SPORTS

Mustangs claim 60-36 victory over Watsonville in Soquel Winter Classic

Pioneer led in every quarter of play in blowout win versus Wildcatz

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

BALLIN’ BUNDLIE. Pioneer point guard Mark Bundlie shoots a three-pointer over a defender at the Soquel Winter Classic. In a 60-36 win on Dec. 28 over Watsonville, Bundlie scored a team-high 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Photo by Ron Reed.

The Pioneer boys’ basketball team returned to action in winning fashion, taking a 60-36 win over the Watsonville Wildcatz in the opening round of the Soquel Winter Classic on Dec. 28.

The Mustangs (6-8), who last played on Dec. 21 at the Maui Christmas Classic, were led on offense by point guard Mark Bundlie, who scored a game-high 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Pioneer senior forward Mike Kaufmann chipped in 12 points and six rebounds in the low post for the Mustangs, while guard Joe Montelongo added 11 points and five rebounds in the win.

“In all our losses, we’ve come out and have been really rusty,” said Montelongo. “We knew that we had to get out and start good. It’s the only way we’ve won so far this year, so we just didn’t want to get into a hole again and have to fight back.”

The Mustangs got off to a torrid start in the first quarter, building up a 17-6 lead through the first five minutes of the game. During that stretch, Bundlie led the way with seven points on four lay-ups and one free throw. The first quarter ended with both teams trading baskets, giving the Mustangs a 21-11 lead at the end of eight minutes of play.

“I think we have a sense of urgency,” said Pioneer Head Coach Joe Berticevich. “We played some quality teams in Hawaii that are going to be as good or even better than the teams we’re going to face in our league … we just have a sense of urgency of coming out and playing well and getting a W.”

Watsonville started the second quarter on a modest 4-0 run through the first minute before Pioneer engineered another scoring run throughout the rest of the first half. The Mustangs went on a 12-5 run to close out the second quarter, getting five points during the scoring stretch from Bundlie, who ended Watsonville’s 4-0 opening run with a three-pointer from the right wing. Just before the end of the first half, Watsonville’s Kyle Mitchell dropped in a lay-up to end the Mustangs’ scoring run, cutting Pioneer’s halftime score at 33-20.

“With Mark, he’s been pressing a little bit this year,” Berticevich said. “I moved him to the point guard position and he’s been pressing, trying to do everything and so his shot was hurting a little bit. But, he came around tonight and hit it both from the outside and inside.”

The second half began in similar fashion as the first quarter for the Mustangs, who went on a 12-3 scoring stretch through the first six minutes of play in the third quarter. During the run, the Mustangs were led by Montelongo, who dropped in four points of his game-total 11 points on lay-ups, to help build up a 45-23 lead for Pioneer. The Wildcatz ended the third quarter with a small scoring stretch of their own, going on a 5-0 stretch to cut the Mustangs’ lead to 45-28 at the end of three quarters.

The Mustangs put the finishing touches on their 60-36 victory in the fourth quarter by going on an 11-4 scoring run to end the game, getting six points on two three-pointer off the bench from Nolan Maggipinto. The Mustang defense held Watsonville to eight points throughout the last quarter, including a scoreless stretch through the last 1:49 of the game.

“We knew, coming back from Hawaii, that we had to step it up,” said Pioneer guard Robbie Nelson. “We had a three-hour practice (on Dec. 27), which really helped a lot and got our heads straight.”

The Mustangs’ fortunes in the opening round of the Soquel Winter Classic quickly turned to disappointment the rest of the way, as Pioneer lost its remaining two games of the tournament.

The Mustangs dropped a 58-48 decision to Aptos on Dec. 29, before losing a 55-45 contest to Gilroy the following day. In the loss to Aptos, the Mustangs’ were led on offense by Kaufmann, who dropped in 19 points and snagged nine rebounds, with Bundlie chipping in 12 points and eight assists. The next day, Bundlie led the Mustangs in the loss to Gilroy, throwing down 16 points and grabbing six rebounds, while Robbie Nelson added 14 points and five rebounds.

High School Sports Schedule Jan. 7 - Jan. 13

Leland High School
Friday – Frosh/soph boys’ basketball vs. Willow Glen, 3:30 p.m.
Friday – Varsity boys’ basketball vs. Willow Glen, 8 p.m.
Friday – JV girls’ basketball vs. Piedmont Hills, 5 p.m.
Friday – Varsity girls’ basketball vs. Piedmont Hills, 6:30 p.m.
Friday – JV girls’ soccer at Branham, 3:15 p.m.
Friday – Varsity girls’ soccer at Branham, 3:15 p.m.

