As the high school basketball season moves a step closer to CIFs, the Mission Bay High boys and girls teams are trying to position themselves for the playoffs. Girls basketball
On the girls side of things, head coach Vince Ichihara had his Bucs sitting at 10-10 (6-0 Central League play) heading into action this week.
In recent play, Mission Bay topped Christian 56-43 to take control of the league, gaining a two-game lead over Clairemont. Senior Sammy Zambrano and freshman Maggie Acquaah are averaging 11 points a game, respectively. Sophomore Natalie Mcdermott is averaging 10 points a game, with freshman Noella Coiquaud tallying eight points a game. “We have a very balanced attack and there always seems to be someone different stepping up night in and out,” Ichihara commented. Sophomore Ryleigh Maple is the team’s only true post player and has done great inside for the Bucs, according to Ichihara. The coach added that Brooklyn Grooms is a defensive specialist who also has knocked down big shots at times. Maggie Acquaah (5-foot 5-inches tall) has dominated bigger teams on the glass, averaging almost 10 rebounds a game to go with her 11 points. “We are currently ranked fifth in our division and are on track to not only make the playoffs for the first time in four years, but also be a top-four seed and host a playoff game at Mission Bay,” Ichihara remarked. “We started the first 10 games of the season 1-9, missing different combinations of starting players each game. Since having all of our team together, we are 9-1 and on a seven-game win streak.”  Boys basketball
On the boys side, head coach Marshawn Cherry has the Bucs at 16-8 coming into this week’s play.
Sophomore sharp-shooting point guard and great competitor, Rejean (Boogie) Ellis, continues to be the team’s leader and leading scorer. Sophomore Jamaryee Norton is the team’s second-leading scorer, getting to the rim and piling up points, while fellow sophomore Ronnie Latting is the team’s leading rebounder and shot blocker.
Sophomore Andre Scot is an athletic slashing guard, getting to the rim and possessing a great mid-range game. Senior Marcus Nickerson is a lightning-quick, athletic lock-up guard, capable of scoring in many ways. 
“I am very happy with our current position; we are tied for second in the league and looking to finish the second half of league off strong,” Cherry commented. “We are preparing for the playoffs and hoping to get the one or two seed in Division I.” 
As Cherry pointed out, coming into the season he didn’t know what to expect with this team, losing all the seniors from last year and the core of the team being sophomores.
“They have all performed great and each brings a lot to the team,” Cherry pointed out. “But the X-factor is senior Marcus Nickerson; his defense and leadership has been invaluable to the team’s success. We wouldn’t be in the position we are in today without him.”