Boys’ basketball: Don’t be fooled by the illusion of success
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It’s always confusing why fans gets so excited when their teams do well against an average team, only to be brought back to reality when they finally face a strong team.
In particular, San Fernando Valley teams think they are good after playing against their counterparts. But it’s only after having traveled outside the Valley that they learn what they need to do to improve.
North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake is an example. This is a team that apparently looked impressive winning in the Taft league on Monday nights. The Wolverines went to the Fairfax tournament Tuesday and were routed by Gardena Serra.
Virtually every player is back from their Southern Section Division III-A championship team, but the Wolverines still have lots to improve on to compete at a higher level. Players who shot too much last season are still shooting too much. Players who should shoot more aren’t. That needs to be worked on.
Ditto for Woodland Hills Taft. The Toreadors are still the best in the Valley, but they can’t just show up and expect to win when they face an Orange County power like Orange Lutheran. But I was impressed with Taft’s potential and the way the Toreadors played defense at times. This is a team that’s going to be heard from in the City Section, with or without De’Andre Daniels.
The lesson is: Stop pumping out your chest until you prove yourself against the best.
-- Eric Sondheimer