Buoncristiana carries load as Galena squad looks to rebuild

Spencer Patterson

Monday, Dec. 21, 1998 | 11:27 a.m.

The last time Lance Buoncristiani played in the Holiday Prep Classic, the event served as a coming out party for he and his 1997-98 Galena Grizzlies teammates.

With the fiery point guard directing a talented group of future college players, the Reno school shocked nationally ranked California schools Compton and Long Beach Poly en route to a fifth-place finish.

That showing set the stage for a stellar Galena season that culminated with a second straight 4A northern zone title and a berth in the state final four, where the Grizzlies lost to eventual champion Valley by two points.

One year later, though, Buoncristiani and his teammates have a very different agenda as they make their third appearance in the 54-team event.

With all-state selections Matt Siebrandt and Brian Vaka off to UNLV and Santa Clara, respectively, and two more of last year's seniors playing at Division III schools, the Grizzlies didn't come to Las Vegas expecting a top-10 finish.

They're just looking for much-needed experience as they try to work a roster of new players into another northern zone contender.

"This year, it's more to let the kids see competition outside of northern Nevada," Galena coach Tom Mauer said before his team's 68-44 loss to Henderson County (Kent.) Saturday. "I feel this is the premier tournament in the nation, and I want us to play the best competition and be the most prepared we can for the northern league."

Despite being hit so hard by graduation, the Grizzlies would seem to have a chance to get back to the state tournament, thanks mainly to the presence of Buoncristiani, their lone holdover.

The 5-7 point guard is among the state's top players, possessing deadly range on his jump shot, keen court vision and confidence under pressure.

What he doesn't have are experienced teammates familiar with his abilities, as evidenced by several Buoncristiani passes that glanced off Galena hands in the team's opening round loss.

Yet the Grizzlies' leader remains confident his club will compete for its third-straight northern zone title.

"We don't have the athletes we had last year, but we have guys with a lot of heart," said Buoncristiani, who recently signed to play at Idaho next season. "This year, it seems like everybody's even (in the north), so it's going to be a toss-up."

While South Tahoe, Sparks and even Reed have all received more attention this winter, the Grizzlies have shown signs that they may be among the state's elite, picking up wins over solid Utah clubs Orem and Spanish Fork and taking ranked opponent St. Francis (Calif.) to overtime.

For the Grizzlies to keep getting better, Buoncristiani will need to continue growing into his new roles as the club's No. 1 offensive option and the team's senior leader.

"I've had to pick up more scoring a little bit, and I've got to lead a little bit more this season," he said. "I know I have to step up for us to get back to the state tournament."

And Mauer, for one, has confidence his point guard will do what it takes to cap off his high school career in style

"He's helping a young team grow into a contender in northern Nevada," Mauer said. "Lance would like to leave with three zone titles and that's our goal."