Farias is available

Kevin McCarthy
 

Some people are attracted to the glare of publicity like the proverbial moth to flame. They seemingly appear out of nowhere if a camera light is on or a tape recorder is running. Others could care less about the bright lights or at least don’t seek out individual attention. Count San Benito High’s Vanessa Farias in the latter category even if her on-court success is focusing beams of light her way.

Farias is an unassuming talent

Recently named the Co-MVP of the Tri County Athletic League (TCAL), the senior immediately demonstrated her character when asked about her best basketball skills. She was stumped, offering "I honestly don’t know." This despite averaging 16 points per game this season and also being tops on her team in scoring average since her freshman year, a season in which began her four-year run on the varsity squad.

But when the query was transposed about elements she is working on to improve her skills set, Farias offered "My whole game. I want to keep learning and add to my arsenal like making my left hand stronger and becoming better defensively."

Consider such a perspective after being named All NorCal two years in a row, a first team All TCAL selection two seasons running, being the leader on a team earning its second consecutive league and section titles plus the aforementioned shared most valuable player honor in 2008-2009 and winning the award solo last season.

The 5-foot-7 Farias was introduced to basketball early but also played the usual other sports. Hoops won out "because basketball is more interesting, your adrenaline gets pumping and there’s a bunch of cool moves to do."

She thanks three people in particular for her basketball prowess. "My father because he got me into basketball by teaching me the basics, Coach Bob [Bramlett] of the West Valley Basketball Club and Coach Dave [Kaplansky] at San Benito High because they helped me develop my skills."

It was in the summer before her sophomore year that opened her eyes. Practicing and playing with the West Valley squad, Farias realized "This is what you have to do to succeed. In high school, you practice a couple of hours at most but it’s four to five hours with West Valley. Plus, you have to play hard all the time, it’s a standard and is expected."

As for recruiting, Farias has received a number of calls. "But I’m hoping to get more looks by playing in a [upcoming] tournament in Arizona." She was initially surprised when the initial contacts began. "I was thinking, wow, all the waking up early and the time and hard work on the court is paying off. [Getting a scholarship] was one of my goals when I was younger."

Her academics are fine. As for a major, Farias wants to pursue a degree in international business, "something I was interested in since I was very young."

As for her best moment or moments on the court, she said "The [48-37] Central Coast Section (CCS) championship over Evergreen Valley this season meant more because it was a battle that went back and forth but last year’s CCS win over Carlmont was also the first ever for San Benito High." Farias line in the Evergeen game: 15 points, six boards and five assists.

If there are any colleges coaches looking for a dribble-drive artist in possession of an ace step-back jumper, plus someone with the desire to keep working hard on the court and in the classroom, consider the above a not so subtle clue.