While these two teams are obviously hot, one time perennial female basketball powerhouse, SCA, appears to have fallen on hard times, and the glory days of the 80?s when their teams were led by the likes of Nellie Trench, Carolyn Lord and Audrey Wallace seem a distant memory. SCA?s last championship was in 1999, and today with their 19-13 loss to defending national champs, St. Michael?s College (SMC), they remain winless in four outings, leading many of their past students, players and fans to wonder what in the world has gone wrong with this one time powerhouse in female basketball. The defending Central Division back-to-back champs, SMC, continue to thrive under the leadership of big center Tanisha James and guard Raquel Young, who totaled 6 points and 8 points respectively in the win. While Gwen Liz, Wesley, and ACC are right now early season leaders, SMC remains confident that come playoff time they will be the team to beat. Meanwhile in male high school basketball, 2005 sub champs St. John?s College (SJC) remained undefeated as they were able to knock off St. Michael?s College (SMC) by the score of 56-44 on Wednesday night at the City Center. The game was never really close as SJC ran out to an early 18-8 lead and never did relinquish the lead. They enjoyed a 12-point lead at the half, 32-20, a difference that they maintained throughout the second half and in the final score. They were led by Ron Nicholson with 10 points and Ryan Zuniga with 9 points, while Ekroy Yorke?s 19 points and Rafael O? Brien?s 11 points led the SMC attack, which on this night could not overcome the superb play of the SJC boys. The defending Central Division and National Champs, Wesley College (WES), have started the defense of their title losing in overtime to (SMC) in their first game of the season by the score of 45-43. That early season loss has sunk Wesley to fifth place in the division and has opened the gates for SJC (4-0), Edward P. Yorke (EPY (3-1), Gwen Lizarraga (GLH (2-2), and Anglican Cathedral College (ACC (2-1), all enjoying early season success. Clearly Nazarene High (NHS), Ladyville Technical (LVT) and Sadie Vernon Technical (SVT) are on the outside looking in, with a total of eight losses shared amongst them. This leaves six teams with a legitimate shot at this year?s title, with SJC being the hands on favorite to win it all, given their quick start and the fact that their team appears to be a cohesive bunch blessed with speed, size, and excellent coaching. Their real test should come next Wednesday night when they go up against the defending champs, Wesley College. If they should pass this test then they should begin making preparations to attend this year?s National Tournament, which ironically will be hosted at the St. John?s campus at Landivar.
