Mission Struggles on a Warm Afternoon

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

It wasn't exactly a perfect day for the Bears (Photo courtesy of Janis Lewin)

By: Richard Lee


          Excellent weather during the Spring Break calls for a perfect day for a game of baseball as the Mission Bears were able to compete with the Balboa Buccaneers on the turfs of Silver Terrace.
The match-up in itself however, would prove to not offer up much excitement as the Balboa Buccaneers were able to take advantage of Mission’s defensive woes to cruise their way to an 18-3 victory in five innings of play.
  A lot of things could be said  in what Mission did wrong such as committing four errors, allowing five stolen bases, and walking a staggering total of 15 batters!
Despite these discouraging numbers, Mission’s head coach, Dan Grossman isn’t much too worried.

Ponce Garza catches a throw at 1st base to record the ground out 

  “We’re just going to flush it and that’s been our motto when we make mistakes.” Grossman said. He than went on to talk about the mental toughness of his team.
  “We’ll just come back, tomorrow’s a new day. I can give you all the sports clichés in the world but these guys are resilient. They’re just going to get right back it.”
  Starting Buccaneer pitcher Alex Arnold was able to flat-out dominate the Bears offense as he threw a gem to silence the Mission bats.
  Mission would be held scoreless all the way to the fifth and last frame in where the Mission hitting was able to show a spark of life scoring three runs.
  Junior Miles Prescott would send a thunderous liner to left-field to score senior Oscar Ramirez, who earlier reached base via walk, for an RBI triple.
  “I just had the adrenaline going” Prescott said of the hit.

The dugout watches on as Francisco Cinn is at-bat

“I had my teammates behind my back, coach told me to just do my thing and I hit it. It was natural instinct.”
The junior would follow up his triple with a successful steal to home plate. Junior Francisco Chin would than draw a walk to reach base in where he was able to showcase his speed with three steals to score all by himself!
This win for Balboa improves their league record to 6-0 as no team around AAA seems to be able to slow down their impressive run.
  Mission’s record falls to 1-1. The presence of rain and muddy fields have significantly altered the schedule of the Bears this season.
  The Bears won’t have much time to lick their wounds as they are back in action tomorrow for a busy day. They’ll begin their work in West Sunset 1 with a rescheduled contest against the Lincoln Mustangs at 11:30 AM (Pacific). There’s not a second to waste after that as they will have to travel all the way across the city to their home-field of Jackson Playground for a non-league game against the Waldorf Wolverines at 3:30 PM.

Senior Edgar Linares(left) and assistant coach Mark Probst (right) discuss about a play in the dugout

Precipitation Leaves Both the Bears and the Lions Without a Decision

Thursday, March 10, 2011

The Bears pack up early as there game was spoiled by the drizzles. (Photo courtesy of Norberto Hernandez)

By: Richard Lee

  It could’ve been sensed this morning as rain struck Jackson Park on Thursday afternoon. The extensively poor weather that has been occurring these past months have significantly slowed down the excitement of baseball that was expected to be played during the opening pages of this season. 

  With the field seeming to be playable at first, the Bears and Lions picked up their gloves to compete. However, not even a full two innings would be completed as the game ended without even making it through the second inning. Because of such a shortened match-up, both ball clubs were forced to step off the baseball field to head for home carrying neither a win nor a loss. 

  “The weather’s hurt us just like it’s hurt every other team and we (Mission) got to get out in the field and work some of these kinks out.” said Mission head coach Dan Grossman about how the weather is affecting baseball throughout the city. 

  Although stopped, the game did not look good for the Bears as things got ugly in a hurry. The Lions would burst out of the gates and score seven runs in the first inning alone. Mission would be held scoreless in their frame at-bat. Two more runs would be punched in by the Lions before the game had to discontinued as the second half of the second was just about to start. 

  “We’re still a work in progress and we’re getting more experienced.. We have an outstanding senior class. David Johnson, Stephen (Zhou)  as well, Edgar Linares could be included in that conversation when he’s on.” Grossman shared after the drastically reduced game when asked about how he sees his baseball squad this year. Mission’s skipper this year will rely heavily on the upperclassmen of the team to take on a leadership role to set a standard for the several new bodies coming in this year. 

  “We’ve got some good juniors as well in Jose Murillo, Arturo Franquez when he gets back from injury, and Francisco Chin.” Grossman said with a smile on his face to close out the press conference. 

  With only a handful of returning troops from the previous year, brand new faces compose of the majority of the team. Even the coaching staff is changed, as two assistants are added. With this new identity, Mission is definitely going to have a lot of work in store for them but for now, they wait patiently for the skies to clear up.

