PTPers face off

I asked Nipomo's Dominique Saunders (28.4 points per game) and Atascadero's Danny Thomas (18.5 ppg), the PAC 7's two leading boys basketball scorers, to size each other up as shooters.

Not only are both the "go-to" guys of their teams. The two have similar games. Both drive the basket, hustle for putbacks down low and can just as easily step out and shoot the 3.

No strangers, here's what they said about each other after meeting on court for the first time this season, a 58-48 Greyhounds win Tuesday.

Said Thomas (on Saunders): "He's a good scorer. He scores whenever he wants, and even as kids growing up, he was the same way. He's stronger with the ball in the post and he has a quicker first step. I think I'm a better shooter than he is, but I'm not sure."

Said Saunders on Thomas: "He's quick, and he has a good first step. If he makes a move, and you don't move with him, he's around you. We both drive to the basket, but the difference with him is he plays point for his team. I'm basically on the wing."

Though personally outscored by Saunders 23-18, Thomas got the first laugh with the win Tuesday, but the two will meet again in the regular season finale Feb. 9 in Atascadero.