Saturday – Varsity wrestling tournament in San Ramon, all day long

Tuesday – Frosh/soph boys’ soccer at Santa Teresa, 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday – Varsity boys’ soccer at Santa Teresa, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday – Frosh/soph boys’ basketball at Overfelt, 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday – Varsity boys’ basketball at Overfelt, 7 p.m.
Wednesday – JV girls’ basketball at Oak Grove, 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday – Varsity girls’ basketball at Oak Grove, 7 p.m.

Thursday – Wrestling at Pioneer, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday – Frosh/soph boys’ soccer vs. Pioneer, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday - Varsity boys’ soccer vs. Pioneer, 3:15 p.m.


Pioneer High School
Friday – Frosh/soph boys’ basketball vs. Branham, 5:45 p.m.
Friday – Varsity boys’ basketball vs. Branham, 7:30 p.m.
Friday – JV girls’ basketball at Del Mar, 5:15 p.m.
Friday – Varsity girls’ basketball at Del Mar, 7 p.m.
Friday – Varsity girls’ soccer at Piedmont Hills, 3:15 p.m.
Friday – JV girls’ soccer at Piedmont Hills, 3:15 p.m.

Tuesday – Varsity boys’ soccer at Mt. Pleasant, 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday – Frosh/soph boys’ soccer at Mt. Pleasant, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday – Frosh/soph boys’ basketball at Leigh, 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday – Varsity boys’ basketball at Leigh, 7 p.m.
Wednesday – JV girls’ basketball vs. Leigh, 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday – Varsity girls’ basketball vs. Leigh, 7 p.m.
Wednesday – Varsity girls’ soccer vs. Branham, 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday – JV girls’ soccer vs. Branham, 3:15 p.m.

Thursday – Frosh/soph boys’ soccer vs. Leland, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday – Varsity boys’ soccer vs. Leland, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday – Wrestling vs. Leland, 6:30 p.m.

High School Scoreboard

Dec. 27
Leland girls’ basketball 36-32 loss vs. McClatchy at West Coast Jamboree.

Dec. 28
Leland girls’ basketball 52-42 win vs. College Park at West Coast Jamboree.

Dec. 29
Leland girls’ basketball 63-35 loss vs. American at West Coast Jamboree.

Dec. 30
Pioneer girls’ basketball 51-35 loss vs. Santa Teresa.

Leland girls’ soccer 3-1 win vs. Dublin at Las Lomas Tournament.

Leland girls’ soccer 5-0 loss vs. San Ramon Valley at Las Lomas Tournament.

Leland boys’ soccer 1-1 tie vs. Westmoor.

Dec. 31
Leland girls’ soccer 4-0 loss vs. Clayton Valley at Las Lomas Tournament.

Leland girls’ soccer 5-0 loss vs. Carondelet at Las Lomas Tournament.

Keeping it in the family: Pioneer boys’ soccer alumni game a success

Current Mustangs learn a few tricks, share some laughs with former players

By Carl Ponzio
Times Intern

The heart and speed of the Pioneer boys’ soccer team had a run-in with some age and wisdom on Wednesday, Dec. 29, when the current Mustang line-up clashed with the experience of the Pioneer alumni.

There were no officials at Wednesday’s game, and no one blowing a whistle or watching the time. However, all the other elements of a game were present.

Two teams met, one with gold net jerseys and the other bearing white shirts that displayed their name, Pioneer Mustangs. Goals were erected and a ball was in play, but contrary to most of the games the Mustangs play in, this game was not about points, records or position in league. It was simply a chance for two groups of players to get out and have a good time playing soccer.

The game got started quickly with the alumni jumping out to an early lead of 1-0. It would be the only time they would lead in the game. Answering back quickly was freshman Marcus Gomez, scoring his first of four goals. Mani Noroozi found the net twice for the Mustangs and by the end of the half, the varsity boys led the game 3-1.

The second half saw many more goals scored on both sides of the ball. Fourteen goals were scored in total, five by the alumni and nine by the unrelenting force of the varsity boys. Both teams came off the field unaware of the exact score, but when all was said and done, the boys came up huge with a 12-6 victory over the graying alumni.

“I know it was always fun to play the guys who started the game at Pioneer and now hopefully they’ll get the enjoyment of playing the guys who played at Pioneer a long time ago,” said Mike Hazarian, class of ’78.

School children playing during their lunch break is how the game took shape. All the men on the field knew the rules of the game, but nothing seemed to matter to either team. From players on both sides continually calling offsides, to friendly wagers being placed on how many times a player could score. There were even a couple of calls for hands that went ignored, but no one paid much attention. The echoes of the sidelines told it all: everyone was there to have a good time.

