Streaking CC Raiders open NorCals with impressive win over Kerman

The Central Catholic Raiders walked into their new Mark Gallo center with the swagger befitting a playoff-seasoned team.

They stretch opponents to the breaking point with 3-point shooting, aggressive drives to the hoop, take-no-prisoners defense and sturdy rebounding. That’s why the Raiders have won 10 straight game, the latest an 85-59 strafing of Kerman in the CIF Northern California Division IV boys basketball regional opener Wednesday night.

“Tonight carried over what we’ve been doing the last few weeks as far as the team and working together,” Central Catholic coach Mike Wilson praised. “They’re playing under control and very confident right now.”

Central Catholic (25-7), no doubt encouraged by its overtime win over West Campus last week for the Raiders’ second straight Sac-Joaquin Section D-IV title, has saved its best run for season’s end. Guards Jared Rice (27 points), Amrit Dhaliwal (19) and Cooper Wilson (13) took turns poking holes in the Kerman defense while 6-foot-5 Conor Fenton patrolled the paint for 17 rebounds.

The Raiders, seeded fourth, are rewarded with another home game Saturday night against No. 12 seed Half Moon Bay, a 55-44 victor over Stuart Hall. Half Moon Bay is 22-8.

Rice, the Raiders’ ringleader, choreographed Central Catholic’s take-charge first half. He’s totaled 57 points in his past two games, and almost everything the Raiders do flows through him.

The end of the first half pleased every CC fan in the house. Rice scored following a turnover and, seconds later, fed Malcom Clayton for a layup as the buzzer sounded to stretch the Raiders’ lead to 49-31.

“The light went on for Jared about three weeks ago,” Wilson said. “He’s recognizing when people are stepping up to him. He’s dishing to his post guys or he’s kicking to his 3-point shooters. They’re benefiting from his generosity and his understanding.”

Central Catholic’s first-half barrage decided this one. It was keyed, however, by defense. The Raiders identified Kerman’s 6-2 senior David Rico, who averaged 24.9 points per game and drilled 109 triples, and held him to 17 points and only two 3s.

Stout pressure by rotating tandem Daron Bland and Malcolm Clayton, with other Raiders helping, kept Rico in check. Clayton held his ground and drew a charging foul, Rico’s second, with 2:40 left in the first quarter. Central Catholic closed the period with a 14-2 run to lead 26-15.

Meanwhile, Rice chased junior point guard Daniel Rico, David’s brother, and limited him to 10 points. Kerman (23-9), the North Sequoia League champion beaten in the Central Section semifinals last week by Madera South, showed some fight but lacked the rebounding or firepower to hang with the Raiders.

“I’ve been coaching these kids since they were 5 or 6. It’s going to be tough losing one of (the Ricos),” Kerman coach Tim Hurt said. “It was tough to come here and play a team like that after losing in the semifinals.”

Central Catholic’s playoff experience has been hard-earned. The Raiders, seeded third a year ago, remember how they were stung a year ago by a season-ending loss at home to Palma.

“This year it feels different. We kind of feel like an underdog,” said Dhaliwal, who forced the overtime against West Campus with his three free throws with 0.1 seconds left. “We still have expectations.”

Bland’s loud break-away dunk in the fourth quarter punctuated Central Catholic’s win. It reinforced the Raiders’ unspoken message: They’re not ready for the season to end.

This story was originally published March 8, 2017 at 10:50 PM with the headline "Streaking CC Raiders open NorCals with impressive win over Kerman."