XThe De La Salle basketball team has the same coach but a new approach for the 2014-2015 season.
And at 3-0 including a 70-51 victory Saturday night against WCAL power Serra, the Spartans are one of the best teams in the greater Bay Area and figure to just get better.
"We're in a transition period and we're changing a lot of the stuff that we do," veteran Spartans coach Frank Allocco said after his team won its own Chris Vontoure Spartan Classic. "We're playing more fast-paced, we're pressing and we're putting up a lot of shots. It's been a good transition. I think we're just scratching the surface of what we're going to be."
That's a daunting thought for upcoming opponents, considering the Spartans went 21-9 last season in an off -- for them -- year. Allocco's teams have won more than 600 games at two high schools including two state titles at De La Salle and one at Northgate. His Spartans have also won 25 or more games 19 times since 1985-86 -- including a two-year run in 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 when they went a combined 62-4.
Asked why the change in tactics, the former Notre Dame quarterback and basketball player, who was coached by both Ara Parseghian and Digger Phelps, said with a laugh: "I was bored. I seem to change every eight years. I didn't really realize it until somebody pointed it out to me. But more so we're very deep and we have a lot of kids who can shoot it."
Case in point are seniors Vince Romeo and Jordan Ratinho. They combined to score 48 of DLS' 70 points against a Serra team traditionally known for its tough defense. Romeo had 27 points including making 19 points from the line. Ratinho added 21 points.
"He's definitely pushing the ball a little more this year and doing more pressing," Serra coach Chuck Rapp said. "He's playing more pressure offense and more pressure defense than he has in the past. I don't think they're a real big team, but they're quick, so he's probably just playing to their strengths."
Whatever Allocco's thought process, the players like it. Said Ratinho who practically wore out the nets against Serra making open 3-pointers from the corner: "This year we're more of a running team. We're going to score more points this year. Seventy points is great for us."
"It's a lot better. It's a lot more fun to play that way. We get a lot more shots up and more points on the board. It creates energy."
De La Salle had eight 3-pointers against the Padres including two from Nick Macarchuk and one from Tony Covington. Another standout for the Spartans in Nikhil Peters, who made all-tourney over the weekend along with Romeo and tourney MVP Ratinho.
Ratinho respects Allocco, the trim, balding man who was at quarterback in 1975 for Notre Dame against Georgia Tech. It was in that Irish blowout win that ND reserve Rudy Reuttiger made the QB sack of a Yellowjacket in the final seconds. The moment inspired the movie "Rudy." Moments before Reuttiger's sack, Allocco led a Notre Dame touchdown drive.
"He's a great coach," Ratinho said. "He's the best coach (I've had). He teaches us to be great men and not just players, on and off the court. You can talk to him about anything."
Allocco has definitely been there before, making all state in three sports and breaking the basketball scoring record at New Providence High four times, including dropping in 52 points one night in 1971. He made 24 of 37 shots from the floor that night, well before the 3-point line was adopted.
Twenty years later he took over a Northgate program that had one winning season in 10 years and led the Broncos to a 167-28 record in the next decade, including a state title in 1995 and a state runner-up finish the following year. In '97 he took over at De La Salle and all the Spartans have done is win 16 league titles, nine section championships and four regional crowns. Overall his Northgate and DLS teams have gone a gaudy 621-90.
This year's DLS team will have its challenges, but based on early returns it is more than solid. Besides the impressive win against Serra, the Spartans defeated both St. Paul-St. Vincent and Clayton Valley Charter by double figures and downed highly touted Bishop O'Dowd in a Foundation Game that does not count on either team's record.
Said Allocco, who coached the West to victory in last season's McDonald's All-American Game: "I think this team can be special. I love this team. They have great chemistry and they really love each other. They play for each. There's a great synergy on this team and there's a great flow offensively and defensively and I think the sky's the limit for them."
TEAMS TO WATCH (with last season's record)
Berkeley (22-5)
The Yellowjackets started out 2-0 including a 91-48 rout against Pinole Valley prior to playing in the tough Gridley Invitational where they fell to Sacramento 62-61 but bounced back to beat Gridley 82-43. They'll be tested early by El Cerrito and Cosumnes Oaks. Standout Adrian Rico is not currently listed on Yellowjacket roster, but Casey Roquemore has been playing well.
De La Salle (21-9)
De La Salle has already won a statement game, stunning highly regarded Bishop O'Dowd 75-69. The Spartans are led by Nikhil Peters, Jordan Ratinho and Vince Romeo. Ratinho and Romeo combined for 48 points in the Spartans' impressive 70-51 victory against Serra in the title game of the Chris Vontoure Spartan Classic.
