Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Washington rides the bats of Kawano and James in win over Terra Nova

Baseball: Washington rides the bats of Kawano and James in win over Terra Nova
Saturday, April 17, 2010



Washington's Thomas Tomioka slides past Terra Nova catcher Justin Gubser on a sacrifice fly from Alex Kawano in the sixth inning at Terra Nova Hiigh School on Saturday. (Photo by AJ Canaria)

By Jeremy Balan

It’s been said that winning can cure all ills, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a baseball team in The City that needed a win more than Washington High School.

On a six-game losing streak, with the last four being one-run losses, the visiting Eagles (16-9, 8-4) got back into the win column with a 6-2 win over Terra Nova High School of Pacifica in a non-league game on Saturday.

“It’s nice to get back and win this weekend,” said Washington Head Coach Rob Fung. “We were on a pretty bad slide and we didn’t know when we were going to stop. Today we were able to execute.”

Washington rode the bat of senior left fielder Alex Kawano, who had three RBIs on an RBI double and two sacrifice flies out of the seventh spot in the order.

“He’s been struggling and we moved him down in the order,” Fung said of Kawano. “But you can’t hide anyone in the lineup; it’s going to find you. He was able to step up today and hopefully we’ll be able to carry this a little bit.”



Washington senior center fielder Walter James sprints around the bases after his two-run home run in the fifth inning at Terra Nova High School on Saturday. (Photo by AJ Canaria)

Washington senior center fielder Walter James put an exclamation point on the win, with a lined, two-run home run to left field in the fifth inning that landed on the infield dirt of the adjacent field on the fly, increasing the Eagles’ lead to 5-1.

“That thing got out there really quick,” Fung said. “[James] swung the bat well. He’s been one of our best guys all year. Walter is a great athlete.”

James also had a towering double to left field in the third and pitched a scoreless seventh inning to seal the victory.

“I was just waiting for fastballs and I just turned on a couple,” James said. “I’ve been talking to [some of the other seniors] about last year, and how guys would have big hits every game. We need more people to get big hits.”

Washington senior first baseman Gabe Morse also contributed at the plate, but did so without swinging the bat, scoring three runs on three walks.

Washington senior starting pitcher Wesley House allowed one run on four hits over four innings to collect the win.

“[Wesley] did a good job. Initially we were just going to have him go two or three innings, but he was able to get guys out right away and he gave us more than we expected,” Fung said.

The Tigers (10-4-1, 5-0), who came in undefeated in Peninsula League play, scored a run of three hits in the first off House, but only had three hits after that.

“The game, as a whole, was bad,” said Terra Nova Head Coach Joey Gentile. “We’re not getting the big hit and that’s hurting us. The guys are just unprepared on Saturday games and it’s driving me crazy. It’s driving me nuts; I’m pretty upset right now. I’m trying to get them motivated, but it’s just not happening. Hopefully these guys can rebound and come back from this.”

Washington heads into their off week in the AAA, but will play two non-league games against Harker of San Jose and Stuart Hall, before a two game series with Galileo in the final week of league play.

“It would be nice to keep it going into next week,” Fung said. “We were in a rough patch, so hopefully this is a good sign for us.”

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

All-Metro Boys Honorable Mention

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

To see the first three All-Metro teams and Regional Players of the Year, CLICK HERE.

For honorables, see below. Selections based on input from Metro Area coaches, reporters, All-League lists, MaxPreps.com leader boards and, of course, first-hand analysis of players in game competition.

HONORABLE MENTION

San Francisco

F Aaron Anderson, Riordan, Jr.; G Jamarea Biggins, Waldorf, Jr.; G Ivan Dorsey, Riordan, Sr.; F Tyrone Dickerson, Marshall, Sr.; F Frank Duncan, Stuart Hall, Sr.; C Christopher Fontaine, Wallenberg, Sr.; G Zio Enriquez, University, Jr.; G Jamal Ford, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sr.; G Brenden Glapion, Washington, Jr.; F Eli Gross, Lick-Wilmerding, Sr.; G Angelo Gulley, Mission, Sr.; F Taylor Johns, Sacred Heart Cathedral, So.; G Byron Jones, Washington, Sr.; Anthony Moody, O'Connell, Sr.; F Garrett Moon, Wallenberg, Sr.; F Johnny Mrlik, St. Ignatius, Jr.; G Ikenna Nwadibia, Stuart Hall, Sr.; G Kurtis Ong, St. Ignatius, Sr.; F Robbie Pollard, Lowell, Sr.; G Javaughn Shannon, Mission, Sr.

