Don’t expect another losing season and a winless record in league from Foothill’s boys basketball team.
“We struggled to win games a year ago, but we learned how tot compete at the varsity level,” Knights Coach Rusty Van Cleave said. “What we are trying to learn this year is how to win and our defensive effort thus far has been outstanding.”
That effort combined with a strong supporting cast that features eight returning players has resulted in four wins already this year, which is halfway toward surpassing last years win total of eight.
TEAM STUD
Chad Miller is Foothill’s version of Mr. Basketball.
He is a two-time All-League player, Tustin News 2006 Newcomer of the Year, Tustin News 2007 Defensive Player of the Year and the Knights single season rebound record holder.
“He is relentless on the boards. We are counting on him to put double digit points and rebounds every game,” Van Cleave said.
“Part of our development as a team is Chad growing into that role where he carries the team on his shoulders during crucial situations.”
OFFENSIVE SLACK
Josh Sanchez can light up the scoreboard in a hurry. He is equally lethal on the perimeter and in the paint.
“He is a high percentage three point shooter that takes quality shots,” Van Cleave said. “What makes him dangerous is his explosive ability to get to the basket on the dribble.”
DOUBLING POINT GUARD
Myles Carrillo and Frank DeNoewer will share the point guard duties for Foothill.
Carrillo is a playmaker that can beat defenders off the dribble and set-up teammates with his crisp passing abilities.
DeNoewer is the vocal leader that never gives anything less every ounce of effort when he is on the court.
“Frank and Myles compliment each other very well,” Van Cleave said. “Frank is a nard nose defender and Myles a good weapon on offense.”
MR. CONSISTENT
Forward Jared Pinneo is as steady of a player as they get.
He can crash the boards with big boys down low, stay in position on defense, play the wing on offense and pass the ball like a guard.
“He is just a technically sound player,” Van Cleave said. “He is a solid defender and his offensive game is beginning to emerge.”
SCARRY GOOD
The Knights top reserve Zach Griffith’s aggressiveness is both a blessing and a curse.
“He makes things happen when he is out on the court because he is not scared to take risks,” Van Cleave said. “But his game can get a little to risky at times.”
GOING BIG
When Foothill wants to put a big line-up on the court it will turn to Brian Gonzalez and Matt Cochran.
Both players are over 6’7″ tall.
SLEEPERS
Consistency will be the key for Jay Filley and Jacob Marano.
Filley is solid all-around player and Marano is last year’s Junior Varsity team MVP.
HOPES AND GOALS
The Knights want to contend for the Sea View League title and make a return to the playoffs after missing out on the post-season last year.
“As long as we polish some things up before we get to league I think we will have a successful season,” Van Cleave said. “We expect to be in that mix and compete for a league title.”
OUTLOOK
It will be difficult to knock off Huntington Beach and El Toro for the SVL title, but a return to the playoffs is definitely possible.
Expect Foothill to finish with a winning record and enter the playoffs as the No. 2 or 3 team out of the SVL.
Foothill’s Roster
Alex Bigler– Junior (No. 5)
Myles Carrillo– Sophomore (No. 21)
Matt Cochran– Sophomore (No. 50)
Frank DeNoewer– Junior (No. 25)
Jay Filley– Junior (No. 20)
Brian Gonzalez– Senior (No. 32)
Zach Griffith– Junior (No. 2)
Jacob Marano– Junior (No. 31)
Chad Miller– Senior (No. 1)
Jared Pinneo– Junior (No. 23)
Josh Sanchez– Senior (No. 3)
Ryan Shimizu– Senior (No. 4)
SEASON SCHEDULE
Foothill at Dana Hills Dec. 19 @ 6:30 p.m.
Foothill at Tustin Dec. 21 @ 7 p.m.
Foothill at El Modena Jan. 2 @ 7 p.m.
Trabuco Hills vs. Foothill Jan. 9 @ 7 p.m.
Foothill at Woodbridge Jan. 11 @ 7 p.m.
Foothill at Northwood Jan. 16 @ 7 p.m.
El Toro vs. Foothill Jan. 18 @ 7 p.m.
Huntington Beach vs. Foothill Jan. 23 @ 7 p.m.
Woodbridge vs. Foothill Jan. 25 @ 7 p.m.
Foothill at Trabuco Hills. Jan. 30 @ 7 p.m.
Foothill at El Toro Feb. 1 @ 7 p.m.
Northwood vs. Foothill Feb. 5 @ 7 p.m.
Foothill at Huntington Beach Feb. 7 @ 7:30 p.m.
*Home game, noted in bold, will be played at the Knights gym.
