Article 86: Lancers are reloading

November 24, 2010

School: Saint Francis, Mountain View
Mascot: Lancers
League: West Catholic Athletic League
Division: II
Head Coach: Mike Motil - 3rd year as head coach
Assistant Coach: Raymond Townsend, James Duncan, Clayton Miller
2009 Record: 30-4
2009 Playoff Results: The Lancers were Norcal Champions and a State Finalist.
The CCS playoff had St. Francis High winning over Leland and Los Gatos but losing to Mitty.
The Norcal playoff had St. Francis High winning over Rocklin, Oakmont, and Woodcreek.
The State playoff had St. Francis High losing to Lincoln High of San Diego.
Final NCP 2009 Ranking: No. 3
Preseason NCP 2010 Ranking: No. 14

Players to Watch: According to Coach Motil, he plans to shakeup the lineup on a game by game basis. He says, "We will start different people every night and we will play 10 guys in the first quarter of every game. And you can be assured that the 10 guys that play in game A will not be the same guys in game B. None of our players have been offered scholarships and I hope that we understand that any success we have, in regards to wins, will be achieved together as a team."

Players to keep in mind include center Drew Dickey, guard Lamond McCoy, and guard Vince Miles. The latter two provide some experience and toughness as they are on the football team and are seniors. Dickey is a junior who will need to provide the inside presence at 6-foot-7.

Team Offensive Strengths:
The Lancers will be balanced on offense as they have a committee scoring approach.

Team Defensive Strengths: The team has a good rebounding group.

Games to Watch In Division: The WCAL games will not allow for any night off. Bellarmine, Mitty, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Serra all have strong teams that the Lancers will have to play.

Games to Watch Out of Division: Fairfield is a San Joaquin favorite while Jesuit (Sacramento) will be strong.

If these 3 things go well, the season will be a success: Senior leadership has to step up as this Lancer team lost nine seniors from the previous year. The Lancers must defend in the half court and need to share the ball on offense.

Summary: Coach Motil has only had seven total losses in the last two years. If the pieces fall together, the Lancers can continue on that low loss ratio. The road will be tough but expect St. Francis High to be ready for the upcoming challenge.