3-A Division : HH Wilson’s Balance Creates a Major Concern for Ganesha

Appearances may be deceiving in today’s 2 p.m. Southern Section boys’ 3-A basketball final in the Sports Arena between Hacienda Heights Wilson and Ganesha high schools.

On the surface, Wilson would seem to be a one-dimensional team, led by 6-foot 10-inch center Scott Williams, playing against a balanced Ganesha team.

Each team would seem to have clear-cut methods to achieve victory: Wilson getting the ball to Williams; Ganesha stopping Williams. Or so it would seem.

“I think people come in and think they can stop Scott and win,” said Mike Lowe, Wilson coach. “But then another guy will step in and have a big night.”

Although Ganesha (28-1) and Wilson (27-3) appear to be vastly different, they are very much alike. Both are experienced teams, Ganesha with four senior starters and Wilson with three. Both have centers with impressive statistics, yet both are surprisingly balanced. And both like to run.

“I think we match up with them pretty well,” Lowe said. “They know what we’re gonna do, and I think we know what they’re going to do.”

The teams do match up well, even at center where Williams’ statistics of 19 points and 12 rebounds a game are similar to those of Ganesha center Kevin Cutler (19 points and 13 rebounds).

Wilson uses a three-guard offense, with 6-3 forward Neil Weingarten playing up front with Williams. Weingarten has been playing exceptionally well of late. His defensive play on 6-8 Bob Erbst and 6-8 Dan McGwire keyed playoff wins over Katella and Claremont.