SALINAS VALLEY — So far, this basketball season hasn’t been good for the South Monterey County high school boys, as they have a combined league record of 2-17.
Coming into the season, winning a title was going to be challenging, and it was already an unrealistic fantasy for at least two of the four local teams.
Now the 2-17 record is glaring, and may cause some fans to scratch their heads. However, it doesn’t tell the whole story for some teams that have shown improvement.
So far, the Gonzales Spartans are on the same pace for the same amount of wins as they did last season. This year was going to be hard as they continue to find their identity.
The most improved team in South Monterey County is the Greenfield Bruins.
Last season the Bruins won only four games, but this year they have already surpassed that by winning five. Although their league record is 1-5, three of those losses were within one score. And, they almost beat St. Francis and Watsonville, who are currently tied for first place.
King City Mustangs are one of those teams who could have a chance to push for a league title and make the playoffs. But, so far this season, they are 1-4 and coming off a 50-point loss to Rancho San Juan.
One of the problems with the Mustangs is their lack of depth, but even with that issue, everyone expected more from this team with their play and commitment.
Soledad Aztecs, who returned with four starters a year ago, have began this season with a disappointing 0-4 record in the Mission Division. It wasn’t long ago that this team were the underdogs, hungry and wanting to prove people wrong.
Now while watching them, that energy or desire they had from a year ago is missing. Coming into the season, the Aztecs moved up a division and were going to face stiffer competition, but they continued to get out-rebound in their last two games since league started.
The bad news for these teams is their title hopes are gone, but the good news for some of them is there’s still time to make the playoffs.
