzi got injured. He's been playing better lately.

 

[Scott2138]

Neither is missing layups and tossing up 24 foot bricks. Irish have better talent than SI. They must get cohesive. They barely shot 24.percent.

Even after all these years, you would think that they would play above their heads against a century-old rival instead of being intimidated by cat-box users.

Trammell played an awesome game . You can not take anything away from him or St. Ignatius. Sacred Heart has to grow up some and Gel as a team. Seems as the coach is searching for answers. In their 12 games I believe this is their 10th different starting line up. You don't see that with good programs. Kids that been contributing didn't get an opportunity tonight. Not a good showing for anyone except Romello in garbage time but he clearly lost the point guard match up. Emmett Neal was saddled with foul troubled. Nate look good early but tailored off. The Freshman Monroe did not play much which is curious since he had been a starter and a major contributor up to this point. Ramzi other than a nice slam dunk was a non factor with unforced turnovers. St. Ignatius outplayed the Irish in all facets. The coaching staff if being honest with themselves should really assess themselves and their purpose. Just giving the ball to Romello and watch him dribble is not the key to success. I sure hope they have a good second half of league. 0-3 start in league. Only being competitive for a quarter or two is not going to cut it.

Yes I agree Irishman32, they are not geling yet. They obviously are missing Hollins and they are playing like he is still there, Hollins gave you an average of 15-17 points a game easy...Made most games a lot closer than they appeared. I think Sean Mackay learned the Bruce Mahoney is special even more intense than Bellarmine/St. Francis Rivalry, no atmosphere like it anywhere in the country. I think most true Irish fans would accept losing seasons every year in any sport as long as they beat SI every year.

 

[5MatchUp]

You could tell from all the missed layups on both sides throughout the game that both teams were nervous. It happens every year but in this game your studs have to show up, make plays and hit big time shots. Trammell looked so relax in the first half and got his teammates Beckham and Redmond involved in the first half. 3rd quarter was Trammell time and he delivered. 16 points and everything he did was with confidence. SI is flat out the better team and they showed it tonight.

On the SHC side, look i see what everyone is saying. They are young, they are trying to figure each other and their coaches out also. However I don't see how the offense that they are running is helping these kids and putting them in spots to succeed? Like the previous poster said it's so predictable. Mello brings the ball down, scans and attacks or they make a pass or two and shot. You cannot continuously do this over and over again and have any success at all in this league. Run some motion, run ANYTHING!! You do not have the developed athletes this year to run lazy offense. You can't let the type of defense that is played in the WCAL sit there and be waiting on you trying to go one on 5. That's the maddening and frustrating part. The coach is a graduate of St. Francis and came from San Jose Junior college more recently so there is no excuse for his team to look as underprepared as they do at times. If the players you are playing don't want to run your offense find 5 guys who will and roll with them because what do you have to lose this year? The goal is structure and progress and right now I think some of us SHC supporters are not seeing any.

 

[Irish_Cheers]

True. Run some plays out there.

 

[Scott2138]

I know only too well. It's an even money bet SHC will win the second game. I might see the girls more often. They play with confidence.

Too bad Ramzi got injured. He's been playing better lately.

This is true the second game is usually a winner for SHC, no pressure involved and they do great. Ramzi had two nice dunks one at the Serra game and one here at USF. Romello is just not his brother nor can he make his free throws but I give him props for his effort tonight.

 

[Scott2138]

Neither is missing layups and tossing up 24 foot bricks. Irish have better talent than SI. They must get cohesive. They barely shot 24.percent.

Even after all these years, you would think that they would play above their heads against a century-old rival instead of being intimidated by cat-box users.

Not sure if you can say Irish have better talent, the smallest player just wrecked havoc on SHC tonight. The trio of Beckman, Redmond, Trammell is good enough that they don't even need a big post player but they got one. Beckman is their big man do everything guy. What he doesn't do is easily complimented by Redmond. Trammell's body control is amazing and he was just on fire tonight.

