Panthers Top Envision in Saturday Showdown

January 20, 2024--On a windy Saturday afternoon at the campus of Saint Mary's college high school, the Saint Mary’s Varsity Basketball Team hosted Envision Academy in a non-league matchup. 

Coming into the game on a three-game winning streak, the Panthers had been looking impressive and were looking for their fourth straight win. The panthers immediately showed aggressiveness with their determination early in the game, but also committed several errors, keeping Envision Academy in the game. As the Panthers stayed in front, Envision Academy hit several key baskets keeping themselves within striking distance going into halftime trailing the Panthers by the score of 23-17.

Throughout the second half, however, the Panthers rolled over Envision and completely took over the game. Their defense held Envision Academy to just 20 points in the second half. In fact, they would outscore their opponent 35-20 in the second half, eventually winning in comfortable fashion by the score of 58-37. 

This was the Panthers fourth win in a row and will look to continue their win streak next Tuesday, January 23^rd, when they travel to Vallejo to take on the SPSV Bruins. Tipoff is at 7:00 PM.

Panthers Win Critical League Game vs. Spartans in 2OT

January 16, 2024--On cold Tuesday Evening at Hagler Court, The Saint Mary’s Panthers Varsity Boys Basketball team welcomed the Pinole Valley Spartans in critical league matchup. Fresh off a dominant win against John Swett last Saturday by the score of 66-47, the Panthers came in with plenty of confidence and looked to extend their win streak to two games.

The game started with a back-and-forth flow to it where both the Panthers and Spartans would trade off points with the Panthers consistently getting to the free throw line and the Spartans displaying quality shooting capabilities. Eventually, the Panthers would take more control of the game in the 1st half, jumping out to a 9-point lead midway through the second quarter and eventually taking a 32-21 lead into halftime.

However, the Spartans did not let the 11-point deficit get to them as a they would put on a quick yet critical scoring run, giving the Spartans the lead, which they would maintain for much of the second half much to the dismay of Hagler Court. However, with less than a minute left in regulation, the Panthers would rally back from being down 6 points thanks to two major three pointers from Junior, Ahmad Gabriel, tying the game at 62-62 and forcing overtime. However, the overtime was not enough as the Panthers and Spartans remained deadlocked, forcing the game in double overtime. Once the double overtime period happened, it was all Panthers the rest of the way as would eventually prevail by the score 77-74, giving them their first Tri County Athletic League (TCAL) win of the season.

The Panthers will now hit the road for their game when they take on the De Anza Dons. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Panthers Return to Win Column

December 16, 2023--On a sunny afternoon at Hagler Court on the campus of Saint Mary’s College High School, the Varsity Boys Basketball tea, hosted the AIMS College Prep Golden Eagles in their second home game in two days.

Fresh off a heartbreaking Double Overtime loss the night before to the De Anza Dons, the Panthers wanted to get back into the win column. In fact, right from the tip-off, fans could sense that the Panthers were very hungry and ready to play.

The Golden Eagles were able to stick around throughout the first two quarters of the game, only allowing the Panthers a slight advantage going into halftime.  However, once the second half started, the Panthers would go on to dominate the rest of the way thanks to their strong inside game and constant full court pressure. The Panthers would ultimately run away with a big 75-48 win, putting themselves back in the win column.

The Panthers will now look to next Tuesday’s match against James Logan High School of Union City. Tip-off is scheduled for 5pm at Mt. Eden High School.

Panthers Comeback Bid Falls Short to Dons

December 15, 2023--On a cold Friday evening at Hagler Court on the campus of Saint Mary’s College High School, the Varsity Boys Basketball team played host to the De Anza Dons in a critical early season Tri County Athletic League (TCAL) matchup. Throughout the first two quarters, both the Panthers and Dons would go back and forth with the three-point shooting from De Anza and the inside game of the Panthers led by Junior, Jaden Jones, and Sophomore, CJ Baltrip. However, De Anza was able to jump out to a double-digit lead going into the second half.

However, in the second half of the game where they found themselves trailing the Dons by 18, the Panthers came back to tie the game in regulation, forcing not only Overtime, but Double Overtime as well. Sadly, despite their effort to come back and prolong the game into extra time, the Panthers would ultimately fall short as the Dons would go on to beat the Panthers by the score of 83-74.

