Role players doing their job well for Simi Valley

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Lorne Jackson is the first name that comes to mind when mentioning the Simi Valley boys’ basketball team. Mike Meza is typically second and Brad Lewis is normally third. Most everyone knows about the big three, with good reason, considering the seniors account for more than 75% of the team’s scoring on a nightly basis.

Guess that explains why we never hear about anyone else on the team, like the little three -- Spencer Feist, Danny Cox and Grant Keller. These guys are rarely acknowledged even though their contributions have been anything but small heading into Friday’s showdown against Thousand Oaks with sole possession of first place in the Marmonte League at stake.

“I’ve always said our success is based upon a number of guys playing well, not just one,’’ said Coach Christian Aurand, whose Pioneers moved up to No.10 in The Times’ most recent top 25 poll. “When we have everyone pitching in, doing their job, we can be tough to beat.’

Feist, Cox and Keller understand their respective roles. Unselfishness is the key. Playing steady defense is a must. Knocking down the occasional 3-pointer is necessary to take pressure off everyone else. Sure, the big three receive most of the recognition, but the little three deserve some of the credit.

-- Sean Ceglinsky