By Arnie Leshin
Head coach David Rodriguez was happy with the season his St. Michael’s boy’s basketball team had. It won District 2-3A, was the top seed in its class for the state tournament, and lost only once in district play.
The end result to a 21-9 overall record was the fifth match-up between the Horsemen and district runner-up Santa Fe Indian School, and after winning the first four, finally lost to the Braves in the state semifinals.
And putting five players on the All-District team, junior Thomas Wood as co-Player of the Year and Rodriguez as Coach of the Year, were the finishing touches to the quality season.
Said Rodriguez in regard to his All-District players: “These were a terrific bunch of young men with incredible work ethics. They did everything I asked of them, which is a great deal.”
Wood will be the key returning player. He stands 6-foot-2, is a 2nd year letterman and 2-year varsity starter, and averaged 12 points a game. He was tough inside and a key to the overall rebounding.
Senior 5-11 point guard Jevon Montoya played three years of varsity ball, ran the offense, averaged 8 points per game and 3 assists a game. He was quite versatile via his backcourt skills.
Senior Dominic Morgan was a 5-11 3-year varsity player who was a big addition to the inside game, tossed in 8 points per game, and took down 5 rebounds a game. He was there at clutch times.
Senior Hayden Lee used his 6-3 frame to power his way underneath, shrub the boards for 6 a game, and was a reliable 2-year varsity starter.
Then there was 6-4 senior Connor Glatz. He came down with 5 rebounds a game and averaged 10 points per fray scoring. He came through with big plays at opportune times.
Landing on All-District for Santa Fe Indian was co-Player of the Year, senior James Bridges, and seniors Jaden Aquino, Jason Abeyta and Andres Pecos. The Braves went 20-12 overall and 8-2 in district, and was state runner-up.
Senior Dillon Abeyta from Santa Fe Prep was also selected.