Windsor off to great start on tough pre-league circuit
The varsity basketball Jaguars have been a tough draw for the opposition during a challenging pre-league schedule that has produced a 5-2 record and given a young team a huge boost of confidence as it continues to gel.
The Jags will look to continue their success in the final phase of the preseason, beginning this week when they play host to Elsie Allen (Dec. 20, after press time) and Mount Diablo this Thursday, Dec. 22 (7:30 p.m.).
Windsor will have a final litmus test on Dec. 28-30 when it hosts a strong field in the 7th annual Holiday Shootout Tournament. The eight-team tourney will feature Windsor, Maria Carrillo, Analy, Healdsburg, Albany, Amador Valley, Nevada Union and defending champion Dublin.
“This is by far our toughest tournament we’ve had so far,” WHS coach Travis Taylor said.
Although not surprised by his team’s preseason success, Taylor has been pleased by its rapid development, especially considering he had no returning starters from last year’s NBL championship squad.
“I think we’re getting better but still have a long way to go, specifically in handling and attacking full court pressure,” he said. “The team is coming together and the guys enjoy playing with each other. They have a team-first mentality.”
Since opening the season with a 61-50 win over San Marin on November 26, Windsor notched victories over Fort Bragg (64-31) and Fortuna (61-42). The Jags opened the Rose City Tournament (Dec. 8-10) with wins over Elsie Allen (58-51) and Redwood (57-55, OT) before falling to host Cardinal Newman in the championship game, 48-36.
“I’d have to say that Redwood is our best win so far,” Taylor noted. “Against four quality teams, we’ve gone 2-2.”
Junior center Riley Smith, literally part of the “Twin Towers” with brother Justin Smith, has been the Jags’ leading scorer through seven outings with an average of 19.4 points per game.
Other top players have been juniors Travis Carlozzi, the team’s best defender, forward Justin Smith, a steady scorer and rebounder, and guard Brock Tolson, a reliable ball-handler and scorer.
Also contributing valuable minutes are senior guards Brandon Mallie, Ethan Wright and Kobe Roman.
