The Consumnes River Hawks, ranked number 2 in the Big 8 Conference, made their way to MJC last Friday, January 29th, to take on a streaking MJC Pirates basketball club. Even though it was tied late in the second half at 55-55, the tough MJC defense was no match for CRC point guard and NCAA division one recruit Jamelle Barrett as the Hawks flew around the Pirates, 85-69.
Brandon Curtis led the Pirates with 15 points, also counting for six assists. Two other pirates made double digits in scoring: Adam Watts had 12 points, three assists and a couple rebounds, while freshman sensation Jordan Sergent had 11 points, also chipping in five rebounds, a block and a steal. But the star performance unfortunately came from a Hawk, Jamelle Barrett, who had a double-double with 22 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. While a loss is a loss, sophomore guard Brandon Curtis isn’t panicking.
“No, we are going to continue to have confidence and win,” said Curtis when asked if this team will look for a new game plan. “That was one of the best teams in the league and we did well. We played well, we really did. WE are one of the best teams in the league. We are going to continue doing what we do and see how the season comes out.” As far as the second half beat down is concerned, Curtis commented, “We just lost energy. We couldn’t play hard for 40 minutes.” Coach Paul Brogan seems to see it a different way, through the eyes of Hawks star Barrett.
“Well we did a good job for about maybe 25 minutes,” chuckles Coach Brogan on defending Barrett. “It’s just really hard to guard a great player like that for 40 minutes. He’s able to break you down of the dribble he can shoot; he’s a division one recruit for a reason” After the excitement of Ruben Cedano’s 3 point buzzer beater to beat Delta College last Tuesday the 26, Brogan knew there was a chance his team could come out flat.
“That was a thought definitely. But I thought our guys would be ready to play because they knew how important the game was. Consumnes has been the favorite in the league since the beginning, and as you can see they are good and they played well tonight. We made a few mistakes, and against a good team like that you can’t do that.” Looking forward to the playoffs, Brogan knows his team is going to need get steam fast.
“I know it’s a cliché, but we have to get ready to play the next game. If we take care of that, we will worry about the following one,” said Brogan on the second half charge. “We just have to try to win as many as we can, in the second half of league (play), if we get enough wins we get into the playoffs. But our league is tough. It’s so balanced. Everyone is beating everybody. We are right there. If we get a win on Tuesday we will be a step closer.” That win Tuesday never came to be, as MJC lost on the road to the Santa Rosa Bear Cubs. That loss brings the Pirates to a 10-12 record overall (4-5 record in the Big 8 Conference). With only five games left until the northern California playoffs, every game is going to be crucial for the Pirates to clinch a playoff berth. The next game is going to be at Diablo Valley College on Friday, February the 5. Then, the first of the last three home games will be on Tuesday, February 9 against American River College.
MJC Pirates vs The Consumnes River Hawks
Published: Friday, February 5, 2010
Updated: Friday, February 5, 2010
 "Photo: Photo / Juan Garcia")
Photo / Juan Garcia
Be the first to comment on this article!