Getting defensive: Basketball looks to shut down foes

By GAVIN CORRAL
The Tower

The Manteca High Schools boys basketball team is taking a very different approach to this season. The Buffaloes are spending more time working on defense and stamina in their early practices.

After falling short in the postseason a year ago, The Tower spoke with the captains - Peyton Neiman, Evani Gaeta and Elijah Nelson - about the team chemistry and their collective plan to help bring home a championship.

Last year, the Buffaloes held Rio Americano to 20 points in the first half, but their defense collapsed during the fourth quarter, allowing them 28 points and a chance to seize the comeback win.

“Defense is our number one priority,” Neiman said, “… We definitely can’t let that happen again and our defense needs to improve.”

Manteca has a very competitive schedule and will take every game seriously. With a senior-laden roster, the Buffaloes have revenge on their minds after losing the Valley Oak League title to Central Catholic.

“This year were more of a heavy senior team,” Neiman said, “so I feel like we’re going to do good, and we have good chemistry.”