As Santa Monica High goes into its Ocean League boys’ basketball schedule it has impressive credentials.
Coach James Hecht’s team has a 14-1 record after winning the Santa Barbara Tournament last week.
Samohi defeated Agoura 61-47, Santa Barbara 68-55, Pasadena 48-46 and Oxnard 67-54.
Viking center Ari Feldman was the tournament MVP, and guard Bryan Louff also made the all-tournament team.
The win over previously undefeated Pasadena was dramatic. After Feldman tied the game at 46 with 50 seconds remaining Pasadena controlled the ball, ultimately missed a shot and a follow-up attempt.
Louff missed a shot in the final seconds but Feldman made the winning tip-in.
“It’s great to have this record but every team starts out 0-0 once league play begins,” said Hecht.
Samohi suffered key losses from last year’s CIF finalist team.
“We also had good players returning, and it was a matter of how the returnees and players we brought up from the lower level teams would blend,” said Hecht. “This group really competes, and in each game we’re getting better.”
Samohi’s league home opener will be January 10 against Morningside at 7:30 p.m.
Feldman is a 6-foot-6 center who can shoot from outside and is hard to defend. He is also a star volleyball player.
