Despite entering the season without two projected starters, the Sobrato High boys basketball team hasn’t let that deter it from having its best start in coach Sean Tate’s fourth year at the helm. The Bulldogs won eight of their first 12 games before entering the tough Blossom Valley League’s Mount Hamilton Division.
Despite an 0-5 start in league play, the Bulldogs know playing tough competition will prepare them for the postseason.
“There is an opportunity for us to finish with a solid record in the A division,” he said. “And we’ll be even better next year. I see big things for us.”
That’s because Sobrato has plenty of underclassmen who are playing prominent roles this season. However, the Bulldogs are experienced in the backcourt with senior point guard Cade Zorio and senior off guard David Villareal. Backups a year ago, Zorio and Villareal have brought stability to the all-important guard position.
“David has been knocking down shots and playing great defense,” Tate said. “He’s also a backup point guard and helps take care of the ball. Cade has a high basketball IQ, and is our anchor at the point guard position.”
Offensively, everything starts with Kristopher Moyer, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound center. The senior is averaging a team-best 18 points per game, and makes an impact on both ends of the floor.
“He’s solid down low, has good footwork and finishes around the basket,” Tate said. “He definitely alters shots, which is important for us on the defensive end. He’s an old school center in that he’s going to finish around the basket if we can get him the ball. I’m really proud of how Kristopher has stepped up as a leader.”
Ignacio Bettinelli, a sophomore forward, is the team’s second leading scorer and plays solid defense while also possessing a strong mid-range jumper. Another sophomore forward, Drew Hooks, has added a spark to the team after first impressing Tate in the team’s open gym summer workouts.
A third sophomore forward, Travis Turnipseed, can knock down outside jumpers, and junior guard Brent Shore has provided steady play off the bench with great defense. Tate sees plenty of potential in Christian Keller, a 6-5, 195-pound junior center.
“Maybe that’s why we got moved up to the A division, because we have two 6-5 guys,” Tate said. “Christian is a raw talent, but he’s very athletic and getting better everyday. We’re getting good minutes from him off the bench.”
By virtue of finishing above .500 in the non-league portion of their schedule, the Bulldogs have already qualified for the Central Coast Section playoffs. Competing in an A division, Sobrato will be battle-tested by the time the regular season ends. Sobrato’s 69-67 win over a solid Saratoga squad on Dec. 19 was a key moment for the team, as it displayed resolve and toughness in the fourth quarter.
“That was a great signature win for us over Saratoga,” Tate said. “It was a fight to the end.”
Like most high school teams, Sobrato struggles at times with consistency.
“There are times we look great and other times we look like we didn’t do anything in practice,” Tate said. “But the guys are giving a great effort every time we get on the floor, and it’s great to see. We’re headed in the right direction.”