Peninsula

G Spencer Britschgi, Sr.; G Amir Carlisle, King's Academy, Jr.; G Madu Cole, Bellarmine, Sr.; F Patrick Crowley, St. Francis, Sr.; F Freddie Eberhardt, Bellarmine, Sr.; G Momir Gataric, Homestead, Jr.; Arild Geugjes, Oceana, Jr.; F Stephen Meade, Bellarmine, Sr.; F Reed McConnell, Sacred Heart Prep, Jr.; F Suhail Mohammadi, Carlmont, Sr.; G Ben Neves, Westmont, Sr.; G Kristoffer Olugbode, Bellarmine, Jr.; G Ajani Norman, Hillsdale, Sr.; F Alex Reis, Half Moon Bay, Sr.; F Jordan Reudy, Serra, Sr.; C Rodrigo Puliceno, Burlingame, Jr.; F Jeff Spagnola, Los Gatos, Sr.; F Ryan Tana, Serra, Sr.; F Darryl Wong, Mills, Sr.; F Kyle Wong, Mills, Sr.

North Bay

G Kevin Aronis, Analy, Sr.; F Adam Boone, Branson, Sr.; C Brian Crow, Novato, Sr.; G J.T. Delanges, San Marin, Sr.; F Patrick Ebke, Marin Academy, Sr.; G Jay Flaherty, Redwood, Sr.; C Ben Freeland, Montgomery, Jr.; G Max Fujii, Analy, Jr.; G Ryan Healy, Redwood, Sr.; G Eric Johanson, Marin Academy, Jr.; G Alec Kobre, Montgomery, Jr.; Chris Lopez, Justin-Siena, Sr.; F Christian Manoli, Terra Linda, Sr.; F Xavier McCall, Cardinal Newman, Jr.; G Joey Rodriguez, Casa Grande, Jr.; G Bobby Sharp, Cardinal Newman, Jr.; C Stuart Wesonga, San Marin, Jr.; F DeMarqus Wiggins, Redwood, Sr.; G Brock Winter, Marin Catholic, Sr.; G Kenny Woodard, Terra Linda, Sr.

East Bay

F Juan Anderson, Castro Valley, Jr.; G Nick Armas, San Leandro, So.; G Dominic Artis, Salesian, So.; G Roderick Bobbitt, Castro Valley, Jr.; F Kendall Andrews, Newark Memorial, Sr.; G DiAndre Campbell, Oakland Tech, Jr.; F Connor Freeberg, Albany, Sr.; G George Henderson, Emery, Sr.; F Jabri Jenkins, El Cerrito, Jr.; G Damon Jones, St. Elizabeth, Sr.; F Demetrius Lee, St. Mary's, Sr.; F D'Vaughn Mann, Kennedy-Fremont, Jr.; G Khufu Najee, Berkeley, Sr.; G Justin Pollard, St. Mary's, Sr.; F Chris Read, Castro Valley, Jr.; F Tobias Royal, Fremont, Sr.; G Markee Rhymes, Pinole Valley, G Bobby Syvanthong, El Cerrito, Jr.; G Khiari Swift, Arroyo, Jr.; C Freddie Tagaloa, Salesian, So.; G Taylor Takahshi, Alameda; G Dominque Taplin, Oakland, Jr.; F Jack Veronin, Washington, Sr.

Contra Costa/Tri-Valley

F Nate Appel, De La Salle, Sr.; G Blake Bergesen, Northgate, Sr.; G Nick Blount, Freedom, Sr.; F Keith Bruder, College Park, Sr.; G Zach Corby, Concord, Jr.; G Corey Collins, Acalanes, Sr.; G Erick Dargan, Pittsburg, Sr.; G Treaven Duffy, Las Lomas, Jr.; G Tad Fisher, San Ramon Valley, Sr.; G Jordan Giusti, San Ramon Valley, Jr.; F Chris Hatfield, Miramonte, Sr.; F Kellen Ito, Campolindo, Sr.; F Adam Mancebo, Campolindo, Sr.; F Spenser McDonald, Miramonte, Sr.; C Andre McPhail, Deer Valley, Jr.; G MacKenzie Moore, College Park, Jr.; F James Pugh, Dublin, Sr.; F Tom Sprague, Clayton Valley, Sr.; F Lance Willoughby, Foothill, Sr.; G Mark Winthrop, Heritage, Sr.

