Gonzales’ hot shooting leads Modesto Junior College men past Santa Rosa

Zack Gonzales, a Modesto Junior College third-year sophomore, envisioned something more compelling for himself and his team this season.

The puzzle pieces haven’t fit for Gonzales, who was cleared by a cardiologist after a December scare. If that wasn’t enough, a shoulder injury at the MJC tournament further set him back.

“With all the medical things going on, the season didn’t go as I expected,” Gonzales. “But I was raised in Riverbank. I’m supposed to be tough.”

The 6-foot-2 Gonzales has been more than tough lately for Modesto. He’s scored 82 points during the last three games, punctuated by 30 points to beat Santa Rosa 84-70 in Big 8 Conference action Tuesday night at MJC Gym.

Gonzales’ seven three-pointers – 18 since the start of last week – signals a shooter who’s found his shot. He escorted Modesto (10-13, 4-7) to a season-high 15 threes and some late-season hope.

“We’ve put in some things to get him coming off screens,” MJC coach Paul Brogan said. “Really, it’s Zack. He’s got his confidence back.”

MJC, which snapped a three-game losing streak, avenged a 15-point loss to the Bear Cubs (14-11, 5-6) last month. The Pirates hit four of their first five three-pointers and immediately established control.

Gonzales, an effective starter two years ago, possesses a streaky shot. He’s emerged from a midseason slump, however, and injected the Pirates with needed confidence.

One of his threes came from the hat of the Pirates’ logo – a 25-foot bomb – as Modesto marched to a 48-36 halftime lead.

Suddenly, all aspects of MJC’s game fell into place. Michael Hatfield (14 points), a 6-8 post, enjoyed room inside and created foul trouble for Santa Rosa.

Gonzales’ marksmanship benefited guard Mason Washington (19.9 points per game), whose scoring has dropped slightly in recent weeks. With Gonzales demanding more attention from the defense, Washington got comfortable in the second half and finished with 17 points.

Santa Rosa closed to 60-53 with about 10 minutes left when Gonzales connected on a three-pointer, followed by an 18-footer by Washington. Threes by Gonzales and Joe Hamilton built the lead to 16 points, and MJC enjoyed a rare trot to the finish line.

“We came out with intensity and focus,” Brogan said. “All we talked about was playing harder than our opponent.”

Brennan Pope contributed 14 points, featuring both outside shots and drives to the hoop. So good were the Pirates, they overcame the loss of Brandon Moss, who suffered an ankle injury during the first half.

David Niklasson, a 6-5 freshman, paced Santa Rosa with 26 points.

Modesto plays Friday night at American River, at home next Tuesday night against San Joaquin Delta and Feb. 19 at Diablo Valley in the Pirates’ regular-season finale. The NorCal playoffs are a longshot, and – given MJC’s sharp performance against Santa Rosa – one wonders what the Pirates could have been this season.

The season-ending knee injury to promising freshman Kevin Howland-Wolaridge – during the finals of the Mendocino tournament won by Modesto in December – adds a teasing “what-if” to the 2016 Pirates.

“It’s my sophomore season. We need to win out,” Gonzales said. “Our record does not reflect how good of a team we are. There is still time for us.”

MJC women struggle against Bear Cubs – The Pirates (3-19, 0-11), who played Santa Rosa almost dead-even until the final two minutes in a 66-58 loss last month, struggled in the rematch 77-41.

Early foul trouble hurt MJC’s Akaysha Simpkins while Santa Rosa (16-10, 7-4) scored in bunches at the end of the first and second quarters. The Bear Cubs, leading 38-23 at halftime, limited Modesto to five points in the third quarter.

Guard Raquel Garcia paced the Pirates with 14 points despite tight pressure applied by Santa Rosa. Natalie Govea finished with 11.

Brooke Santander topped Santa Rosa with 20 points.

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 10:51 PM with the headline "Gonzales’ hot shooting leads Modesto Junior College men past Santa Rosa."