As a physics teacher, Jarrod Bradley knows a lot about numbers. He had plenty of impressive ones to share at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table luncheon.
The most important is that his San Marcos boys basketball team is off to an 8-1 start, including a title at the Coast Union Tournament over the weekend. Thayer White was named MVP of the tournament, scoring 16 points in the title game, which was a win over Fresno Hoover High School. This is not a typo — the Royals shot 71-percent from the field as a team in the game. Four different Royals have posted double-doubles this year, and the teams has collected eight in total.
Big man Christian Mkpado is shooting a ridiculous 60-percent from the floor, and Johnny Manzo is an unbelievable 83-percent from beyond the arc. As a team, San Marcos is shooting 51-percent from 2-point range on the year. The Royals are also committing far less turnovers than last season, when they won the Channel League championship.
Bradley’s report helped out Dos Pueblos assistant coach Jeff Zamora a lot.
Avery Schwartz
“My job as assistant coach is to break down film and look at stats, and with the presentation he gave us I was over there taking copious notes,” he joked. “It made my life a lot easier, and I appreciate it. It’s a lot less time I have to spend away from the family.”
It wasn’t an easy week for the Chargers, who lost to an always strong Righetti squad before playing host to national powerhouse Mater Dei. The Monarchs feature three incredible freshmen, including 6-foot-6 14-year-old Shaqaan Harris, who threw down a windmill dunk. Zamora told the crowd that Mater Dei’s coach expects Harris to be an NBA Lottery pick one day. He then introduced players Conner Mansai and Daniel Vickers.
Santa Barbara High’s girls team also won a prestigious tournament title this weekend, taking the crown at the Gold Coast Tournament thanks to stellar showings by Pepperdine-bound Tess Emerson (more on her later).
“In the second half (of the championship game) we shot 65-percent,” noted coach Andrew Butcher. “Jarrod, I’m mad you guys shot 70 for a game, because I thought that would really impress people.”
JUNGLE GYM: Midland School in Los Olivos is a very unique place, featuring a picturesque and rather remote campus. The Oaks have some interesting athletic facilities as well.
“I got an email from their athletic director saying that if parents come they should bring something warm, because the gym only has three walls,” said Laguna Blanca boys basketball coach Sal Rodriguez.
There’s also a synthetic sport-court surface with a lot of dead spots.
“With our guys, the ball would bounce and take off and it would be a turnover. It would just go. Their guys knew where the spots were. They didn’t have any turnovers,” added Rodriguez.
As a result, the Owls fell to the host Oaks, who are obviously a strong team on top of the court considering they are undefeated. Rodriguez introduced senior Spencer Dusebout and starting point guard Logan Elder.
Special Olympian of the Month Amy Peterson
THE REAL McCOY: Bishop Diego’s girls basketball team was running low on numbers last week, so coach Jeff Burich brought up sophomore Josie McCoy from JV for the Fillmore Tournament. She is already the team’s third-leading 3-point shooter, and made a 22-footer in a game, which caused the other team to yell out “Shooter!” every time she came in.
Burich was also accompanied by sophomore point guard Greer Shull, whom he said is a leader on the team despite having six seniors on the roster.
NUTCRACKER: Carpinteria girls soccer coach Lucy Carleton brought along goalie Sally Lam and sophomore Jasmine Montes De Oca. Carleton said she has been “terrified” when Montes De Oca is playing, because she is performing in an upcoming showing of “The Nutcracker.”
“I’m looking forward to her being done with dance, so I can relax a little bit,” said Carleton.
OH, CANADA: UCSB men’s volleyball has impressively defeated Cal State Northridge, UCLA and USC in its fall season. They had a scary moment when star Jeff Menzel hurt his ankle in their last match, but coach Lee ‘The Tree” Nelson said that he should be okay by the time the season rolls around. The Gauchos open up by facing Canadian team Laval on January 4th.
“The only thing I know about Laval is that they’re from Quebec. At least I think they’re from Quebec, because their coach always signs his emails Merci,” said Nelson.
ATHLETES ON WHEELS: There was a special video presentation at the end of the luncheon about Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, a wonderful organization which allows young athletes between the ages of six and 19 to participate in a variety of sports. The Round Table has been a financial supporter of the program for the past few years, and luncheon attendee Caroline Vance of the San Marcos soccer team has been a volunteer there for two years.
Tess Emerson
To request information on the program and volunteer opportunities, call Renee Van Hoorn at 569-8999 ext. 82102 or email her at [email protected].
SPECIAL OLYMPIAN OF THE MONTH, AMY PETERSON
Amy Peterson proudly wore her silver medals to Harry’s, which she earned in singles tennis competition last week. Amy, who works at Vons, was introduced by award sponsor Aaron Brown.
“She is always ready and willing to practice with great enthusiasm. She is not only a great tennis player, but she is consistently encouraging and cheering on her teammates,” said Brown while reading a statement from one of her coaches. “That to me above all is the most important aspect of any athlete and team player.”
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Tess Emerson, SBHS Basketball — The 6-foot-1 Emerson was named MVP of the Gold Coast Tournament, averaging 22 points and 11 rebounds over the weekend with a 27-point performance in the title game, a 4-point win over West Ranch.
“Basketball has not come easy to Tess, and she’s worked hard for every inch of improvement,” said coach Butcher.
Avery Schwartz, Cate Soccer — The Rams had an amazing weekend in the Showcase Tournament, beating big-school programs Harvard-Westlake, San Luis Obispo and Costa Mesa — not too shabby for a school with an enrollment under 300. Schwartz, whose parents and younger brother came to see him honored, had seven goals in the three games along with an assist. Athletic director Wade Ransom couldn’t say enough about what a quality young man he is.
“He’s the reason why we coach… His future is as bright as any student-athlete I’ve every worked with,” said Ransom.
Loved comments on Midland from Coach Rodriguez ..and all true ,ha ,He was good sport and had very well coached team …..Midland only has 35 boys 20 are playing soceer rest basketball , No starter over 6 feet ,and yes basketball field house is pole barn,with three sides . This is first year they have played full varsity basketball season .And they are 5-0 and just ranked 5th in Section 6A .Every game is upset so kids having alot fun. Laguna Blanca played very well and were very good sports, was fun game whether the home court advantage was worth 15 points will be decided in Hope ranch ..How many walls they got there? Can you play basketball with heat ,no bats flying around ,and stray dog walking through gym ? Keeping it simple and fun at Midland as kids are undefeated ..Refs love the gym tho they do warmup in their cars at half time .
Black on black in the Charger I’m creepin’ Rub me the right way, you might get a genie B.o.B, black Houdini