For corrections on spellings, positions or years, please e-mail Mitch Stephens at mstephens@maxpreps.com. If you feel there's an omission, please leave your own choice or choices by clicking on the comments below.



Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/prepsports/index?#ixzz0l0E4t2yA

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Ichiro's 'unbelievable' grab recalls Mays Mariners right fielder turns back to infield to rob Mathis

Ichiro's 'unbelievable' grab recalls Mays
Mariners right fielder turns back to infield to rob Mathis


By Jim Street / MLB.com
PEORIA, Ariz. -- At the crack of the bat, Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki turned around and sprinted toward the wire fence separating the playing field from the visiting bullpen.

The number "51" was visible for several seconds as Ichiro hustled after the towering fly ball hit by Angels catcher Jeff Mathis in the second inning of Tuesday's Cactus League game at Peoria Stadium.

Finally, just as the ball was about to sail over his head, Ichiro, with his back still to the infield, jumped, snagged the ball, lost his footing and skidded on the warning track and into the wall.

He emerged from a cloud of dust, took the ball out of his glove and threw it back into the infield.

It was only a Spring Training game, but a player known for seldom leaving his feet to catch a ball turned in one of the greatest plays of his nine-time Gold Glove career with Seattle.

"I've never caught a ball like that before, so it will stay in my memory," Ichiro said after the Mariners' 6-4 win. "If you look at the angle, usually it's from the right or the left. But that was straight from the top. That was a tough play and was one of my impressive catches.

"You [must] have the imagery to go straight to the ball and not go around it. Once you go around from the left or the right you don't get to that ball. When you first see it, you imagine where the ball will land. So you go straight to that point where the ball will drop and then you will see it from up top."

It was an a-Mays-ing catch all right, reminiscent of the great grab Willie Mays made in the 1954 World Series to rob the Indians' Vic Wertz of an extra-base hit.

"How many Gold Gloves has [Ichiro] won? That's why," said Angels reliever Scot Shields, who was in the bullpen and had a bird's-eye view of the play. "It reminded me of Mays' great catch, and Jim Edmonds' catch. [Ichiro] had both arms extended and was going down when he was catching it. When it's straight over your head like that, it's tough. You think it might hit you in the head. That is tough to do.

"I think he was on the track when he caught it. I gave a little clap. You have to appreciate catches like that in Spring Training. During the season, it's different. You're saying, `Drop it.'"

2010 Spring Training - Seattle Mariners
News & Features

* Lee placed on 15-day disabled list
* Mariners end spring with offensive surge
* Mariners can't contain Rockies
* Bradley leaves game vs. Rockies
* Mariners' McOwen dislocates shoulder

Sights & Sounds

* Lopez' RBI single
* Tuiasosopo goes deep
* A. Moore's two-run double

Spring Training Info

* Schedule
* Ballpark
* Tickets

Just about everybody was saying, "How did he do that?" on Tuesday.

"There is the over-[the-shoulder] catch, and now there's the jump-dive-over [the head] catch," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said. "It was unbelievable. I have never seen him make a catch like that on a ball over his head."

The view was even better from the visiting first-base dugout.

"That was incredible," Angels skipper Mike Scioscia said. "Naturally, he's an incredible athlete and outfielder. That catch, that's as good as it gets."

Ichiro said he saw the ball leave Mathis' bat and simply turned and ran to a spot where the ball might come down. He didn't see the ball again until "it actually passed my head."

So he jumped, snagged the ball and instinctively slid feet-first to avoid a head-on collision with the wall.

"You can't think because it's happening in a second," he said. "You let your body guide you to the result."

The catch didn't really surprise Mariners second baseman Chone Figgins.

"The thing about it is he works on that during batting practice," the former Angels star said. "To see it in a game is neat to see, but a play like that is like second nature to him."

Ichiro will often catch a line drive with his glove behind his back.

"He has GPS," Wakamatsu said.

Asked what the hardest part in making a catch like that, Wak said, "I wouldn't know."

There has never been a player like Ichiro, and there likely never will

There has never been a player like Ichiro, and there likely never will

Story Highlights
Ichiro has a high BA, good stolen base numbers and ridiculously high hit totals
He is also a dynamic defender in right field with the best arm of his generation
Counting Japan, Ichiro has more hits than anyone entering their age-36 season




Ichiro may be tough to compare to any other player, but the catch he made recently against the Angels compared favorably to Willie Mays' famous play in the 1954 World Series.
AP

We often talk about players who are unique. Derek Jeter is unique. Albert Pujols is unique. Chase Utley is unique. And so on.

