But the Mavs didn't quit. In fact, quite the contrary was true--they turned it on to win 10 of their next 11 games, including four wins in the 24-team Silicon Valley Section Division 3 Hot Shot Tournament, to claim an NJB championship.

It wasn't an easy road for the Mavs. They were the No. 5 seed in the Hot Shot Tourney after their 6-4 league finish, but they were not to be denied.

The Mavericks opened the tournament with a 29-18 win over Foothill, then edged a very tall Almaden team 32-29. Willow Glen held on for a 33-30 win over Palo Alto in the semifinals, then crushed Foothill (Los Altos, Cupertino, Sunnyvale) 35-21 in the championship game.

It was a rocky road for the Mavericks early in the season. They lost 34-20, 34-28 and 32-19 to other Willow Glen teams to open the season, but then the season began to turn around.

Two wins over Palo Alto (34-21 and 41-23) got the Mavs on the winning track. Then they beat Foothill 37-22, Willow Glen 24-15, Evergreen 35-27 and Gilroy/Morgan Hill 42-28. The Mavericks suffered a heartbreaking 27-26 loss to Redwood City in the final regular season game, but then went on a tear through the tournament.

The Mavericks started out the season 0-3, but never questioned

themselves or their ability," wrote head coach Doug Artman in the team's season summary. "They knew it didn't matter who started the season strong; it mattered who finished strong. The Mavs kept working hard in practice and began their season turnaround in the fourth game.

"Their success was keyed by tenacious defense throughout the season, superb outside shooting and great team-oriented offense."