Bears Check Out!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The colors are retired after a long season. (Photo courtesy of Richard Lee)

By : Richard Lee

          It’s certainly been an eventful season for Mission basketball, but it ends here as the Bears play their final game of the season with a hard-fought loss against El Cerrito in a 74-62 loss in the first round of the CIF state tournament.
  Despite their defeat in the CIF and in their section finals, Mission was able to  play at an extremely proficient level of basketball and earn significant respect from schools around the Bay Area.
This year was highlighted with Mission each and every game putting on a display of frantic defense and moving at a fast-tempo pace. That combined with the distinct personalities and playing styles of all 13 team members really shaped out this year’s squad.
  Mission closes out their season with an impressive 23-11 record and all the signs point to even bigger improvements next season.
  What made this year truly exceptional was just how young this team was. There were just four seniors on the team this year and only three with actual varsity minutes from the past under their belt. However, the lack of experience did not call for a lack of leadership. There was never a true star as the basketball season progressed this year. In fact, the leading scorer of this team only averaged 12 PPG.
  It was all shared glory for the Bears, every time somebody watches a contest with Mission playing, they didn’t know what to expect. One person can score 30 in a game and two days later, another player goes for a triple-double. It was the unselfishness to distribute the spotlight evenly among themselves so that the ultimate goal of a “W” is reached. The moment when one knows when to step up and take charge, and the time to step back and allow others to star is what really established a sense of equality and leadership among these men.
  “Man, it(the entire season) had fun, teamwork, love, and care. We all love each other, we’re all like brothers. This was a good season I’m happy at how things ended.” said senior captain Jaleel Stancil with a smile on his face as he boards the team bus to go back to San Francisco. Stancil has finished playing his fourth and last year with Mission basketball and he will be leaving knowing that he, along with the other three seniors on the team, have paved a way for substantial degrees of success to come during the following years.
  Professional handshakes were being made, jokes were being exchanged, singing and dancing was present, and a good vibe was felt all around the Mission Bears as they exited the El Cerrito gates.
  So as everybody punches out of basketball, reports out of duty, and leave the office. They each walk towards their own direction. Some are moving along to bigger and better things while others know that they will see each other once again trapping defenders in the hardwood wearing brown and yellow.

Eagles Flutter Away from Danger to Carry off the Championships 75-72

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Levander Moore and Kenneth Lui embrace as all of Washington High School rejoice at the moment of victory. (Photo Courtesy of Jessica Lum)

By: Richard Lee

How serendipitous it was that the teams with the top two records in the AAA square off against each other in one last boxing match for the title. A ceremonious event took place on a Friday night. With a Professional Development day which meant a day off from school for the students, there was no excuse to come out to Kezar Pavilion and support your respective basketball club.
An excellent turnout would come from both sides as the stadium was packed. Traditional customs were followed in where Washington fans claimed one side of the stands while Mission supporters took the other side of the court. Coverage of the match-up tonight was definitely abundant. Reporters, photographers, and journalists from San Fran Preps and Comcast were all gathered to record the championship game.
Needless to say, everybody watching the game witnessed a nail-biter as Mission, who had been trailing for most of the game, would mount up one final comeback attempt but would ultimately fall short as the game was so close that it came down to the final second and shot for the contest to be decided.  
“It hurts, we worked hard but we just couldn’t get the job done.” said Mission’s Shaquile Fisher about the outcome of the game.
The champions of the San Francisco Section has been crowned to the Washington Eagles as they were able to edge out the Mission Bears 72-75. Forcing turnovers, the focus of Mission’s year-long game plan was used to the favor of the opposing team as they threw the ball away a staggering 31 times while Washington was able to limit their mistakes to just 21 turnovers.
“We were able to take care of the ball. A couple weeks ago(2-22-11) we just could not take care of the ball, their(Mission) press was just unbelievable but we were able to take care of the ball and make plays down the stretch.” said Washington head coach Jolinko Lassiter about how his team was able to gain the upper hand over Mission following a regular season loss not too long ago.
With the majority of the ball game being Washington leaning on a 5-10 point cushion, Mission would wake up in the final minute of the third quarter. When they were able to close out the third frame on a 6-0 run that would tie the score at 53 a piece.
The fourth period consisted of emotion, cheers, jeers, and most of all pressure. Both sides were going neck-to-neck and the lead was up for grabs by either team.
The Eagles would strike and establish an six-point lead during the last minute of the game. Hope was losing for fans of the Bears and the Eagles fans were starting to celebrate. The Bears however, wouldn’t go down without a fight.
Junior Miles Prescott would grab a missed free-throw attempt and quickly push the ball to make an uncontested lay-up while the Washington defense was still trying to set itself up.
The drama level would elevate when junior guard Algeron Malbrough picked off a Washington pass and quickly dished it off to sophomore guard Antoine Porter for a 3-pointer cutting the score to 75-72.
The intensity would reach its apex when Washington’s leading scorer, Brendon Glapion, missed two consecutive free-throws that wouldn’t made the score a two-possession game.
Despite having the game be in striking distance, the Bears would not be able to convert in tying the game with a 3-point shot. Numerous opportunites were taken from Mission but the final shots would be missed.
The instant the last buzzer rang, the Washington players erupted while the fans watching leaped to the court in absolute joy . Mission on the other hand, would look on with desolation on their faces as they wipe away their tears.
“Our seniors have to keep their heads up. The rest of us on the team are going to come back with a grudge next year.” stated Fisher after taking in the loss.
Both teams aren’t quite finished with basketball yet though.
“Well, we’re(Washington) going to enjoy this win and than… on to Nor Cal.” said Lassiter when asked about what was going to happen next.
Mission, regardless of the aftermath tonight, will still be granted a pass to compete in the Nor Cal tournament.
“We’re going to play hard like we did today.. And we’re going to go as far as we can.” said senior Jaleel Stancil who is in possession of a championship title from the previous year. Stancil, along with Travis Price-Moku, Davonta Gaines, and Alec Tatum are serving their last year with Mission basketball as seniors.