Of course, every player in baseball is unique in the truest sense of the word -- being the only one of its kind. You know, with DNA and all. But in the baseball sense of "unique"... it is hard to find players who are so different that you cannot find anyone who even reminds you of them. Babe Ruth may have been the greatest offensive force in the history of the game, but there are seasons by Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig, Hank Greenberg, the Steroid Era Barry Bonds and others who would fit neatly into his career.

Ted Williams may have been the greatest hitter ever, but Stan Musial was awfully good. Willie Mays was a wonderful combination of power, speed and defense, but so were Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente and the young Barry Bonds.

Tony Gwynn and Rod Carew and Wade Boggs.

Roger Clemens and Tom Seaver and Walter Johnson.

Randy Johnson and Sandy Koufax and Steve Carlton.

Ty Cobb and Rogers Hornsby and Tris Speaker.

This is not to say that these players were ALIKE, exactly, because they very clearly were not alike. They all had their own styles, their own skills, their own levels. But they were not SO different either. Pete Rose was sort of a thick-bodied version of his hero Enos Slaughter. Pedro Martinez was sort of a shorter and livelier version of his hero, Juan Marichal. Even Nolan Ryan -- who was in many ways one-of-a-kind -- shares at least some similarities in form and style and audaciousness with a young Bob Feller.

All which leads to this: I don't think there has ever been a player in baseball history quite like Ichiro Suzuki.

Or, anyway, there certainly has not been a player quite Ichiro since the Deadball Era, when players like George Sisler and Ty Cobb whacked lots of hits and didn't walk much and stole bases. Sisler, in many ways, seems like a decent offensive comp to Ichiro -- great batting averages (Sisler .340, Ichiro .333), surprisingly low corresponding on-base percentages (Sisler .379, Ichiro .378), good stolen base numbers, some ridiculously high hit seasons (Ichiro, of course, broke Sisler's hit record when he picked up 262 in 2004. They are the only two players to have two seasons with 240 hits).

But that's just offense. And while Sisler was a first baseman -- and there has been some disagreement about how good -- Ichiro is one of the most dynamic defenders of his time. You have already seen, I hope, the catch he made during a spring training game on Tuesday -- it's spectacular. I have watched it about 23 times already today, and I'll probably watch it at least a few more before dinner. One catch does not define a player, I suppose... but just WATCH THAT CATCH. It tells you an awful lot about the kind of defensive player Ichiro has been for almost a decade now.

And, of course, Ichiro has a fabulous arm, the best of his generation. There will always be those who say no one can compare to Clemente defensively, and I would not argue the point. But Clemente is just a touch before my time... and I think Ichiro is the best defensive right fielder I have ever ever seen.

And then there's the style of Ichiro... the unique warm-up golf swing, the way he breaks out of the box while he swings the bat, the way he purposely jams himself sometimes to get a hit (has anyone ever gotten more hits on pop-ups that drop behind the third baseman, to the left of the shortstop and in front of the left fielder?), the way he sometimes muscles up and drives the ball out -- there are many around the game who think that Ichiro could hit 25-30 home runs if he was willing to sacrifice hits and batting average, which he is not.

Put it all together, well, here are a few fun Ichiro tidbits to chew on:

• He has played nine seasons... and he has led the American league in singles ALL NINE YEARS. Nobody else has ever led a league in singles nine times.

• He missed the entire 2000 season (he was still playing in Japan)... and still had more hits than any player in the decade -- he had 90 more hits than second-place Derek Jeter.

• As Bill James points out... only Pete Rose, Sam Rice and Rogers Hornsby managed 2,000 hits in a decade. Ichiro, though, was the only one of the four to miss an entire season in that decade.

And here's a fun little list you can carry around in your wallet.

• Most times with 260 hits: Ichiro (1)

• Most times with 240 hits: Ichiro and Sisler (2)

• Most times with 230 hits: Ichiro (3)

• Most times with 220 hits: Ichiro (5)

• Most times with 210 hits: Ichiro, Cobb, Paul Waner (9)

• Most times with 200 hits: Rose (10); Ichiro and Cobb (9)

Pete Rose once told me that nobody -- NOBODY -- was going to break his hit record and, to punctuate the point, added: "And you can tell Ichiro he can count his hits in Japan."

