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. 

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.

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.

 

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. 

 

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.