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Edison and Bear Creek (San Joaquin Athletic Association), Kimball (Valley Oak League) and Calaveras (Mother Lode League) can compete for league titles, but the top three in The Record’s coverage area is clear for the time being.
Sure, on the boys side, defending state champion Manteca is surging and will contend in the VOL again. But there are several boys teams in San Joaquin County and the Mother Lode that are on the rise.
With that in mind, and the fact that league play for the VOL, MLL and Central California Athletic Alliance begins this week, here’s a look at five of those teams:
Lathrop: The Spartans (8-5) have tested themselves constantly in the preseason, and recently finished fourth in the St. Hope Elite Classic Platinum Division. Lathrop started slowly, but has an impressive win over Elliot Christian, and behind Junior Ballard, are sleepers in the VOL. The Spartans face the defending state champion Buffaloes on Tuesday in Manteca. This is Lathrop’s eighth year of basketball and the Spartans are yet to post a winning season.
Did you know? First-year Lathrop coach Craig Ward is an assistant for the St. Mary’s football team, so he’s had a busy school year to say the least after the Rams advanced to the CIF State finals.
Calaveras: An amazing story is taking place in San Andreas, as 16th-year coach Kraig Clifton is back after progressing in his fight against Stage IV pancreatic cancer. With Clifton on the sideline, Calaveras is off to a 12-1 start and beat Franklin and Tokay in December. Calaveras hosts Linden to open league play on Friday.
Did you know? Calaveras has posted three consecutive winning seasons, of at least 20 wins each time, and has been a winning team in eight of its past nine campaigns.
Elliot Christian: Success isn’t new to the Eagles and coach Jason Hitt, as just two years ago Elliot Christian was the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V runner-up to Brookside Christian. But Elliot Christian is reaching new heights, behind a superb starting lineup that features the quartet of Jimmy Beltz, Jalen Valverde, Onkar Sidhu and Nate Bond. On a team full of shooters, Valverde provides a nice counterbalance as a point guard who can drive-and-kick with style. Don’t be surprised if he posts a triple-double in CCAA play.
Did you know? Beltz has made 56 3-pointers thus far this season.
Lincoln: The Trojans have plenty of success in their recent history, sure, but have missed the section playoffs the past two seasons while adjusting to the Tri-City Athletic League’s current makeup. Lincoln, though, has been sharp early on and was ranked No. 18 in NorCalPreps’ latest Top 20. Andre Kelly, a 6-foot-8 junior, is averaging 24 points and 14 rebounds. What’s underrated, though, is the improved guard play that can torch an opponent that doubles Kelly. Brett Zastrow and Zeke Holman (both averaging nine points per game) can both shoot from deep, and Zastrow is shooting an incredible 49 percent from beyond the arc.
Did you know? Kelly has already received recruiting attention from across the West Coast, and has five full-ride scholarship offers from Pacific, USF, San Jose State, Nevada and Montana.
West: The Wolf Pack began its rise last year, sure, but was the third playoff seed from the TCAL. Certainly, West wants a league banner this year, powered by the dynamic duo of junior Michael Hayes and senior Ephraim Estell. West has a new coach in Matthew Garza, and is 12-1: the lone loss was an overtime defeat to Elliot Christian.
Did you know? West’s TCAL debut should be a fun one. Lincoln entertains West on Jan. 13 in a game with major playoff and league title implications.