 

[Irishman32]

The talent level is very high on both teams. If we are being honest and fair. One team has an identity and the other doesn't. The kids that are scorers for St. Ignatius are allowed the freedom to create out well ran sets. On Sacred Heart it's very obvious the players other than Dunbar and Robinson are just waiting to get pulled out the game for not knowing how to play in a offense that is for a lack of a better term " willy nilly" . Isolation plays for guys who are turnover prone. The only guys that get to the basket are Dunbar, Robinson and Monroe. Every other player is just waiting to Chuck it up there in hopes of success. I would love to see SHC have some plays with back cuts, curls , alley hoops, 12 games in this staff should know what they have and build around them! Let's see , Robinson , Neal and Monroe have led the team in scoring in multiple games and now Dunbar has in one game. Doesn't take a Computer coder to see you need to devise an offense involving those players with movement and opportunity.

 

[Crosstown Rival]

Yes I agree Irishman32, they are not geling yet. They obviously are missing Hollins and they are playing like he is still there, Hollins gave you an average of 15-17 points a game easy...Made most games a lot closer than they appeared. I think Sean Mackay learned the Bruce Mahoney is special even more intense than Bellarmine/St. Francis Rivalry, no atmosphere like it anywhere in the country. I think most true Irish fans would accept losing seasons every year in any sport as long as they beat SI every year.

Hollins is a great player no question. How many League W's did Irish get with Hollins last year? 4! you'll act like SHC was a top 10 program in NorCal with Hollins. they weren't even top 5 in WCAL.

 

[Lincoln240]

Neither is missing layups and tossing up 24 foot bricks. Irish have better talent than SI. They must get cohesive. They barely shot 24.percent.

Even after all these years, you would think that they would play above their heads against a century-old rival instead of being intimidated by cat-box users.

Beg to differ. Athleticism and talent are two completely different things. SI is more talented. SHC has an athletic group

 

[Mr. Direct]

SHC struggled to score in the half court again. At this point I will chalk it up to inexperience and a new coach trying to imprint his identity on his team. If this continues for the entire season then I think there is some serious cause for concern. We shall see. I do like their athleticism and a few of their players actually. Carter seems like he improved since last year which is a big plus for them.

 

[oldblueyes]

Let's be real SHC looked just OK - No real defense to speak of just running over to trap like you playing vs. 8th grade team isn't gonna work! On offense do they know how to run any lanes on break or can they set anything up- Who hired this guy and why - has to be 15 underclass WCAL coaches and 9 PAL varsity coaches that are better!

 

[CityVibesII]

Tough to ask a coach to come into this game with a lack of historical perspective, trying to identify a healthy 5-7 players, and institute an offensive scheme with athletic kids not used to running basic offenses. This was WCAL v AAU ball. Let's give the coach benefit of the doubt. Had a deer in headlights look throughout. Let's see if he can build a program and not just a varsity team. SI took their lumps a few years ago; the fruit is ripening.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

Neither is missing layups and tossing up 24 foot bricks. Irish have better talent than SI. They must get cohesive. They barely shot 24.percent.

Even after all these years, you would think that they would play above their heads against a century-old rival instead of being intimidated by cat-box users.

This is incorrect IC. SH does not have better talent than SI. I would pick 4-6 SI guys first before I even pick 1 SH guy based on these teams. Theres only two basketball related things SH does really well. One is Melo can break his defender down and dribble past him, and two Nate Robinson can hit free throws. Everything else, they stink. They cant score because none of cant shoot. Every shot from every player is a "I hope this goes in" shot, even layups. Trammell, Beckman, when they shoot, you dont have that feeling.

I think MacKay knows what he has. He has to generate offense with defense. I give credit that SH keeps the other team below 70 given they have no size. They might win 3 league games this year. They just arent good. Its fine. Schools go through cycles. This is our down cycle. I'd rather watch I'Imari Thomas dominate.

 

[Irishman32]

They stink? You are not attending the games nor is your assessment correct. Nobody on here can say if these kids can play or not. There is only one player shooting the ball for SHC, the other players are not getting enough opportunities to shoot. If you played this game or coached this game you would be able to see that SHC has talent. They have to come together , will that happen is the question ? You should really go back and look at some of the prior games before making that statement. Some of these kids can play at high level if put in a system like the kids they are competing against. The team doesn't have an identity other than Dunbar penetrate or Nate shoot since league started. The staff will definitely reevaluate after last night's debacle.
It's early in the season and we will see what adjustments are made but don't make unjust assessments that just are not true! A lot can happen before season ends.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

They stink? You are not attending the games nor is your assessment correct. Nobody on here can say if these kids can play or not. There is only one player shooting the ball for SHC, the other players are not getting enough opportunities to shoot. If you played this game or coached this game you would be able to see that SHC has talent. They have to come together , will that happen is the question ? You should really go back and look at some of the prior games before making that statement. Some of these kids can play at high level if put in a system like the kids they are competing against. The team doesn't have an identity other than Dunbar penetrate or Nate shoot since league started. The staff will definitely reevaluate after last night's debacle.
It's early in the season and we will see what adjustments are made but don't make unjust assessments that just are not true! A lot can happen before season ends.

