Haybalers’s Belton is back

Kevin McCarthy
 

San Benito County isn’t noted as a basketball talent-producing area and such a reputation makes junior Jordan Belton all the more unique. The 6-foot San Benito High Haybaler is healthy again and determined that he and his Hollister teammates make some noise this season in the Tri-County Athletic League (TCAL), a grouping that also features always tough Palma, plus Gilroy, Alisal Salinas, North Salinas and Alvarez.

Belton is coming off being named TCAL Sophomore of the Year, a season in which San Benito went 14-12 overall, 5-7 in league play. A hairline fracture suffered in an early practice this season required his sidelining for a period of time and the wearing of a splint but he is now healthy. Proving so, Belton totaled 16 points, three assists, three steals in his first game back and scored 14, including a pair of three-pointers in a December 21 win over Seaside. In a blowout against North Monterey on Tuesday, Belton totaled 10 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in very limited action.

But why basketball for Belton and not another sport?

Let’s first quote the German philosopher Hegel who noted "nothing great in this world was accomplished without passion." Not that he and Belton’s paths ever crossed but here’s Belton on why it was hoops for him: "I played football but it didn’t stick with me -- it was not my passion. I get a joy out of playing basketball." From such comes the commitment required to progress.

Belton also subscribes to the philosophy of never being satisfied which is primarily why he views Chris Paul as his favorite player. "It’s his work ethic, always trying to find a way to get better."

Another tilting influence is that Belton’s mother and father played basketball at his school but Belton also has a well known uncle who enjoyed success collegiately and professionally. That being 6-foot-9 Paul Fortier, currently in his sixth year as an assistant coach at Washington after 17 years playing professionally overseas, four years at UDub as a player and a stellar high school career at St. Ignatius in San Francisco.

Analyzing his own game, Belton sees "getting to the basket and finding my shot" as his major strengths. Conversely, what he is focusing on to improve is "becoming better with his off hand (he’s a lefty) and becoming a factor defensively."

When he’s in a game or practice and not wearing a Haybaler uniform, Belton plies his trade for the West Valley Basketball club. But he notes his playing different roles. "In high school, I’m more of a point guard generator while with West Valley I’m a two guard scorer."

Here’s WVB Coach Bob Bramlett on his pupil: "Jordan is a point who can score so he offers us a chance to create scoring opportunities off the dribble from more than one spot but clearly his position is point guard. He has a great floater and can get to the rack plus he can shoot out to 24 feet."

Commenting on his personal growth since his freshman season, Belton recalled his first year as one in which "I was timid on the court, trying to rush through things. Now, I take time to let opportunities appear. I also had a temper then and would get easily frustrated when I didn’t play well but I’ve learned to play through it and keep at it."

He is also academically successful. "I earned a 3.6 grade point average first semester but I’m going to work harder and push for a 4.0," he explained. Even though just a junior, Belton is seriously considering criminal justice as his college major, with the idea of eventually working for the FBI.

He has received early recruiting contact from Chico State, Montana, Portland and Cal Poly.

As for this season, Belton offered, "we’re 3-6 but we have a lot of sophomores -- we’ll be ready and be a contender in league." San Benito has played a majority of road games so far this season and without their star junior. Even so, it’s been close losses, including a one pointer, a two point defeat and a pair of four point setbacks.

Expect that to change now.