The Panthers will now have to quickly leave this game behind them as they will have a short turnaround where they will play host for the second straight game against the AIMS College Prep Golden Eagles. The game is scheduled for Saturday December 16th, at 1:00PM.

Ygnacio Valley Proves to Be Too Much for Panthers

December 5, 2023--On a cold Tuesday evening at Hagler Court on the campus of Saint Mary’s College High School, the Varsity Boys Basketball team played host Ygnacio Valley Wolves in their second home game of the season. The Panthers were locked in a competitive game to begin the 1st quarter. However, a second quarter run by the Wolves led to them taking control going into halftime by the score of 23-45.

In the second half of the game, despite all their efforts, the Panthers could not get back in the game as the Wolves would continue their fine offensive play, ultimately defeating the Panthers by the score of 83-51.

The Panthers will now turn their attention to the Christian Brothers Classic against De La Salle on Friday, December 8th. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 pm. 

Panthers Drop Home Opener to Alameda

November 28, 2023—In their home opener on the campus of Saint Mary’s College High School, the Varsity Boys Basketball Team hosted the Alameda High Hornets for the second straight season on Hagler Court. After being on the losing end of last season’s non-league affair between the two teams, the Panthers were looking for revenge. However, thanks to a second half offensive outburst, the Hornets would defeat the Panthers by the score of 77-63, spoiling the home opener.

Despite the loss, the Panthers got great game out of their veteran players, such as their Juniors, Jaden Jones and Ahmad Gabriel; and even got a quality performance from Freshman Donovan Mikel. However, the offensive outburst in the second half, where the Hornets hit 5 consecutive threes to blow the game open, would ultimately be too much for the Panthers to overcome.

The Panthers will now turn their attention to their next game as they will play host to the Ygnacio Valley High Wolves on Tuesday, December 5th. Tip-off is set for 7:00PM.

VARSITY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE & RESULTS

Boy's Edged in OT in First Round of NCS Playoffs

February 16th, 2022

Berkeley, CA - Despite 22 points from sophomore Theo Sully-McLaughlin, 14 from junior Blake Hudson and 11 from senior Kaveh Motamedi, the Varsity Boy's Basketball team suffered a heart-breaking 63-59 overtime loss to visiting Lick-Wilmerding (San Francisco) on Wednesday night in the opening round of the North Coast Section playoffs.  

Leading 25-14 at halftime and 45-33 after 3 quarters, the Panthers seemed poised to put the game away before a furious 4th quarter rally by the visiting Tigers sent the game into overtime.  In the extra period, the Panthers could only muster a single field goal and free throw in the 4 point loss. 

Boy's Hoop Team Handles De Anza in First Round of TCAL Playoffs

February 7th, 2022

Berkeley, CA - The boy's basketball team used a balanced scoring attack to jump out to a dominant 16-1 first quarter lead which they never relinquished en route to a 66-45 win against visiting De Anza.  Seniors Milan Kral (23 points, 5-5 on free throws), Elijah James (9 points), and Kaveh Motamedi (12 points) as well as junior Blake Hudson (9 points) had especially good games for the victorious Panthers.  Interestingly enough, the Panthers scored 66 points and won by 21 without making a single 3 point shot.  Next up is a second round match up against top ranked Salesian on Thursday.  Game time is 7:30 pm at Salesian.

Buzzer Beater Spoils Senior Night; Panthers Fall to Albany

February 5th, 2022

Berkeley, CA - Despite solid play and a gritty effort, the Saint Mary's boy's basketball team fell to their cross town rival Albany Cougars, 57-55, on Saturday night on Hagler Court.  The loss broke a modest two game winning streak and dropped the Panthers to 9-5 on the season.  Seniors Ahmad Wanzo, Milan Kral, Luke Blatney, Jaylen Jones, Elijah James and Kaveh Motamedi all played well for the Panthers on "senior night", as did junior Blake Hudson.  A Panther missed lay-up late followed by an improbable out-of-bounds lay-up by the Cougars with no time left was the difference in the game. 

Earlier in the evening, the JV squad poured in 70 points to beat the Cougars 70-66, while the Frosh-Soph team was turned back 74-31.  Both the JV and F/S complete their season on Monday with home games against the El Cerrito Gauchos.  F/S at 4:00, JV at 5:30.  The Varsity, meanwhile, take to the post season on Tuesday in the opening round of the TCAL playoffs.  Location and game time are still pending.

