Editor's note: Prep2Prep is previewing some of the top boys basketball teams in the Bay Area. Today we take a look at Monte Vista High School of Danville.
ALAMO, CA - After finishing last season 20-7 overall and taking a trip to the NCS Division I quarterfinals, the Monte Vista Mustangs return their strong nucleus of players and have soaring expectations for this year.
“Win NCS, NorCals, and make an appearance to win the state championship,” said senior guard Trevor John.
Last season included a second-place finish in the East Bay Athletic League standings, only behind De La Salle. This winter can turn out much different with De La Salle experiencing key losses from last year’s team.
The Mustangs return senior guard and Cal Poly commit Trevor John. Listed at 6-3, John also held offers from Air Force and Portland State before he made his decision to go to San Luis Obispo due to a variety of reasons, and has lessened the pressure of the recruiting process during his senior year.
“Committing to Cal Poly has made life easier for me,” said John. “I can focus on my season and its goals without having to worry about playing for scouts of various colleges.”
As for John, his individual goals are that of any other, but include more than challenging possibilities.
“To be the best leader I can be on and off the court and to influence the outcome of the game in our favor by any and all means,” said John. “Also I want to be in the McDonald's All-American 3-point shoot-out.
Alongside John, Grant Jackson also stars at guard. In the team's first regular season contest on Saturday, Jackson scored 23 points in the 75-56 victory over powerhouse Moreau Catholic.
Spencer Rust headlines the frontcourt. Listed at 6-8, Rust holds interest from several Ivy League schools as he boasts over a 4.0 GPA. Not only can he rebound and block, but he has a lot of range for a big man.
Despite all the talent, players believe there is a clear-cut advantage between them and the rest of the competition, and that they can compete with any team they face.
“Our team chemistry,” John said. “We’re a rare team where everyone knows each other’s playing style like the back of their hands. Plus we work harder than any other team in my opinion.”
However, there is much to be improved and worked on as the season goes on, as is the case with every basketball team in the region. They’re preaching that improvement day in and day out is the key to success.
“I’d say we have to work on every facet of the game harder than the day before to get where we want to go,” said John.
Everything has fallen into place in Alamo. If all turns out as planned, a trip to the NCS title game and NorCal are more than reasonable possibilities, and basketball glory can return to the Monte Vista Mustangs, and they want this to be a season they never forget.
“Create memories of a lifetime,” said John.