“It’s always fun coming out here and playing,” explained Miguel Guzman, class of ’96. “I really enjoy seeing what the current players are doing and how they are coming along. It’s always a great lift of spirits to know that your old school’s team is doing well.”

And while the alumni had a great time coming back to their old school, the current players felt that watching the alumni play offered a couple of tips on how the game is played.

“You learn some of the skills that they know,” said freshman, Marcus Gomez. “How they juke people and how they place the ball and execute moves so quickly.”

Junior Ryan Gall noticed that his team had some room for improvement.

“We need to be stronger coming back on defense,” said Ryan. “A lot of times most of our guys got caught up front and there were only a few guys back on the defense.”

The boys went into this game looking to get a little bit of revenge from last year’s 3-1 loss at the hands of the alumni, and now the tables have been turned on the alumni. A year now stands between them and another shot at the Mustangs.

Sports Briefs

Almaden Valley Girls Softball League registration for Spring 2005
The Almaden Valley Girls Softball League will hold registration for its spring 2005 season. Signups take place at Graystone Elementary School on Saturday Jan. 8 from 9-2 p.m., Wednesday Jan. 12 from 6-9 pm, and on Saturday, Jan. 15 from 9-2 p.m. New players must bring a copy of their birth certificate. 

The cost is $60 plus fundraising for the 6U and 8U divisions and $80 plus fundraising for the 10U, 12U and 14U divsions. Discounts for multiple children are available.

The Almaden Valley Girls Softball League (AVGSL) insures that the players are in a fun, positive environment while learning and expanding their softball skills. AVGSL promotes a sense of belonging for everyone. We emphasize teamwork and the sense of individual success that contribute to team sports.

For more information see our web site at www.avgsl.org, or call the league hotline at (408) 808-1405.

Almaden Girl Power GU9 soccer tryouts
The AVYSL Girl Power girls under-9, Class 3 soccer team will hold tryouts for girls born between 8/1/96 and 7/31/97 on the following dates and times at Bret Harte Middle School:  Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, noon to 2 p.m.

Interested players should attend both sessions. For more information, call Carey Lisowski at (408) 448-4332.

Almaden Venom Boys Under-9 Class 3 Comp soccer tryouts
The Almaden Venom, an U-9 Boys Class 3 Comp soccer team in AVYSL, will hold tryouts for boys born between 8/1/96 and 7/31/97 on Jan. 15 and Jan. 22 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Los Alamitos Elementary School for the upcoming 2005 summer/fall season. Interested players must provide a copy of their birth certificate at check-in, which begins at 10:30 a.m. For more information, please contact Tim Mackin at (408) 997-1046 or Dave Ballard at (408) 268-1305.

Almaden Wildcats Girls Under-10 soccer tryouts
The AVYSL Wildcats girls under-10, Class 3 soccer team will hold tryouts for girls born between 8/1/95 and 7/31/96 on the following dates and times at Bret Harte Middle School: Jan. 8, 10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 9, noon to 2 p.m., Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to noon. Interested players should attend two of the dates. For more information, call Ron Richardson at 408-997-6168.

18U Strikkers softball tryouts at Oak Grove High Jan. 9
18U Strikkers will hold tryouts for the 2005 summer travel team at Oak Grove High School, 285 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, CA 95123. On Jan. 9, pitchers and catchers 9 a.m. and position players at 10:30 a.m. (Oak Grove High School).

Please contact Frank King (408) 227-8191 or Richard Fangonilo (408) 274-9301.

10U, 12U and 14U Strikkers Fastpitch Club needs players
The 10U, 12U, & 14U Strikkers Fastpitch Club travel team is looking to pickup one or two players for next summer. Contact Ernie Garcia for more information at (408) 281-7855. www.strikkers.org.

Almaden Valley Girls Class-1 Tryouts
Almaden Valley Girls Class-1 will be holding their tryouts on Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Jan. 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Almaden Elementary School, 1295 Dentwood Dr. If interested, contact Monica Geraghty at 927-6252 or e-mail 4mon@sbcglobal.net.

Almaden Boys U9 Class-3 Tryouts
Almaden Boys U9 Class-3 will be holding tryouts on Jan. 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 23, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Almaden Elementary School, 1295 Dentwood Dr. Birth dates between 8/1/1996 to 7/31/1997. If interested, contact Tom Geraghty at 927-6252 or e-mail 4mon@sbcglobal.net.

