SOLEDAD — It wasn’t long ago that the Soledad boys’ varsity basketball team had lost five of seven games, but since Jan. 20, the Aztecs have won five straight games.
The last time the Aztecs had a five-game winning streak was in 2018.
Soledad’s Jason Mendoza, who was the leading scorer during four of the team’s five-game winning streak, has been one of the reasons why the team is rolling as of late.
Another reason is the team’s depth, as Soledad Head Coach Nick Twitchell uses nine to 10 guys each game. The majority of the time, one will see Mendoza at the top of the list, but when he has an off game, it’s been his teammates filling in.
“When you’re in the hunt for the title, there are going to be some games when your main scorers don’t play well,” Twitchell said. “That’s when we have to have the other guys step up.”
One of those players who stepped up was Soledad’s Amir Carter, who was the leader in points in a game against Gonzales. He scored 11 points to help the Aztecs win 46-38.
Earlier this season, Carter went through some early struggles, but recently he has been finding his confidence.
“Amir struggled early in the year, but as the season continued, he’s played better and better,” Twitchell said.
Soledad is also leaning on two of their football stars to help contribute: Daniel Raso and Dominic Chavez.
Chavez, who is the point guard, has been a “steady force” for this team. He is at his best when making sure the offense runs the right way to open up the floor for their scorers.
It’s no surprise that the Defensive Player of the Year in football, Raso, would take that same intensity to the hardwood. Most nights he will be taking on the other team’s best offensive player and diving on the floor for every loose ball.
When the team needs instant offense, freshmen Pablo Morales and Anthony Ramirez are two players that can space the floor with their ability to knock down the three ball.
“These are my brothers,” Mendoza said. “Even when I don’t have a good game, they help me get through it.”
That brotherly bond has the Aztecs in prime position to capture the Santa Lucia Division. With the playoffs spot already clinched, the Aztecs will have two games before a huge matchup with Watsonville that can determine the division winner.