Well, of course, they played shorter seasons in Japan. But, by my count, Ichiro had 1,278 hits in Japan. That would give him 3,308 hits for his career. Ichiro is about to enter his 36-year-old season.

Pete Rose entering his 36-year-old season? He had 2,762 hits. That would be 546 fewer hits.

In fact, counting Japan, Ichiro has more hits than anyone had entering their age-36 season:

1. Ichiro Suzuki, 3,308
2. Ty Cobb, 3,264
3. Robin Yount, 2,878
4. Rogers Hornsby, 2,855
5. Tris Speaker, 2,794
6. Stan Musial, 2,781
7. Pete Rose, 2,762
8. Derek Jeter, 2,747
9. Mel Ott, 2,732
10. Sam Crawford, 2,711

Of course, when it comes down to it, I suspect that Pete Rose doesn't really want to count Ichiro's hits in Japan.

Ichiro is the only player to have nine consecutive 200-hit seasons. Rose never had more than three in a row. Cobb never had more than three in a row. Wade Boggs had seven 200-hit seasons in a row, which was the most.

People will always argue about the value of Ichiro. That's because his skill set is so different. How do you place value on a hitter who hits .330 without a lot of power, bangs 225 hits but doesn't walk much, plays a brilliant right field and almost never misses a game? In 2009 Ichiro ranked 12th in the American League in Wins Above Replacement, was in a three-way tie for third with 28 Win Shares and 11th in the league in Baseball Prospectus' Value Over Replacement Player. I'd say that's the general range -- some think he's one of the two or three best players in the league, others think he's plenty good but not quite that good. My analytical side tends to rank him as a Top 10 player, without a doubt, but beyond that I'm not sure.

I know I'd take him.

And I know that Ichiro Suzuki is one of those player who more or less qualifies for our baseball definition of unique. I've never seen a player like him, and never expect to see a player like him. And when it comes to watching and loving baseball, that means a lot. Whatever his pure value, I would hope to someday tell my grandchildren about Ichiro.

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/joe_posnanski/03/25/unique.ichiro/index.html#ixzz0kTuGxZB5
Get a free NFL Team Jacket and Tee with SI Subscription

Friday, April 2, 2010

2010 SASF Legend Matsuyama Akastsuki vs Sac Barons 9th Grade Open










When Two Worlds Collide

The Yakumo Falcons and California All-Stars greet and exchange gifts at center court at Schurr High School in Montebello on March 21. (JORDAN IKEDA/Rafu Shimpo)

link to more pictures

The Yakumo Falcons match up with the California All-Stars in a wildly entertaining goodwill game.


By JORDAN IKEDA

Rafu Sports Editor

One of things I love most about watching basketball is when polar op­posite styles clash. Like how would the Tennessee Volunteers or the Phoenix Suns, two teams that play at frenetic paces, match up against teams that trend towards half-court, set offenses, like UNI or the Boston Celtics?

What I like is the game within the game. Watching how the coaches and players choose to counter the opposi­tion by adjusting how they play or by willfully enforcing their style upon the other squad.

So, I was pleasantly surprised at last Sunday’s goodwill game between the Yakumo Academy Girls High School Basketball Team from Tokyo and the Southern California All-Stars that took place at Schurr High School in Montebello.

Despite the fact the Yakumo team had just touched down in LA the day before and was jet-lagged and that the Cali All-Stars had only gotten the chance to get together for a single practice, the game was an absolute blast to watch.

Beyond the fact that it featured a number of lead changes, a clutch three to go up by one, followed by a clutch free throw to send the game into overtime, and a nail-biter finish that saw the Japanese team eek out a victory, what made the whole experience a truly satisfying ordeal was the fusion of two very dif­ferent styles.

Nationally ranked, the Yakumo Academy Falcons are a perennial power in girl’s basketball in Japan and competed in the high school national champion­ships this year. The Falcon’s head coach, Yuko Takagi, who has been at the helm of the girls bball program for the past 23 years, considers this year’s team to be one of her best despite no player standing taller than 5-9. Beyond their lack of height, what was immediately noticeable when they entered the gym was that every single player had her hair cropped short.