Defense Saves The Day Against De Anza

February 2nd, 2022

Richmond, CA - The Saint Mary's boy's basketball team posted an exciting 58-56 win against a scappy, upstart De Anza team on Wednesday night.  Playing shorthanded - without seniors Ahmad Wanzo and Luke Blatney, the Panthers got down by 10 points early in the first half.  However, showing the grit and determination that have come to define Panther basketball, the team rebounded, cutting the deficit to four by halftime.   After tying the game mid-way through the 3^rd quarter, the Panthers - led by junior Blake Hudson and senior Milan Kral - the Panthers relied on stingy defense down the stretch to eek out the victory.    Clutch rebounding and subsequent free throws by senior Jaylen Jones eventually sealed the win.

 

Next up for the Panthers is an away game against Vallejo on Friday night.  Frosh soph tip off at 4:00, JV at 5:30 and Varsity at 7:00 pm.

Coach Profile: Dell Curry

January 4^th, 2022

By Milan Kral

This week, I interviewed our head boy’s basketball coach, Dell Curry.  Coach Curry is beginning his first season at Saint Mary’s as the boy’s head coach.  I was able to talk with him about his background, coaching, Saint Mary’s, and his outlook on the season.

 

Q: Where did you grow up and what HS did you go to?

A: My dad was in the military so I grew up all over the world. We lived in Germany for several years - among other places.  I returned to the US for Middle and High School and graduated from Phillip Burton Academy in San Francisco.

 

Q: What got you interested in becoming a high school coach?

A: Growing up, I had a lot of great teachers, mentors, and coaches - especially basketball coaches - but that isn't what led me to be a high school coach.  I got into Coaching because my son's coach needed help.  I was content simply watching him play but what was only supposed to be one game has turned into MANY games.

 

Q: What are the greatest challenges that you have faced as a coach?

A: For me the most challenging aspect of coaching is dealing with the emotions the team feels when seniors play their last game.  We spend so much time together - almost daily - preparing to compete and we experience so many different highs and lows throughout the season.  We don't realize how much bonding  we do and how much camaraderie we develop.  Then, before we know it, the season finishes and the reality that next year's team will be missing the seniors is front and center.

 

Q: How did you come into coaching at Saint Mary’s?

A: The opportunity to become the Head Coach at Saint Mary's was one that I was not expecting. However, after a number of conversations with Mr. Sanchez along with meeting several members of the Administration it became clear that Saint Mary's is where I wanted to coach.

 

Q: What’s been your favorite thing about Saint Mary’s so far?

A: Community. Everyone has been very welcoming, approachable, and most importantly made the entire staff feel as though we are part of the Saint Mary’s community.

 

Q: Who do you see as leaders on the team?

A: Instead of focusing on leaders, we need to prioritize defining our team culture, goals, and standards. Once we have these things in place we can establish roles and at that point EVERYBODY will be aware of what we need them to do so that we can have a good opportunity to be successful.

 

Panthers Squeak By Encinal, 41-39; Now 3-0

December 15th, 2021

Berkeley, CA -  The Boy's Basketball team, utilizing stout, pressure defense and timely shooting, outlasted Encinal (Alameda) last night to move to 3-0 on the season.  Junior Blake Hudson, along with fellow junior Caven Croom and senior Milan Kral, led the Panther offensive attack while seniors Ahmad Wanzo, Luke Blatney and Kaveh Motamedi were praised for their defensive play. 

Ahmad Wanzo To The Bucket

Leading by two after the first quarter but down at halftime, the Panthers re-grouped in the locker room to pull even and then ahead to stay in the fourth quarter.  Next up for the Panthers is the annual South City Tournament, hosted by South San Francisco High School.  Games begin on Monday, December 20th and run through Wednesday, December 22nd. 

 

Buzzer Beater Downs Alameda, 58-56

December 7th, 2021

 

Alameda, CA - The Boy's Varsity Basketball team survived an up and down, back and forth battle against host Alameda High School on Tuesday night, eventually winning 58-56 on a last second shot from junior Blake Hudson. 

MIlan Kral With A Bucket

With the score tied at 56 and the Panthers in-bounding the ball from the right sideline in the front court. , junior Blake Hudson got a picture perfect screen from senior Luke Blatney and an even more perfect lob pass from Elijah James to complete a catch and finish shot as time expired.  Joy and jubilation ensued as the Panthers moved to 2-0 on the season. 

