Pac-7 League winter sports outlook
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League play is already under way in the Pac-7, but here’s my belated outlook on how things will play out in San Luis Obispo County this winter:
BOYS’ BASKETBALL -- I’m not sure who’s going to challenge defending champion Righetti for the league title, especially while 6-foot-5 forward Randall Hunter is patrolling the hardwood. Hunter is one of the most talented players in the league, averaging 15.5 ppg and 11.3 rpg. Arroyo Grande looks good for second as long as its scoring duo of Robbie Souza and Tanner Hinek keep making baskets. San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles will battle it out for third, with the first round scheduled for tonight.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL --The Righetti girls also look good this season, but my pick for the league title is going to an Arroyo Grande squad that’s racked up a 14-3 record and is unbeaten in league play, so far. The Eagles really don’t have any standouts -- leading scorers Sara Caywood, Kelsey Wagner and Maddie Franklin are all averaging less than eight ppg. However, this team has racked up some pretty impressive victories and I think it’ll be able to hold off the Chelsea Mitchell-led gals from Righetti.
BOYS’ SOCCER -- Wednesday’s thriller out in wine country between Righetti and San Luis Obispo illustrated why both teams are favorites for the league titles. Righetti pulled off a 3-2 overtime win and, because of that, is my slim favorite to take the league title. Plus, the Warriors have a kid by the name of Servando Perez, who already has 14 goals and 33 points on the season. Still, don’t be surprised if I jump on the SLO or Atascadero bandwagon should the need arise.
GIRLS’ SOCCER -- Undefeated San Luis Obispo (17-0-2) is the class of the league thanks to the efforts of Devon Carlstrom and Alessa Moscoso. The only team that has a legitimate chance of knocking the Tigers off their title drive is a decent Atascadero team led by Jamie Council, who has 16 goals on the season. But I don’t think that’s going to happen.
GIRLS’ WATER POLO -- Last year’s Division IV runner-up, Arroyo Grande, will take the league title again thanks, in part, to the efforts of senior Chelsea de Goede and Hannah Lounsbury. Megan Anthony and Cathryn Gibson have been hitting the back of the net all season for San Luis Obispo, which looks good for second.
-- Austin Knoblauch
-- Image from www.slocounty.ca.gov