For whom the Belquist tolls

When speaking of promising basketball prospects in the South Bay, the discussion usually centers around Archbishop Mitty and a couple of other private schools in the area. But now there's a new talent muscling his way into the discussion -- Los Gatos High's Dylan Belquist.

After averaging 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists as a freshman and earning second team All-Santa Clara Valley Athletic League DeAnza Division honors plus CCS Freshman of the Year, he followed by spending the spring and summer playing up an age group as a member of the Top Flight Elite organization. it's now Wildcat time for Belquist.

Los Gatos Coach Nick Ward is happy to have the 2018 prospect back. "Dylan's a great kid. He's a tall guard with a long wingspan. He has a good mid-range game and can take the ball to the basket off the dribble."

Belquist concurs. "I think I'm a pretty good shooter with a pretty good first step."

After participating in the 2015 Bay Area Competition Clinic, this analysis of his game appeared: "Intriguing young prospect with size, versatility, and athleticism. Solid shooter, good finisher inside off the catch or the bounce, ok rebounder."

Another item is that Belquist has added some height since his frosh year and now stands 6-foot-5, with time still on his side for additional growth.

One thing is certain is that it's always been basketball for the young man. "My Dad played basketball and coach basketball so I think I was meant to play basketball." It didn't hurt that Belquist was enthralled by Air Highness in his earlier days. "I grew up watching Michael Jordan videos."

Entering his second season on varsity, "I'm more confident and I'll be looking for my shot more." He looks forward to opportunities requiring him to take the last shot in a game and sees himself as leader -- "I speak up to get my teammates in the right spots."

"We should do really well this season, especially in league," Belquist offered about the rapidly approaching Wildcat season. Los Gatos finished tied for fourth place with Milpitas at 6-6 in 2014-15, with Palo Alto and Homestead at 7-5 and Fremont High on top at 10-2.