SCOUTING THE 4--A FINALISTS: A LOOK AT CLEVELAND AND SIMI VALLEY : KENNEDY’S Yutaka Shimizu

O n Feb. 19, the Kennedy High basketball team defeated Cleveland, 58-56. It was one of only two losses suffered by the Cavaliers in the Valley 4-A League this season. Kennedy Coach Yutaka Shimizu explains the game plan he used against Cleveland and what he expects to see in Friday’s final between Cleveland and Crenshaw:

“What we tried to do against Cleveland was take away the inside shot of Trevor Wilson and force them to shoot from the perimeter.

“Our original goal was to hold them to 50 points, which would have been tough because they score a lot of points. We held them to 56 and, fortunately, we ended up with 58.

“The key for us was our defense. We played a 2-3 zone against Cleveland and usually we play man-to-man. It was only the second time all season that we went into a zone. The first time we played zone was in the second half of our first game against Cleveland when Wilson was injured.

“In the game we won, Wilson scored most of his points from the perimeter. He scored a lot of points inside in the fourth quarter because they fouled four of our guys out of the game.

“If we were going to play them again, they would prepare to counterattack the tactics that worked for us in our win. A lot of times, the way you prepare for a team depends on how much time you have to do it. There’s a difference between having one day to get ready and having more time.

“I don’t think Crenshaw is going to do anything different than it’s done all year. They’ll play like they always play. They’ll press, play man-to-man and try to get an up-tempo game.

“I saw Crenshaw play last week and there are some similarities to Crenshaw teams of the past. Their starting unit is very good, but I don’t think the team is as deep as its been in the past.

“Crenshaw has a different type of team than we do. We were basically a man-to-man team this season and we didn’t have anyone that could match up with Trevor. We had to do certain things to counteract his size and ability.

“Crenshaw may have someone who can match up with Wilson. You have to force him to the outside if you can and definitely keep him off the boards.

“The thing to remember about Cleveland is that they have more than just Wilson. That’s evidenced by their record with him and without him when he was injured.

“They have young guys and they’ll be playing better now that it’s the end of the season then they were at the beginning.

“I really don’t want to comment on Cleveland’s personnel. I have to play them next season.”