Drake (26-7)
Drake won the NorCal D-III title last season and is loaded again, led by forwards Jesse Hunt, Dane Wells and Jasper Verduin and point guard Malik Huff. The Pirates dropped a tough one, 58-53, to El Cerrito, beat Sacred Heart Cathedral 62-52 and won its own Red Brown tourney with three double-figure victories including a 61-42 rout over St. Ignatius. Hunt had 28 points and nine rebounds against SHC. A non-league game against El Cerrito looms.
El Cerrito (28-5)
Much is expected this season of the Gauchos who made the NorCal Open Division playoffs last season. They are led by point Tyrell Alcorn, wing Sayeed Pridgett and center Aaron Banks. They opened by routing a rebuilding Burlingame team 72-41 and squeaked by tough Drake 58-53 after entering the fourth quarter tied. El Cerrito has a tough non-league game against Mitty at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at Chabot College.
Freedom (26-7)
The Falcons have had an uneven non-league season so far but do have an impressive 72-45 victory against Fairfield. Freedom is young and talented and has had a knack for finding its way to the D-I final four.
Heritage (15-13)
The Patriots have opened the season with five consecutive victories. They've defeated Granada 62-55, River Valley 63-59, McKinleyville 77-67, Cosumnes Oaks 71-70 and San Ramon Valley 57-55 -- proving they can beat both good teams and win close games.
Monte Vista (32-1)
Last season's Division I state champs who lit it up against Centenial-Corona in the finals graduated all five starters, but should be fine with guard Stefan Mitu, forward Joseph Mileski and forward Wilson LaShells returning. They opened strong with a 58-47 win against Dougherty Valley, led by Mitsu's 20 points. They also finished fifth in the Russ Peterich Tip-Off Classic, losing to Escondido in the first round. Folsom will be a tough early game for coach Nick Jones's squad.
Moreau Catholic (27-7)
The defending NorCal Division IV champs only had one senior on the team last year and have all their key players coming back, including junior forward Oscar Frayer, junior guard Brandon Lawrence and and soph guard Damari Milstead. Moreau defeated formidable Drake 65-64 in the Prep2Prep NorCal Tip-Off Classic, but dropped two games in Arizona, 80-71 to Pinnacle and 84-69 to Mountain View-Mesa. Milstead has been sitting out some early games for violating a team rule, said Mariners' coach Frank Knight after the Drake game. Tough tests await Moreau in Modesto Christian, Mitty and in the MaxPreps Holiday Classic.
O'Dowd (28-5)
The Dragons are the defending NorCal champion Open Division champs and are led by McDonald's Player of the Year candidate Ivan Rabb and star point guard Paris Austin who is committed to Boise State. O'Dowd has opened the season at 2-1, defeating Bishop Gorman 63-55 and Riordan 59-41, but fell to national powerhouse Montverde Academy of Florida 78-64. The Dragons begin play today in the Iolani Classic in Honolulu.
Salesian
Salesian opened with routs of Pinole Valley (63-52), Skyline (83-37) and Gridley (74-35) and squeaked by talented Sacred Heart Cathedral (43-40), but fell to Campolindo 66-51. They are led by guards Nakota Shephard-Creer and Brandon McGhee. The Pride will have tough competition, though, in a Tri-County Athletic Rock Division that includes St. Joseph Notre Dame and El Cerrito.
San Ramon Valley (24-6)
The Wolves have opened the 2014-2015 season impressively, defeating Cordova 55-50, dropping a tough one to formidable Heritage 57-55 and blowing out Bentley (73-55) and Bellarmine (55-35). Keith Smith leads coach Brian Botteen's team.
St. Joseph Notre Dame (30-5)
Lamont Banks, a tough rebounder and inside scorer, returns to pace the defending CIF-State D-IV champs who are always well-schooled under veteran Don Lippi, the former St. Ignatius coach. Another player to watch is Darne Duckett. The Pilots are 4-3, including losing to University-San Francisco 62-57 in the title game of the BullDawg Classic at San Rafael High.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tyrell Alcorn, Senior, G, 6-1, El Cerrito
Alcorn is averating 17.5 points, 5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.8 steals per game this season. Alcorn is the nephew of former San Francisco Giants' outfielder Max Venable. Last season he averaged 16.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.6 steals per game to help lead the Gauchos to a Tri-County-Rock championship, one game ahead of state Division IV champion St. Joseph Notre Dame.
Paris Austin, G, 6-0, Senior, O'Dowd
Austin is a four-star recruit and the 142nd-ranked player in the nation by Rivals. He is committed to Boise State, choosing the Mustangs over Montana and St. Mary's. Other schools that offered scholarships were Utah State, Florida State, Pacific, San Jose State and Tulsa.
Lamont Banks, Senior, F, 6-4, St. Joseph Notre Dame
The 220-pound Banks helped lead the Pilots to the state Division V title last season, scoring 14 points and taking seven rebounds in the championship game against Renaissance Academy. He is tough on the boards, uses his body well and can maneuver for shots inside against taller players.
