Modesto Christian boys blast Palma, take on Kennedy next

By WILL DeBOARD
wdeboard@modbee.com

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SALIDA — Usually, 27-point victories in the NorCal Regional boys basketball tournament are games to celebrate.

But Tuesday night, that team was the Modesto Christian High boys basketball team, and there wasn't much celebrating at Modesto Christian High gymnasium after the game.

There were handshakes and high-fives after the Crusaders put the finishing touches on their 90-63 victory over Palma of Salinas in the first round of the CIF Northern California Regional Division IV Tournament, but that was about it.

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They know the road ahead becomes much tougher. That continues when Modesto Christian, ranked No. 3 in the state, plays host to state No. 5 Kennedy of Richmond in a NorCal semifinal Thursday.

"Overall, I think we could pick it up a little bit more," MC coach Gary Porter said. "We got off to a great start, and I'm happy with our overall effort. But everybody's tough from this point on, and we're going to need to pick it up a level by Thursday."

The Crusaders had more than their share of moments Tuesday.

Junior forward Reeves Nelson opened the game with dunks on consecutive possessions on his way to a game-high 33 points. Senior swingman D.J. Seeley finished with 27 points, including a 15-point outburst in the second quarter.

"Nelson and Seeley, they're just physical specimens," Chieftains coach Paul Alioto said. "We knew coming in they had more talent. We were hoping our 13 guys could stop their two, but it didn't happen. They just wore us out."

Palma opened with a zone defense — the first time it had done so this season. The Chieftains even had a lead — 6-5 with 4:30 left in the first quarter — but it didn't last. Nelson scored 14 points in the first quarter as MC took a 29-16 lead.

"Everybody's gunning for us. We know we're going to get everybody's best game," Nelson said. "We started out a little slow but picked it up pretty fast."

Seeley and Nelson took turns making plays through the remainder of the game, until both coaches emptied their benches with about two minutes left.

The win was nice for the Crusaders, but they're looking for more.

"Every year, our goal is to win a state title," Nelson said. "We haven't played our best game yet. Hopefully, it comes sometime within the next three."

Bee staff writer Will DeBoard can be reached at wdeboard@modbee.com or 578-2300.