Cardinals hope to prove size doesn't really member (12/07)

By Avi Baskin

Dec. 13, 2007

The varsity boys’ basketball team does not have to be bigger than the other teams, but it does have to be better.
The Cardinals, who are back-to-back AAA champions, enter the year facing a fundamental problem: height. At six feet two inches, junior forward Yuhki Sakai is the tallest player on the team and consistently squares off against centers who stand inches above him. “Because a lot of teams are bigger, we have to be smarter and quicker with the ball,” senior guard Travis Hom said. “Coach (Robert) Ray has us focusing on running a lot, and we are usually faster than the opposing team.”
Like in past years, the Cardinals have adopted somewhat of a Golden State Warrior-esque run and gun offense, using their speed to capitalize on transitions.
Lowell also has to concentrate on moving the ball and being successful in fast-paced action. It will be harder for the Cardinals to succeed in a set offense, where they go head to head against bigger players. If Lowell can successfully imitate the explosive Warriors’ offensive style, they will be a threat to three-peat in the AAA.
Winners of five out of their first six preseason games, the Cardinals seemed destined to head back down that championship path. But when they had to face a big San Lorenzo team in the second round of the Cardinal Classic held on Dec. 7 - 8, they learned what they needed to improve upon.
The Cards played a sub-par first quarter and had trouble controlling the ball. After trailing at half-time, Lowell rallied to tie the score at 39-39 going into the fourth quarter. The score did not reflect the actual game, however. The Cardinals were dominated inside all game long, scoring most of their points on threes and fast break opportunities. At one point they ran five three-pointers in a row, including two from Sakai, followed by a quick basket after a steal by Hom to tie the game.
In the fourth quarter, the Cardinals’ perimeter shooting suffered. As a result, the bigger San Lorenzo team, who worked the Cardinals inside again and again, created a deficit Lowell could not make up. San Lorenzo won the game 62-50, knocking Lowell out of the winners’ bracket of their own tournament.
Although the Cardinals did not come out with a victory, the San Lorenzo game will be an important building block for their season. Lowell is still working on finding the flow they need to be a successful team on the court. Unlike last year, Ray will rely on more bench players, and as Hom put it, “anyone who will go into the game has to step up.”
The most notable players coming off the bench this year will be junior guard Darrin Mock and sophomore guard Anthony Clay. When Hom needs a rest, Mock will be crucial in keeping the Cardinal’s upbeat tempo. Clay has already provided some much needed spark for the team.
Besides the expected stellar play from Hom, Sakai has made a big impact early in the season. Sakai is one of, if not the best, scorers on the roster. If Sakai can elevate his game even further, the Cardinals will fly far into the playoffs.
One obstacle that could interfere with a playoff run is injuries. Hom has been battling a wrist injury all year long, but has fought through the pain to play for most of the games. Also, senior center Matt Wong, one of the team’s rare big men, has been troubled with a knee injury, but plans on returning to the lineup soon. Lowell will have to stay healthy if they want to be competitive in the regular season.
And if they do stay healthy, the Cardinals’ biggest competitors in the AAA this year will be Mission and Lincoln. All of the Bears’ five starters from last year are returning, eager to avenge their championship loss to Lowell last season. Lincoln, with two new recruits, might just have the size to knock off the light-footed Cardinals as well.
Get ready for another exciting season of Cardinals’ basketball as they start the regular season at 5:15 p.m. on Jan. 4 at Burton.

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