Former Leland standout Jacqui Pacheco shooting for stars at SJCC

No. 3 Jaguars rely on Pacheco for leadership, points

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

The fire that fueled Leland High School alum Jacqui Pacheco’s competitive spirit on the basketball court at Camden Avenue rages on. The former Charger standout is now burning up college level opponents, hoping to warm the hearts of four-year university scouts along the way.

Since graduation day, the 2002-2003 BVAL, Mount Hamilton Division, Most Valuable Player and Gordon Leland Award recipient has traded uniforms, exchanging the blue and gold of Leland for purple and white at San Jose City College.

The Jaguars—2003-2004 Coast Conference Champions—are currently ranked number three in the state according to www.coasports.com. And according to Coach Terri Oberg, little Miss Leland is an integral piece of the puzzle.

“She’s a wonderful leader for this team in particular,” explained Oberg. “She gets good grades. She’s very smart and competitive. Jacqui can probably take basketball as far as she would like, be it Division I or NAIA.”

For Pacheco, dreams include admission into a four-year university and the appropriation of a roster spot on the basketball team. To accomplish this, she must perpetuate her typical unselfish style of play donning Jaguar colors this season.

Last season, Oberg relied on Pacheco for long-range shooting duty while San Jose City accelerated through a championship year. However, this season, Oberg is pleased to ask more of Pacheco.

“She was somewhat one dimensional last season,” said Oberg. “But I think all of the hard work over the summer will pay off.”

Pacheco endured grueling workouts throughout the summer, improving her defensive footwork and offensive versatility.

“She’s a natural leader,” continued Oberg. “She’s become a lot better defensively and is becoming multi-dimensional on offense as well. She can take it to the hole or shoot deep.”

“I love to get others involved,” said Pacheco of her basketball passion. “I love everything that comes with it. If I go too long without basketball, I don’t know what to do with myself.”

Oberg’s tutelage this off-season resonated in open ears. Pacheco knows the sound and value of constructive criticism. She lists coaching as a favorite pastime and recently led her AAU club team into tournament play.

Any improvement is icing on the cake in Pacheco’s quest for personal accolades on the floor. As a freshman, she gained all-conference honors while averaging 15.4 points per game on 38.3 percent shooting from the field.

“She has improved so much,” said Leland Coach Wade Nakamura, who coached Pacheco at Leland throughout her junior and senior seasons. “When I first got her she would run to the three-point line and bombs away. She’s still a three-point shooter at heart, but now she can do it all. She can take it to the basket or pull-up for the midrange jump shot. And she’s still one of the best three-point shooters in the state.”

Both Nakamura and Oberg point to Pacheco’s competitive nature as her largest asset. The rap on Jacqui is that she will take you to the wall whether you’re playing basketball or having a conversation.

“My attitude on and off of the court is that I want to be competitive in anything I do,” commented Pacheco. “I’m the kind of player that if I foul you hard, I’m going to pick you up. But that doesn’t mean I won’t do it again. It’s part of the game.”

Mother Denise Todd observed Jacqui’s competitive character early on.

“Jacqui was always one of those children who had a natural athletic ability,” recalled Todd. “From just about the time she could walk, you always knew Jacqui would excel at some level in athletics.”

In youth, Pacheco tested her taste in many sports including volleyball, football and basketball. Often, this process of living and learning meant competing with boys her age.

“I started out playing at the local YMCA with boys,” said Pacheco. “At the time they didn’t have a competitive girls’ team.”

Despite taking—and giving—some lumps, it soon became clear that basketball was king.
Jacqui specialized.

Following a successful middle school career, balancing coursework with league play all while participating on an AAU club team, Pacheco played varsity as a freshman under former Leland Coach Rob Karr. By midway through that season she was rotating in the starting lineup.

“Jacqui’s a good kid,” said Nakamura. “She’s taken on a lot of responsibility balancing a job and caring for her brother and sister.”

According to Nakamura, Pacheco was often accompanied by her two younger siblings to practice. The ritual became part of Jacqui’s routine in high school, babysitting on the job.

“Essentially, I am a very competitive person who has learned to become a team player,” summed Pacheco. “You have to be a team player in anything you choose to do in life whether its basketball or not. I guess I’m a bit of a perfectionist in everything I do, but in basketball it works out because I love the game.”

While Jacqui strives for teamwork, her roots Almaden hope college recruiters recognize how uniquely individual that is.

For more information on SJCC basketball visit http://jaguar.sjcc.edu/jagsports or www.coasports.com.

Share your news

Do you have a sports story to share? Contact the sports department at 494-7000 x 217 or by e-mail at diego@timesmediainc.com or fax to Almaden Times Sports at 494-7078.