Giants win debut of new coach Jensen

COS got the Dallas Jensen era off to a successful start, riding a big night from Ryan Johnson (Hanford) to an 85-81 victory over Gavilan on Nov. 1 at Porter Field House.

Johnson, who was the Giants' starting quarterback to open last season before a knee injury ended his football career, finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. He sank four of six 3-point attempts.

Johnson's performance helped make a winner of Jensen in his debut as Giants coach. Jensen was hired in May to succeed Rusty Smith, who resigned after 18 seasons at COS. Jensen came to COS after two seasons at Gavilan, which hired his younger brother, Derek, to take over. 

Derek was Dallas' assistant at Gavilan last season. Their parents, Cherie and Kort, made the trip from Gilroy to take in the first battle between the brothers as opposing college basketball coaches.

The Giants, who are ranked No. 6 in the state in the preseason poll by the California Community College Men's Basketball Coaches Association, also received 20 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks from Eliho Cobb (Santa Maria), six points, four rebounds and four steals from Savion Johnson (Hanford) and five assists from Dewayne Holmes (Riverside) against No. 25 Gavilan

Tiyon Martin (Pasadena) had eight points and six assists, Amil Fields (Hayward) had eight points and three rebounds, Carlos Allen (Atlanta) had seven points and four assists, and Tiveon Stroud (Selma) had six points and two blocks off the bench for COS.

The Giants return to action this weekend at the Hinson's Tire Pros Winter Classic in San Luis Obispo. COS, which reached the state Elite Eight last season, will face host Cuesta at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 and Allan Hancock at 3 p.m. Nov. 9.