Royal boys very close to being consistent winners

by Ted Escobar
| January 9, 2017 12:00 AM

I checked in on the Royal boys basketball team and Royal boys wrestling team last week. The wrestlers are on track for an excellent season.

Two of the wrestlers will likely place high at state if not win their weight classes. Eduardo Rodriguez and Abraham Medina finished third last year at 126 and 132 pounds. They took care of business at the Royal Christmas tournament.

There are other Knights who could, and probably should make it to state. Addin Felker, 145, finished 8th at state. Daniel Bonilla, 152, and Jose Jimenez, 195, competed at state.

Others who will likely compete at regionals and may make it to state include C.J. Quintero, 182, and Jack Diaz at 170. Regan Callahan, 145, has a lot of experience, and Ryder Eilers is a good-looking 220-pounder. And there is promising freshman Lorenzo Myrick. He’s still looking for his weight.

The basketball players are an enigma. They are tall enough and fast enough to win in the SCAC. I am completely surprised by their 1-6 start.

I watched them against 4A Franklin-Pierce in Yakima last week and was impressed when they were on their game. They can play tough defense when they are positioned right, and they can run with anybody.

They had a 21-9 second quarter against the Cardinal after falling behind 16-8 in the first period. The difference was shooting. They started both halves of that game cold.

Shooting is a personal thing. If you’re serious about winning at basketball, you have to shoot for hours away from team practice, when nobody is watching and it’s totally boring.

It’s like putting and chipping in golf. Practice the long shots some, but put most of your effort into lay-ins, free throws and short jumpers. Practice any place there is a hoop until you’re dog tired. Learn to bank.

I practiced music and golf until I was bored, and then I practiced more. The day I finally figured both endeavors out, I was so happy that I kept on practicing.

When 8-to-10 of these Royal boys get to where they can make a shot from anywhere at any time, they’ll tear up the league. There is no doubt they are quality athletes.

Sleep with a basketball if you must. You’ll be excited when the shots start to fall.