 

Earlier in the evening, the junior varsity squad was upended 61-39 by the host Hornets.

 

The Panthers Varsity squad is back in action on Wednesday, December 15th in their season home opener against Encinal.  Frosh-soph begin at 4:00, Junior Varsity at 5:30 and Varsity at 7:00. 

Varsity Basketball Opens Season With Dominant Win @ Mt. Diablo

November 29th, 2021

 

Concord, CA - After a series of scrimmages and off the record contests, the boy's varsity basketball team officially opened their 2021-22 season with a resounding 69-33 road win against Mt. Diablo High School.  Earlier, both the junior varsity and frosh-soph teams were also victorious:  the frosh-soph with a competitive 61-46 win and the junior varsity with a slightly more dominant 53-37 victory.  The JV team will be back in action this week when they travel to South San Francisco for the South City Tournament.  All three teams will travel to Alameda High School next Tuesday to take on the Hornets.  The frosh-soph play at 4:00, JV at 5:30 and varsity at 7:00. 

 

Schedule & Results

Varsity Schedule

Date		Opponent	Location	Time	Result
Sat.	Nov. 20th	El Cerrito (Scrimmage)	Saint Mary's	10:00 am
Tues.	Nov. 23rd	Sacred Heart Cathedral (Foundation Game)	Saint Mary's	7:00 pm
Sat.	Nov. 27th	St. Francis (Scrimmage)	St. Francis High School	2:00 pm
Mon.	Nov. 29th	Mt. Diablo	Mt. Diablo High School	7:00 pm	(W) 69-33
Tues.	Dec. 7th	Alameda	Alameda High School	7:00 pm	(W) 58-56
Wed.	Dec. 15th	Encinal	Saint Mary's	7:00 pm	(W) 41-39
Mon. - Wed.	Dec. 20th - 22nd	South City Tournament	South San Francisco High School	TBA	Cancelled
Mon. - Thurs.	Dec. 27th	Damian Lillard Classic Vs. Aragon	Oakland High School	10:35 am	(W) 61-39
Tues.	Dec. 28th	Damian Lillard Classic Vs. Oakland High	Oakland High School	3:20 pm	(L) 47-56
Wed.	Dec. 29th	Damian Lillard Classic Vs. Valley Christian	Oakland High School	3:30 pm	(L) 54-63
Thurs.	Dec. 30th	Damian Lillard Classic Vs. Armijo	Oakland High School	12:30 pm	(W) 73-58
Thurs.	Jan. 20th	Albany	Albany High School	7:00 pm	(W) 60-56
Wed.	Jan. 26th	Salesian	Saint Mary's	7:00 pm	(L) 47-74
Fri.	Jan. 28th	St. Patrick-St. Vincent	SPSV High School	7:00 pm	(L) 45-76
Mon	Jan. 31st	Castlemont	Saint Mary's	7:00 pm	Forfeit
Wed.	Feb. 2nd	De Anza	De Anza High School	7:00 pm	(W) 58-56
Friday	Feb. 4th	Vallejo	Vallejo High School	7:00 pm	(W) 49-39
Sat.	Feb. 5th	Albany  (Senior Day)	Saint Mary's	7:00 pm	(L) 55-57
Tues.	Feb. 8th	De Anza High School  TCAL Playoffs	Saint Mary's	5:30 pm	(W) 66-45
Thurs.	Feb. 10th	Salesian Prep TCAL Playoffs	SPSV	7:00 pm	(L) 38-48
Wed.	Feb. 16th	NCS - 1st Round  Vs. #9 Lick-Wilmerding	Saint Mary's  Hagler Court	7:00 pm	(L) 59-63 (OT)
Tues. - Tues.	Mar. 1st - 8th	CIF Nor Cal Tournament	TBA	TBA
Fri. - Sat.	Mar. 11-12	CIF State Championship	Golden 1 Center, Sacramento	TBA

 

