For the second year in a row, San Benito was crowned champions of the Bob Hagen Tournament hosted at Gilroy High School. With a 74-37 win over Live Oak (5-4) in the tournament final Saturday, the Haybalers (7-1) had no problem defeating every team they faced.
“It means a lot. We won this tournament last year. Being back-to-back champions gives us a lot of confidence and it brings our team closer together,” said San Benito forward Robertson Henderson. “It shows us what we could do and builds our team chemistry. It tells us what it takes to win games.”
With San Benito leading the Acorns throughout the entire game, they have confidence towards their upcoming season as well as their upcoming tournament.
“It just gives our team a boost of confidence. We’re 7-1 now; just that alone is huge,” said San Benito junior Hyram Miskin. “Every game in this tournament we won by 25 or more. For the rest of the season it helps push us out there and gives us more knowledge of the game.”
Miskin provided 15 points to help the Haybalers subdue the Acorns.
“It sets the tone for the next tournament. Next week we go to Palma and there are a lot of good teams in that tournament,” said guard Michael Breen. “As for this game, we were confident coming in. We weren’t overconfident because you know anything could happen, but we played well. We got rid of them towards the second half and we held them.”
Dominating not just Live Oak, but the whole tournament, San Benito coach David Kaplansky is proud of his team. “Today’s game, we started off really good. I knew once we got off to a good start that we would be in good shape,” said Kaplansky. “All weekend long we have been shooting the ball well so that was a good sign. Playing all my guys and keeping up the consistency on defense was probably the best part of our game tonight.”
Although Live Oak didn’t go home with a win as they had hoped, the Acorns went home with a trophy as well as high spirits.
“This means a lot for our program because we haven’t come this far in quite a few years; the first time for this generation of Live Oak,” said Cole Griffin. “It feels great to finally bring home a trophy.”
