NBL boys basketball: Rancho downs Santa Rosa

Wed. January 25, 2012 at 10:38 p.m. | By Michael Coit

By MICHAEL COIT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Defending speed is difficult as Rancho Cotate demonstrated, running away from Santa Rosa in a decisive third quarter Wednesday.

Rancho Cotate converted most steals and turnovers into scores, and also showed patience by passing for good shots in the 58-46 North Bay League boys basketball win.

“The third quarter was definitely one of our better quarters. When we come out with all that energy we can play with anyone,” said point guard Nick Desoto, who scored 10 of his game high 16 points in the period.

The experienced Cougars are hitting their stride in a push for the school’s first North Coast Section playoff berth in nine seasons.

“It’s been awhile. The kids are excited and holding their heads high,” said Rancho Cotate coach Dennis Magatelli.

More competitive than in recent years, Santa Rosa continues pushing for a full four-quarter effort. The Panthers were a step slow and rushed shots in the third period Wednesday after staying with the taller, quicker Cougars through the first half.

“Everyone’s more confident and just putting in the hard work,” said Panthers point guard and leading scorer Nolan Chavez. “Our team just didn’t pull it together tonight.”

Santa Rosa stayed with Rancho Cotate for two periods on the strength of strong rebounding and second-chance points to complement an energetic defensive effort.

While the Cougars are too athletic to keep down, where the boys in blue were particularly sharp Wednesday was making extra passes for better chances. Rancho Cotate closed the first quarter on a Desoto make after five passes.

Getting more scores on the run in the second quarter, power forward Nick Reynolds carried the Cougars’ effort with eight of his 14 points.
Shifting into high gear, Rancho Cotate spotted Santa Rosa the first basket of the second half, then went on an 11-0 run to take a

39-22 lead. A full-court press forced turnovers and generated steals to fuel the offense.

“We definitely were more active,” Desoto said.
Tops in thefts was center Ricky Garcia with four to go with six rebounds and nine points.

Defensive effort has been an even greater focus for Rancho Cotate this season because the Cougars are best on the run off loose balls and defensive rebounds from long misses.

Santa Rosa couldn’t regain a foothold for a comeback.

“We’ve had some incredible stretches. Then we’ve had some bad quarters,” said Santa Rosa coach John McGill. “It’s a mindset of ‘what can we do to win games?’”

For the Cougars, the third period is when they often gain a winning edge.
“The third quarter is what makes a good team,” Desoto said.