79th MJC tournament – smaller field still features Fresno

No one deliberately shrank the Modesto Junior College Tournament. But looks do not deceive: It is smaller by half this year.

The 79th renewal of one of the nation’s longest-running collegiate events will subsist with an eight-team bracket after several schools, including Columbia and Chabot, refused to return in a protest against defending champion Fresno.

The Rams, who have won a record 13 MJC tournament titles, were targeted for dirty play in a video package distributed by former Chabot coach Denny Aye after last year’s tournament. Fresno guard Nick Hilton, the 2015 Most Valuable Player at Modesto, served a multigame suspension.

Mike Girardi, who took over coaching duties of the MJC men’s and women’s teams after men’s coach Paul Brogan stepped down after last season, says the tournament’s 80th anniversary next year will be accented by a full 16-team field.

“We’re working hard to get it back to 16,” Girardi said. “Other schools have assured us that they’re coming next year.”

Until then, the tournament begins Thursday at 2 p.m. with one of its most anticipated games – 8-4 Fresno vs. 9-2 Ohlone.

“The field is tough. I think it’s a strong eight,” Girardi said. “But Fresno is the favorite until they’re dethroned.”

As for the home team, the 4-6 Pirates have dropped their last four games since the absence of 6-foot 8 Josh Allen. He’s sidelined due to academic issues and hopes to return to the team for Big 8 Conference action in January. Modesto upset Ohlone and extended Las Positas in an encouraging start before Allen and his 18.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game departed.

Marin, the Pirates’ first-round opponent, enters with momentum, though it has cycled through three coaches in 13 months. The school was forced to vacate 50 victories due to various violations cited by the Bay Valley Conference.

Regardless, MJC’s goal remains the same – to be the first Modesto team to win the tournament since 1945.

“We’re excited about the tournament and the chance to be at home. This is our home opener,” Girardi said. “The great thing about it is you bring these teams together and anything can happen. Some teams come in with tournament wins and are playing better than last year, and vice versa. Each game will have something to offer.”

It all leads to Friday’s semifinals at 6 and 8 p.m. and Saturday’s title game at 6. A quick look at the first-round matchups:

2 p.m. – Fresno (8-4) vs. Ohlone (9-2) – Ohlone, which finished third at MJC a year ago, has won four straight after it won the San Jose Tipoff but lost to MJC in overtime at the Ohlone tournament. Guard Jack Macdonald (10.8 points per game) leads the Renegades, who average 76 points per game. Ohlone is ranked seventh in the state. ... Fresno, ranked 13th, avenged a loss to Mt. San Antonio to win its Fresno Classic. The Rams feature 6-4 sophomore Christian Carroll (11.3 ppg) and 6-3 Cole Morgan (10 ppg) while averaging nearly 80 points per game. Modesto Christian grad Josthin Dawkins also receives minutes.

4 – Lassen (8-6) vs. Cosumnes River (5-4) – Lassen, led by MVP Danny Spinuzza, won the Mendocino tournament. The Cougars also placed third at the Chabot tournament. Damien Trujillo (12.8 ppg) anchors the offense along with Kenny Macklin and 6-5 Bruno Castillo. … Cosumnes River, coached by former CRC player Jonathan James, was third at Mendocino. The Hawks feature 6-4 forward Jordan Roberson (14.4 ppg) and 6-6 Sean Hough (12.1 ppg, 9.4 rebounds per game).

6 – Sacramento (5-4) vs. Cuesta (4-6) – Sacramento went 1-2 at Cosumnes’ James Clark Classic last week. The Panthers are led by 6-3 sophomore K.J. Duronslet (13 ppg, 7.1 rpg) and guard Bret Lynch (12.1 ppg). … Cuesta, which lost to Fresno in the MJC final last year, is coached for the 25th season by former Oregon Duck Rusty Blair. Guard Karem Ozel (11 ppg), of Turkey, had 19 points in the 2015 title game. The Cougars’ international roster also features 6-7 Alex Oandie of Bulgaria (14.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and guard Andre Aguado of Spain (10.6 ppg). Closer to home is Central Catholic grad Donovin Townsend (10.1 ppg).

8 – Marin (3-2) vs. Modesto (4-6) – Marin beat Santa Rosa, Feather River and Butte to win the Foothill tournament last week. The Mariners are led by 6-6 Trevelin Queen (24.5 ppg) and 6-4 Nylek Cobb (23.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg). … MJC started slowly and couldn’t recover at Columbia on Dec. 3, its most recent game. Jemeil King (19.1 ppg),a 6-5 guard, is off to a good start along with guard Jaron Dickson (10.9 ppg).

Notes – Hughson-based Grower Direct Nut Company, headed by Ron and Aaron Martella, remains the event sponsor for the fourth year in a six-year agreement. … Thursday night is Legends Night as MJC basketball alums will be recognized before the start of the Marin-Modesto game. Expected to attend is former MJC coach Leon Lafaille, 98. … Friday is Veterans Night with veterans getting in free by presenting their ID. On Saturday, students from all area schools who wear blue will not be charged admission.

This story was originally published December 14, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "79th MJC tournament – smaller field still features Fresno."