Armani Collins, Senior, F, 6-5, Stuart Hall
Collins averages 20.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game for 10-0 Stuart Hall which has a victory against St. Joseph Notre Dame to its credit.
Oscar Frayer, F, 6-6, Junior, Moreau
Averaged 14.1 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game as a sophomore. Has already committed to Cal. Frayer was the Prep2Prep NCS Sophomore of the Year last season after averaging 14.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, two assists, 2.3 steals and 3.7 blocks per game.
Chris Hansen, Senior, 6-6, C, Campolindo
Hansen is a force inside for Campo with the height and mass (245 pounds) to take up space and dominate the paint. He has signed with UC San Diego. Hansen was the MVP of the recent Gridley Invitational, scoring 21 points in a 67-51 win over Salesian in the Dec. 13 title game.
Malik Huff, Senior, G, 6-1, Drake
The athletic Huff averages 9.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.6 steals and is a great complement to teammates such as Jesse Hunt and Jasper Verduin. That trio helped lead the Pirates to the state title game last season. Huff is quick, has good vision, passes well, penetrates well and gets up and down the court quickly. In a NorCal Division III semifinal game against Miramonte last season, he made four first-half 3-pointers and wound up with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks. In the NorCal finale against Riordan (won by Drake 54-49) he held former Riordan star Jiday Ugbaja to a 1-for-11 effort from beyond the 3-point line.
Jesse Hunt, Senior, F, 6-6, Drake
Native Australian moved with his family from Down Under to San Anselmo where he averages 20.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game for the Pirates. Hunt is known as a good finisher around the rim who can shoot the 3. Has committed to Eastern Washington. Hunt played a variety of unusual sports in Australia, including cricket and Australian rules football.
Kameron Johnson, Senior, G, 6-2, Granada
Johnson averages 15.9 points per game, has made 39 of 111 shots including five 3-pointers and has made 70 percent of his foul shots (28 of 40). Johnson made first-team All-EBAL as a sophomore. At 6-foot-2 and a solid 190 pounds, he is sturdy enough to post up opponents. Has played varsity since he was a freshman. Involvement with AAU Lakeshow has enhanced his ability, providing top-notch competition.
Stefan Mitu, Senior, G, 6-1, Monte Vista-Danville
Monte Vista is off to a 4-1 start and Mitu already has a 20-point game to his credit. The Mustangs lost all five starters to graduation but Mitu was part of the regular rotation that also included current Mustangs Wilson LaShells and Joseph Mileski. He is known as a talented 3-point shooter who is able to drive to the basket and has good smarts.
Sayeed Pridgett, Junior, W, 6-4, El Cerrito
Pridgett averages 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 2 blocks per game for the 5-0 Gauchos. Last season Pridgett was one of the top sophomores in the Bay Area, averaging 11 points and eight rebounds per game.
Ivan Rabb, C, 6-10, Senior, O'Dowd
Rabb averaged 27 points and 14 rebounds per game last season in leading the Dragons to the NorCal title and the state title game where they fell to Mater Dei. Chosen as the ESPN Bay Area Player of the Year. He is a McDonalds national Player of the Year candidate and a five-star recruit with offers from Arizona, Cal, Georgetown, Kansas and USC. In a regular-season game against previously unbeaten Berkeley last season, he had 27 points, 11 blocks and 10 rebounds. Also had 31 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in an 86-60 victory against Capital Christian-Sacramento at the MLK Classic. Has offers from Arizona, Cal, Georgetown, Kansas and USC.
Vince Romeo, Senior, G, 6-0, De La Salle
Called "the most underrated players in the state" by coach Frank Allocco, Romeo showed his worth against Serra in the title game of the DLS tourney last weekend, scoring 27 points and playing stellar defense against the Padres' dangerous shooting guard Jimmy Wohrer. Romeo made 16 of 18 foul shots against Serra.
Casey Roquemore, Senior, G, 6-0, Berkeley
Roquemore is averaging 17 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal per game for the 3-1 Yellowjackets. He was one of the standouts in the season-opening Prep2Prep NorCal Tip-Off Classic at Newark Memorial High.
Jordan Ratinho, Junior, F, 6-4, De La Salle
Named MVP of the Chris Vontoure Spartan Classic last weekend, Ratinho scored 21 points in De La Salle's 70-51 title game victory against Serra. Made the All-EBAL team last season.
On the bubble: Aaron Banks (El Cerrito), Steven Daily (College Park), Charlie Duysen (Marin Catholic), Malcolm Jenkins (Analy), Cory Lozow (Alhambra), Brandon McGhee (Salesian), Damari Milstead (Moreau), Nikhil Peters (De La Salle), TJ Quezon (Concord), Kyle Roach (Marin Academy), Daronte Shaw (Richmond), Collin Stafford (Granada), Kevin Warren (St. Mary's-Albany),
