Samohi Takes Third In Basketball Tournament

By Mitch Chortkoff

James Hecht, the Santa Monica High basketball coach, says he is frequently asked the same question.

``People want to know how we're going to do without Jacoby Atako,'' he said.

Atako, the Vikings' star guard last season, moved on to UC Santa Barbara, where he is getting immediate playing time.

Well, judging by its play in the El Segundo Tournament last week Samohi appears likely to field another competitive team. The Vikings finished third in the event.

Samohi won the game for third place, 70-58, over Narbonne. Neighboring St. Monica High did even better, reaching the championship game before losing to Leuzinger, 84-65.

Hecht says there are days when he looks down the hallway to see if Atako is still there. But, reality, he has another good squad. And, in time, the players will learn to depend on each other rather than Atako to get through tough situations.

The Vikings must also overcome the absence of Martin Castro, the second leading scorer last season as a senior.

``We're going to be fine,'' said Hecht. ``We have the personnel to keep us in games. The guys have a great work ethic. They've done a good job of preparing for the season.''

The starting lineup consists of 6-7 senior John Folonis, 6-5 junior Pablo Dresie and 6-3 Paul Younger on the frontline with 6-0 senior Jared Brunk and 6-0 Seshah Wolde-Tsadki in the backcourt.

Among the reserves are three receivers from the football team, Terrell Maze, Chris Gary and Charles Gordon. The latter, who suffered a broken left ankle in the third game, hopes to play basketball but is still unable to participate. But he's listed on the roster.

``I'm going to try to play basketball,'' said Gordon, who is also a baseball star. ``The ankle is still a little stiff but it's been hard just watching our teams play.''

Gordon, who hasn't played basketball at Samohi, did join the team for some summer games and fit in well.

``We're capable of having a different player step up every night,'' said Hecht. ``We don't have that one guy this year but collectively we have a strong group of people.''

Included in triumphs at the El Segundo event was a 57-37 victory over the host team.

Samohi was 17-10 last season, including an 8-6 record in the Bay League. The team reached the second round of the CIF playoffs before losing to Long Beach Jordan.

In order to prepare for the league Hecht arranged a difficult December schedule. Samohi will play in the Bell-Jeff and Santa Barbara Tournaments

``I tried to schedule some good tests without getting in too far over our heads,'' said the coach. ``I want competitive games but realize we have eight new players, so there will be a lot of learning.

``We're using the December games to develop cohesiveness and continuity,'' he said. ``By January we're hopeful of running on all cylinders.''

The Bay League became stronger when the top two teams from the Ocean League, Mira Costa and Leuzinger, moved up.

``I think we have one of the most competitive leagues, top to bottom,'' said Hecht.