Home/Away

Junior Varsity Schedule

Date		Opponent	Location	Time	Result
Sat.	Nov. 20th	El Cerrito (Scrimmage)	Saint Mary's	11:30 am
Tues.	Nov. 23rd	Sacred Heart Cathedral (Foundation Game)	Saint Mary's	5:30 pm
Thurs.	Nov. 26th	Oakland Tech Frosh/JV Shootout	Oakland Tech High School	5:00	(L) 79-54
Sat.	Nov. 27th	St. Francis (Scrimmage)	St. Francis High School	12:00 pm
Mon.	Nov. 29th	Mt. Diablo	Mt. Diablo High School	5:30 pm	(W) 53-37
Thurs.	Dec. 2nd	South City Tournament Jefferson	South San Francisco High School	3:30 pm	(W) 44-32
Fri.	Dec. 3rd	South City Tournament Lowell	South San Francisco High School	4:45 pm	(W) 47-36
Sat.	Dec. 4th	South City Tournament Championship Game Shasta Summit	South San Francisco High School	7:45 pm	(L) 39-28
Tues.	Dec. 7th	Alameda	Alameda High School	5:30 pm	(L) 39-61
Wed.	Dec. 8th	Charles Shin JV Tournament Vs. Oakland	Oakland	5:30 pm	(L) 61-65
Fri.	Dec. 10th	Charles Shin JV Tournament Vs. Wallenberg	Oakland	3:30 pm	(W) 72-53
Sat.	Dec. 11th	Charles Shin JV Tournament Vs. Sacred Heart	Oakland	11:10 am	(L) 68-71
Wed.	Dec. 15th	Encinal	Saint Mary's	5:30 pm	(L) 62-58
Thurs.	Jan. 20th	Albany	Albany High School	5:30 pm	(L) 53-56
Wed.	Jan. 26th	Salesian	Saint Mary's	5:30 pm	(L) 33-48
Fri.	Jan. 28th	St. Patrick-St. Vincent	SPSV High School	5:30 pm	(L) 42-45
Mon.	Jan. 31st	Castlemont	Saint Mary's	5:30 pm	FORFEIT
Wed.	Feb. 2nd	De Anza	De Anza High School	5:30 pm	(W) 65-51
Friday	Feb. 4th	Vallejo	Vallejo High School	5:30 pm	(W) 65-45
Sat.	Feb. 5th	Albany  (Senior Day)	Saint Mary's	5:30 pm	(W) 70-66
Mon.	Feb. 7th	El Cerrito	Saint Mary's	7:00 pm	(W) 72-69 OT

 

Home/Away

Frosh-Soph Schedule

Date		Opponent	Location	Time	Result
Sat.	Nov. 20th	El Cerrito (Scrimmage)	Saint Mary's	1:00 pm
Tues.	Nov. 23rd	Sacred Heart Cathedral (Foundation Game)	Saint Mary's	4:00 pm
Thurs.	Nov. 26th	Oakland Tech Frosh/JV Shootout	Oakland Tech High School	3:30 pm	(W) 59-44
Sat.	Nov. 27th	St. Francis (Scrimmage)	St. Francis High School	12:00 pm
Mon.	Nov. 29th	Mt. Diablo	Mt. Diablo High School	4:00 pm	(W) 61-46
Thurs.	Dec. 2nd	Alameda High Freshman Shootout Vs. Novato	Alameda High School	3:30 pm	(W) 50-32
Fri.	Dec. 3rd	Alameda High Freshman Shootout St. Ignatius	Alameda High School	5:30 pm	(L) 34-54
Sat.	Dec. 4th	Alameda High Freshman Shootout Moreau	Alameda High School	3:00 pm	(L) 36-54
Wed.	Dec. 15th	Encinal	Saint Mary's	4:00 pm	(W) 49-46
Mon.	Dec. 27th	South San Francisco	South San Francisco	TBA	(W) 59-26
Thurs.	Jan. 20th	Albany	Albany	4:00 pm	(L) 39-74
Wed.	Jan. 26th	Salesian	Saint Mary's	4:00 pm	(L) 43-56
Fri.	Jan. 28th	St. Patrick-St. Vincent	SPSV	4:00 pm	(W) 52-50 OT
Wed.	Feb. 2nd	De Anza	De Anza	4:00 pm	(W) 65-51
Friday	Feb. 4th	Vallejo	Vallejo	4:00 pm	No Contest
Sat.	Feb. 5th	Albany  * Senior Day	Saint Mary's	4:00 pm	(L) 31-74
Mon.	Feb. 7th	El Cerrito	Saint Mary's	5:30pm	(W) 45-40

 

Home/Away