February 26, 2009

The Pride of Richmond

Kevin McCarthy
 

They were going to be young this year. Not completely inexperienced mind you, but with only one senior on the roster; the primary contributors, save one, were all underclassmen. The kids turned out all right...no, make that just fine. So much so that Salesian High won the BSAL with an undefeated 12-0 record and a 24-4 mark so far this season.

Salesian Coach Bill Mellis is deservedly well respected as a basketball coach. But even the savviest mentors have no pixie dust or magical potions that instantly produces a smooth-working group, one that is maximizing its potential. As Mellis said, "I knew we had enough talent to do what we’ve done so far but there were new members of the group and meshing takes time and work. It definitely takes talent mixed in with chemistry and work ethic and this group really made the effort."

Mellis said he saw a noticeable difference in the Salesian 58-55 win over Newark Memorial on January 19. "Things just seemed to click and we sailed on from there."

As for his roster, Mellis said, "Desmond Simmons is really playing well. He has worked hard on his game and it shows." The 6-foot-6 junior forward has retained his jumpshooting talent and added a playing-in-the-paint element that has proven of late to be unstoppable.

Simmons’ line was 30 points and 12 boards in a recent 69-59 February 21 win over heated rival St. Mary’s and he also was just named the most valuable player in the BSAL. Mellis also offered kind words for his sophomore backcourter Jabari Brown. "Jabari over the season is our leading scorer and he can shoot outside and go to the basket." Brown was honored with a first team BSAL selection.

6-foot-3 sophomore Kendall Andrews was the third leading scorer for the Pride and second in rebounds -- he was accorded honorable mention BSAL status.

Freshman Dominic Artis -- all 5-foot-7 of him -- is enjoying a solid season so far and also was as an honorable mention league selection. Here’s Mellis on his youthful point: "He won the starting spot and has done a good job learning our system and leading our fastbreak."

Quincy Smith, a 5-foot-11 sophomore, was lauded for his contributions in league play with honorable mention league honors.

Another frosh, 6-foot-8 Freddie Tagaloa, came off the bench and is part of the 2012 class that is bursting with promise.

Although they performed as role players, 6-foot junior Devon Montgomery and 5-foot-11 sophomore Bryce Thompson "came off the bench and contributed" according to Mellis.

Only Sacred Heart, Wood, El Cerrito and Miramonte have been able to inflict losses on the Pride, the initial two in the first and fifth games of the season. The latter pair of losses were both by four points.

Salesian will host either Healdsburg or Fort Bragg on February 28.

The path that eventually deposits the top teams in Sacramento will not necessarily be a smooth one. 24-4 St. Mary’s, which fell twice to the Pride this season, is in the same bracket as Salesian, as is 27-1 Cardinal Newman.

But Mellis is more than happy to enter the playoffs with his ‘eHarmony-ish’ group of guys.

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