Large School Boys Athlete of the Week

ANTHONY HUBBARD

Turlock guard

The unfamiliar surroundings of Arco Arena, particularly the problem of depth perception, have frustrated many a young guard in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs, but not 6-foot-2 junior Anthony Hubbard.

Playing his first game at Arco, Hubbard scored 22 points -- just one off his career high -- and the Bulldogs nearly stunned top-seeded Franklin of Elk Grove before falling 70-66 in the Division 1 semifinal showdown.

"Anthony's strengths (include) being fearless," said coach Doug Cornfoot, whose 'Dogs face Castlemont of Oakland tonight in a NorCal playoff opener. "He is not intimidated by anyone, which is a great trait to have. Anthony came to Turlock high with that type of attitude and that is why he has been a key part of our program since his sophomore year."

He had seven points, three assists, three steals and five rebounds in a 78-68 quarterfinal win over Rodriguez -- assuring Turlock of a regional playoff berth. Hubbard averaged 13 points, two assists, a steal and three rebounds for the Bulldogs, improving his game throughout the season.

"Anthony's improvement has been in understanding the flow of the game. He has always been aggressive in attacking the basket, but once he got into the key he would be out of control and take a difficult shot," Cornfoot said. "Now he understands the importance of jump stops, when to kick it out and when to go to the rim. Anthony's jump shot has really improved and that opens things up for him to attack the basket."