No, youre right at this point. They are .500. .500 doesnt equate to stink. I stand by my assessment and predicting there will be alot of lumps this season. Youre almost half-way done with the season and theres no semblance of an offense.

 

[Scott2138]

Hollins is a great player no question. How many League W's did Irish get with Hollins last year? 4! you'll act like SHC was a top 10 program in NorCal with Hollins. they weren't even top 5 in WCAL.

Hollins great player, no question, but maybe not the best "team" player or leader on and off the court.

 

[SF_Mikey]

For those of you unable to get out to the game(s) tonight - here is the URL for the St Francis vs Bellarmine game -- http://thecube.com/event/702557

Riordan v Serra is streaming at http://baosn.tv

 

[Crosstown Rival]

Tough to ask a coach to come into this game with a lack of historical perspective, trying to identify a healthy 5-7 players, and institute an offensive scheme with athletic kids not used to running basic offenses. This was WCAL v AAU ball. Let's give the coach benefit of the doubt. Had a deer in headlights look throughout. Let's see if he can build a program and not just a varsity team. SI took their lumps a few years ago; the fruit is ripening.

Refreshing post, someone who understands the game and challenges for a first year WCAL coach and a program that lost 70% of its scoring from a sub 500 team with a top 10 bay area player in Hollins. Hollins, Hillman, Sheppard and Dunbar has only played in 2 games this year i believe? Lets be realistic and give Mackay some time.

 

[Mr. Direct]

Last night's games:

• Serra beats Riordan, 56-42. Riordan was never in it. Jack Wilson didn't play in 1st quarter.
• Mitty beats Valley Christian, 73-59. Looks like Jay Allen Tovar was back.
• Bellarmine 74-57 over St. Francis. Impressive win for the Bells who seem to be in a groove right now. 3 headed monster of Athens, Wojick, and Stubblefield.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

Hollins great player, no question, but maybe not the best "team" player or leader on and off the court.

Hollins was a fantastic offensive talent. It was fun to watch him go to work on offense and his growth as an offensive player from his freshman year to his junior year. I would reserve the term "great" for players that actually made their teammates better while putting up monster numbers. I think Hollins couldve been a 30-15-7 guy if he REALLY wanted to.

 

[iamgearyblvd]

Refreshing post, someone who understands the game and challenges for a first year WCAL coach and a program that lost 70% of its scoring from a sub 500 team with a top 10 bay area player in Hollins. Hollins, Hillman, Sheppard and Dunbar has only played in 2 games this year i believe? Lets be realistic and give Mackay some time.

Aside from wins and losses, I like the job MacKay is doing because the kids actually look like they give a hoot. The score may not be reflective, but you can see the kids are trying. Its a big change from last season.

 

[Mr. Direct]

Week 2


Game of the Night 1/14/17

Serra (2-1) @ St. Francis (1-2) - The Lancers battled the Bells on the road and took a hard fought loss on Wednesday night. Serra outmatched Riordan at home. SF cannot afford to lose this game at home and drop to 1-3. I think they get the win at home.

Other Games:

Mitty (2-1) @ SHC (0-3) - I don't see Mitty dropping this game on the road. They just have too much size for the Irish to handle.

Valley Christian (1-2) @ St. Ignatius (3-0) - The winning streak will continue for the Wildcats and they will stay atop the standings with the Bells.

Riordan (0-3) @ Bellarmine (3-0) - The biggest mismatch of the night. Let's see if they can keep it under 20 against a hot Bellarmine team.

 

[togos]

Mitty will win a close game because of their shooting. SHC is tough at home.

Bellarmine by 20. Riordan struggles to score.

SF and Serra will be the best FOOTBALL game of the night. Bring your pads.

SI and VC will shoot 60 threes . SHould be exciting and uptempo. SI in a close game