Padres reunite as foes

Kochevar was ice to Ochoa's fire, and the two formed one of the best backcourts in the Central Coast Section. While they rarely hung out off the court, their chemistry was undeniable, and the respect they have for one another is immense. Kochevar graduated in June 2003 and Ochoa a year later.

"I looked up to Andrew because he was such a great leader," Ochoa said. "He was always positive, regardless of how bad a situation was. No matter how crazy things were, I never saw him lose his temper. He was that focused."

Added Kochevar: "Kevin was kind of the silent leader on the team. He was one of the best point guards I've every played with. He's so smart, so athletic and I was fortunate to play with him."

The two may be guarding one another Saturday night when Sonoma State plays Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont at 7:30 p.m. William Armanino and Nino Productions has labeled the matchup the "Battle of the Padres." Admission will be free to all current Serra students with school I.D. and $5 for alumni and Serra community fans.

Running it up in college

"It's going to be crazy," Ochoa said. "It's going to be great seeing him again. The place should be rocking [Saturday night]."

Said Kochevar: "It's going to be a special moment. This is going to be a true homecoming. There would actually be three former Padres on the court, but (NDNU's) Delphino Williams is hurt. It's going to be a little weird playing against Kevin, but I'm sure it'll be fun."

Kochevar is a redshirt freshman and starting point guard for the Division II Seawolves, while Ochoa is a key reserve for the NAIA Argonauts. As recently as 10 days ago, Kochevar was Sonoma State's sixth man, a player who came in and provided instant energy and offense. Saturday, he will be making his third start at the point after the Sonoma State coaching staff decided it was best to put the ball in Kochevar's hands as much as possible.

The decision was a no-brainer. With a high basketball I.Q., a penchant for making big plays and an ability to put up PlayStation II-like numbers from beyond the arc, the 6-foot-2-inch, 180-pound Kochevar has excelled at the next level. He's averaging eight points per game and is shooting a remarkable 67 percent from 3-point range, the top mark in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Kochevar has packed on 15 pounds of muscle and is quicker since his senior year at Serra.

Ochoa has also made a somewhat seamless transition to the college game. He packs plenty of power on his 5-foot-11-inch, 165-pound frame, and is able to penetrate and dish at will. With impeccable decision-making and a competitive drive that's always stuck in sixth gear, it's no wonder Ochoa has made an immediate impact. His biggest weakness has always been his lack of shooting accuracy, but he's improved in that area, too.

"Kevin brings a lot of speed and is tough to stop," NDNU coach George Puou said. "He can pressure the ball, and he's not afraid to take the tough shot. He's relentless in that regard and we feel he'll be our starting point guard next year."

Kochevar and Ochoa have so much in common it's hard to believe they've seen each other just once — at the Serra alumni game on Nov. 24 — in the past 18 months. They both enjoy tremendous family support. Kochevar's parents haven't missed a single home game, and both traveled to Tucson to see the Seawolves take on the University of Arizona on Nov. 11 in their season opener.

"Playing in that game was a huge confidence-booster for us," Kochevar said. "We lost by 25 but we were down only 10 at halftime, and led 12-7. They retired (Sacramento Kings point guard) Mike Bibby's jersey and to be able to play with all these guys you see on TV and hold my own, it showed what I could do."

Likewise, Ochoa's grandparents have made it to every home and away game, including a trip to Utah to see NDNU play in the Westminster Tournament in Salt Lake City. Kochevar and Ochoa credit Serra coach Chuck Rapp for preparing them for life after high school.

"The demands that coach Rapp puts on you is for the best," Kochevar said. "Everything we did at Serra, from the tough practices to the tough games in the WCAL, trained me for life in college."

"Coach Rapp makes you play hard," Ochoa said. "Whenever I was messing around, I could hear him yelling at me. I can't get him out of my head. He's still yelling."

For all of their similarities, Kochevar and Ochoa's biggest passion — besides hoops of course — is a love for hip-hop. Ochoa listens to music's No. 1 genre with the intensity and desire of a music critic, while Kochevar has his own album coming out in March. He's the rapper and producer for Project Room Entertainment, which is part of the Alliance Music Group. The former teammates not only can spit some mad game, they can play it, too. So if they get matched up on one another, what will happen?

"If I'm guarding him, I'm not going to let him shoot, that's for sure," Ochoa said. "Hell no."

Said Kochevar: "They better get a hand up. If I get an open look…"

Nothing but net.