De Anza Looking to Make Deep Postseason Run
De Anza High School (El Sobrante, CA) has had one of its best seasons in the school’s history as they finished with an undefeated 10-0 record in league, and 23-3 overall. I had the honor of watching them play for the first time last week as they took on Kennedy High School (Richmond, CA) at home. They were long, quick, athletic, and they played together as a team. They are led by Senior guard Jalen Scott who won MVP of the league, and Senior wing Jalen Chandler. Those two provide the energy and athleticism for the team. As for guard play senior Franco Barefield provides the full court pressure along with Junior guard Isaiah Thomas. Thomas also can score as he put up a career high 41 points against Pinole Valley earlier in the season. Despite the talent De Anza has with its upperclassmen, their sophomores are a very important part of their success.
Sophomore guards Daniel Fagan and Jalen Henderson, have different roles but are both major factors for the team. Henderson is one of the best athletes on the team as he is good in the open court, and plays good on-ball defense. For Fagan he is the team’s point gaurd. He creates for his teammates and also scores when needed to. His basketball IQ is very high and he gives the team the balance it needs with all of the athletes they have. Fagan has a desire to win, and wants the team to continue to play as one. “We’ve been working as a team to get wins and that’s the way we want to play for the rest of the season”, Fagan said. Fagan was named honarable mention for the all-conference team as he averaged 14 points 5 rebounds and 6 assists a game.
De Anza will travel on the road to Newark Memorial Tuesday Night despite being the 6th seed in Division 2 of the North Coast Section.