Santiago boys basketball coach, after thrilling CIF playoff game, believes it’s time for his program to ‘take the next step’

Santiago’s Ricky Briseno is introduced during the starting lineups in front of a big crowd, which included Cavalier fans and the school band (in the background).

Many of the fans who packed the Santiago High gym in Garden Grove for the CIF 4AA boys basketball playoffs Friday night came away disappointed.

But Santiago’s third-year Coach Matt Moorhouse remained proud of his squad’s effort following a 55-54 loss to Portola, which was playing its first CIF playoff game. (Please click here to see the game story and photos)

It was a great year for the Cavaliers, who finished 18-9 overall and shared the Garden Grove League title with La Quinta.

“We didn’t expect to do that, I returned one starter, Ricky (Briseno) so we were very inexperienced,” Moorhouse said.

Briseno scored 17 points to lead Santiago. Manny Torres added nine points.

“If you have told me last year that we would win 18 games and win league, I’m taking that all day,” Moorhouse said.

“I’m actually really happy with the season overall. I think we have something to build on for the next year. I have three guys returning and seven guys overall returning so for the first time since I’ve been here, I’ll actually have returning multiple starters.

“We won 19 games last year and 18 games this year and I really think were the favorites for next year.”

Santiago also figures to have lots of fans cheering them on.

“A lot of people don’t realize this is a great place for basketball,” Moorhouse said. “All through league we’ve had the top crowd in league. Our kids come out and support us and I’ve got to really give it to our ASB and cheerleaders and drill team, and the kids in general. They were absolutely fantastic and they were a big part of what we did.

“I know we definitely filled it because we had guys on the sideline and we had no where to sit. But it was a fun game, Portola brought a good crowd. I honestly really enjoyed having Portola here. The kids on their side were great, their fans were great. I hope we can start playing Portola every year in a single because they’re a good team and they’re fun to compete with.”

The large and loud crowd made it tough for players to hear their coaches.

“What an incredible environment this was,” Portola Coach Brian Smith said.

“This is the best atmosphere I’ve been in, my ears were ringing,” added Portola guard Robert Giraldy.

Among those in the crowd was Tustin Coach Ringo Bossenmeyer, who worked with Moorhouse when he was an assistant there.

“We won CIF there, which was big; that was my best moment obviously and it’s kind of cool to come to a school like this and show them what we did over there,” Moorhouse said. “We’re trying to build something here and they’ve bought into it. I think we need to take that next step now.”

Moorhouse said he appreciates what Bossenmeyer did for him.

“Coach Bossenmeyer is like the best defensive coach in Orange County and I learned so much from him,” he said.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com