Skyline College capped off their last home game of the basketball season Wednesday when both Trojan teams hosted the men and women of Las Positas College for the 2012-2013 finale. Wednesday’s doubleheader also marked this season’s Sophomore Night Celebration, honoring Skyline’s second-year student-athletes in the presence of family and friends.
The men’s team was determined to avoid a third straight loss to a conference opponent and first three-game losing streak since starting the season 0-4. The Trojans have had to adapt this season after losing last year’s leaders Anthony Smith and Kyle Wong in what is arguably the most competitive conference in the Association. In their last meeting against Las Positas, the Trojans narrowly beat the Hawks on the road 67-62.
The men’s game began with an up tempo pace from the tipoff. Freshman forward Brandon Berkovatz’s presence was felt early, anchoring Skyline’s defense in the lane. Las Positas scrambled to get inside but had to settle for contested jumpers on the perimeter. The Trojans built an early lead behind Berkovatz’s energy, eventually forcing a timeout from their opponent halfway through the first half.
Offensively, Skyline delivered a balanced attack led by Lincoln High product Kevin Brandenberg, who fired up the crowd when he elevated for the first of two of his dunks on the night. The Trojan lead ballooned to as much as 15 points, eventually ending with a final score of 80-67, claiming the season series.
The women’s team looked to even the score with the Hawks after losing their Jan. 25 meeting 67-33 at Las Positas. Hawks forward, Carlie Bonderer dominated the game on both ends of the floor scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Turnovers had also played a role in the defeat with Skyline committing 31, which more than doubled that off Las Positas (14). The lady Trojans entered the game coming off a loss to San Francisco in their previous home game.
The Lady Trojans hustled for early possessions against the much bigger Hawks team. Starting forward Becky Laguardia and Bianca Hussein were given the toughest assignment of the night as they worked to contain Bonderer early in the game. The contest stayed close in the early minutes of the first half with Skyline leading by as many as 5 points. Turnovers came back to haunt the Trojans however, sparking a Hawks run that claimed the lead for the remainder of the night.
Skyline battled in the second half as they matched each Hawks possession with quality play but the damage done in the first half was insurmountable. The Lady Hawks left the Skyline gym beating the home team by a score of 67-47.
Although the results of the night were bittersweet, Dean of Athletics Joe Morello reflected on the teams’ growth throughout the season.
“The improvement I saw in these teams was tremendous,” Morello said. “There are a lot of first-year players that played well this year. They have a great opportunity to build on the foundation our coaches have established.”
Men’s head coach Justin Piergrossi has been instrumental over the years in helping his players prepare for the next step beyond Skyline College. The men’s program welcomed eight freshman players this season and posted a record of 10-15.
When asked about his players’ performance, Piergrossi shared, “They have a lot of potential as individuals and as a team.” Looking forward to next fall, Piergrossi believes this team has areas in which it can improve. “Our team needs to dedicate itself to improving our fundamentals, our skillset and mental approach to practice and games. I anticipate a great offseason with this group and continued development.”
After his first year at the helm, women’s head coach, Chris Watters also faced the challenge of coaching in a challenging conference with only four sophomore players.
“I felt that we faced a lot of adversity, but we met it head on and never backed down,” Watters said. “Watters says that although the standings suggest a very difficult season, much was learned as a result. “We are all better people and players for having completed the season.”
This article has been edited to include pictures from the game. 2/21/2013 1:24 p.m.
This article has been replaced with an updated one that includes quotes. 2/25/2013 11:20 a.m.