On the other side of the court was a collection of some of Southern Cali’s finest players. Gathered together by the event’s coordinator Bryan Takeda, the team’s head coach and former USC star guard Jamie Hagiya, and assistant coach Rob Robinson, the team was handpicked from John Miur, South Torrance, West Torrance, Notre Dame, St. Mary’s and Flintridge Prep. The So Cal All-Stars featured South’s Kelsie Sampson, who is 6-1, as well as Muir’s Daysha Thomas and Flintridge’s Deanna Watson, both who are 5-10. In fact, there was no one under 5-6 for the American squad. Also, in contrast to the Japanese team, every single player had her hair long, tied in a ponytail.

Because of the height discrepancy, the game plan for the Cali All-Stars was pretty straightforward from the get go. Dominate the boards, pound the ball inside and feed their bigs for easy baskets underneath.

“They are so big,” said Shiori Endo, one of the Falcons three team captains. “I didn’t know how to guard them.”

Coach Takagi obviously did, as the Falcons countered with intense ball pressure on the guards, making getting the ball inside a time-consuming affair. If and when it got to the California All-Stars post players, the defense would then swarm the ball—a flurry of hands that caused a myriad turnovers.

On offense, the Falcons were running at every opportunity, pushing the ball for easy buckets in transition. If the shot wasn’t there, they’d keep their offense in motion, mainly around the perim­eter, and move until they had open shots.

The California All-Stars countered this strat­egy by slowing the tempo of the game at every opportunity, walking the ball up and working hard to control the glass. They also worked in isolation on many of their sets.

Despite having played together only once, the Cali All-Stars had a balanced attack. Sampson finished with 15 points. John Muir standout Taylor Gomez had 13, nine in the second half and OT. Christine Pascua of Notre Dame had 11. Thomas had 10 and Kelsey Ishigo of West Torrance had six. Every player scored at least three points.

For Yakumo, five players carried the scoring load (as well as the majority of the playing time): team captains Misato Naka­mura, Manami Nakahara and Endo as well as Mai Shiozawa and Aoi Kashima. Nakahara, who netted 18 points, did so in a variety of ways, taking players off the dribble to the hole, pulling up for midrange jumpers, as well as shooting the three. Her shot was also more of a typical American style release, with one hand behind the ball.

Endo had a crazy game, her 24 points coming on eight triples, some of which were five feet from the half court line, one of which put the team up by one with a few seconds left in regulation and another which solidified Yakumo’s victory in the extra period. Shiozawa netted all 12 of her points in the second half and OT. Nakamura had 11 and Kashima added six.

“They’re shooting,” Hagiya said after the game when asked what was the biggest difference in the teams. “They’re incredible shooters. You have to guard almost NBA three-point range and further out, because they’ll let it go from way further out then the normal three. Their shooting is really precise and on top of that, their intensity. They trap, they press full court.”

Other differences, the more subtle kind, were evident as well. The Falcons would bow when subbing in and out and while some of the girls had more- American-styled shots, most of the Falcons pushed the ball from their chests. They also didn’t talk a lot, the majority of the noise coming from their coach on the sidelines.

In America, talking to the refs and talking in general are vital parts of the game. Watch the Celtics play and every player on the court can be seen talking on de­fense. Watch the Lakers play and from the opening tip, Kobe Bryant can be seen jawing at the refs. The crafty, savvy point guards, from high school to the pros to intramurals, will chat up referees to try and get calls in their favor or to just get a feel for how the official is blowing the whistle. It’s become part of the American basketball experience. For example, Gomez was pleading for calls after continually being pestered by the Falcons’ D. The whistles starting coming in the second half.

Not to paint broad strokes from a small sample size, but the Yakumo team nary once even raised a questioning eyebrow to called fouls and non-calls. The only instance where they questioned the officials was after a missed freethrow. See, in Japan, there are slightly different rules. For one, they don’t have one-and-one free throws, hence the mix up. Another obvious difference, is that in Japan, players are al­lowed a slight hop before the dribble, which would be a travel here in the States.

“It was pretty different, but it was really fun be­cause they shot differently. They also had an extra step every time, so it threw us off a little bit,” said senior Michelle Sui who was the star point guard for South Torrance High School this season.

“I was able to experience many things that I’d never had before,” Shiozawa said about the game. In addition, the Falcons toured around the city and also got to watch a Lakers game.

But perhaps Nakahara summed it up best.

“It was a culture shock.”

And in basketball, when two very talented, very different teams meet up, as Sunday can attest, elec­tric gameplay will undoubtedly ensue.