Mission Climbs Over Wallenberg in Semi-Finals Thriller

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Mission sophomore Antoine Porter pushing the ball on a transition play. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Lum)

By: Richard Lee

          Inside the realms of Kezar Pavilion one year ago, Mission was able to edge out Wallenberg with a 67-60 victory. This year, these two ball clubs brawled in a rematch that had the Bears emerging out of the gates as victors over the Bulldogs once again in a teeth-rattling 69-66 contest.
Many events occurred during this whole game and there were certainly many factors to how the outcome turned out. However, in a very similar fashion to last year’s game in where Wallenberg threw the ball away 30 times. The 32 turnovers committed by the team in navy colors would lead to Wallenberg’s downfall for the second year.
“A lot of our(Wallenberg) turnovers were forced, I thought that the Mission defense did a really great job against us and I thought that we played extremely hard as well. It was a great high school game because both teams just played gosh darn hard.” said Wallenberg head coach Patrick Mulligan when asked about the struggles in keeping the ball away from the Mission defenders.
           The Bears, as they have proven to be all season, were absolute pests on the defensive end and as their notorious full-court press really disturbed Wallenberg’s offensive possessions.

Mission junior Algeron Malbrough
(Photo courtesy of Jessica Lum)

           “I thought that it(our defense) was a big factor in our(Mission) game because it forced a lot of turnovers which led to a lot of fast breaks. We only won by three so those points we got from our fast break buckets really helped us out.” said sophomore guard Antoine Porter who scored 14 points as he and forward Gione Edwards, who scored 17 points, would be the only two players that recorded double-figures in scoring.
           Statistics aside, the atmosphere of tonight’s ball game was intense to an immense degree. Consistent and efficient shooting would be able to keep the Bulldogs in the game as they would be able to stay close within single-digits throughout the whole way  and really make things interesting in the fourth quarter, when they were able to tie the score on two occasions.

           Aggressive defense and hard contact was made during the last minutes of the final frame as dramatics were really starting to build up. The crowd would soon make their presence known with 1:10 left on the clock, when Mission forward Miles Prescott was called for an offensive foul when attempting to score on a transition play. Both fans and staff of Mission High School Basketball would erupt with anger as play-off pandemonium was starting to be present. The most crucial moment came when Antoine Porter was intentionally fouled with 8.5 seconds left with the scoreboard showing Mission with a 67-66 advantage. Antoine Porter now had the opportunity to push the lead to three and make Wallenberg’s chances of a tie or a go-ahead bucket highly improbable.   The first-year player would show no signs of nerves or anxiety whatsoever as he would be able to calmly go through his free-throw routine and convert on his two attempts. The score would be 69-66 and it would remain so after Wallenberg could not execute an eight-second play for three points to extend the game.

Mission Senior Alec Tatum
 (Photo courtesy of Jessica Lum) 

“I told them to just stay aggressive on offense, continue to play defense, and knock down your free-throws. But Wallenberg played a Hell of a game, they really pushed us and we were lucky to get the win.” said Arnold Zelaya about what he told his players as the game during the final minutes of the game.
“We’ll worry about that(preparing for next season) tomorrow, we’ll lick our wounds tonight and worry about that later.” said Mulligan when asked about how he plans to bounce back up next season.
          I think it’s really hard for the seniors to finish up their season but to their credit, we played out two best games of the year in our last two games. I really felt that they gave a champion’s effort tonight.” Mulligan said with a proud smile on his face when talking about his seniors in particular as the Bulldogs season comes to a halt.

           This semi-finals conquest puts the Mission Bears back in the middle of the brackets as the reigning champions will confront the Washington Eagles in one final clash for the ultimate prize that is currently inside Mission’s trophy case. These two teams have exchanged blowout wins against each other during the regular season.

           It will be a showcase of public school’s most elite forces as Mission(15-1) and Washington(14-2) hold the two best records in all of AAA and will now finally be able to prove which organization is truly the most relentless unit of them all and is in possession of AAA’s  most prestigious award, the championship gold.


Scoring Leaders

Mission
Gione Edwards - 17 points
Antoine Porter - 14 points
Travis Price- Moku - 8 points
Jaleel Stancil - 7 points

Wallenberg
Ronnie Campbell - 19 points
Aaron Brown - 15 points
Andrew Chuong - 13 points
David Li - 13 points