San Diego Basketball Preview, part 5
Imperial Valley League 1) Brawley Union (Division 3, Brawley)
Head Coach: Andy Burnett (4th Year)
Advertisement
Last year's record: 18 - 6 (4 - 2, tied 1st)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Rafael Rojas-Reyes (Sr, 6'04"), Craig Fisher (Sr, 6'00"), Javier Silva (Jr, 6'00")
Losses to overcome: Chris Fisher (graduation), Andres Ponce (graduation)
Summary: The Wildcats look to be the class of the league.
2) Southwest (Division 2, El Centro)
Head Coach: Ruben Valenzuela (4th Year)
Last year's record: 9 - 19 (4 - 2, tied 1st)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Emiliano Martinez (Sr, 6'05"), Malik Glagow (Jr, 6'04"), Michael Angulo (Jr, 6'04")
Losses to overcome: Jacob Morton (graduation), Alec Hendry (graduation), Daniel Carrion (graduation)
Summary: The Eagles may give Brawley a challenge behind solid frontcourt.
3) Central Union (Division 3, El Centro)
Head Coach: Marty Zwart (3rd Year)
Last year's record: 12 - 13 (2 - 4, tied 3rd)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Brandon Andrews (Jr, 6'00"), Sam Castro (Sr, 5'08")
Losses to overcome: Chris Smith (graduation)
Summary: The Spartans must develop some quality post play to have a chance at contending.
4) Calexico (Division 1, Calexico)
Head Coach: Alfredo Silva (2nd Year)
Last year's record: 10 - 11 (2 - 4, tied 3rd)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Jacinto Garcia (Sr, 6'03"), Manuel Dorame (Sr, 5'11"), Brayan Campos (Jr, 5'11")
Losses to overcome: Jesus Valencia (graduation)
Summary: The Bulldogs hope to build on the improvement of last year.
Player of the Year:
Rafael Rojas-Reyes (Brawley)
All-Imperial Valley League:
Brandon Andrews (Central Union)
Craig Fisher (Brawley)
Jacinto Garcia (Calexico)
Emiliano Martinez (Southwest)
Rafael Rojas-Reyes (Brawley)
Mesa League 1) Eastlake (Division 1, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Alex Estrada (11th Year)
Last year's record: 17 - 10 (9 - 1, 1st)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Felix Dion (Sr, 6'03"), Trevon Ash (Sr, 6'03"), Travis Gardner (So, 6'01")
Losses to overcome: Jovan Griffin (graduation), Alexander Epps (graduation)
Summary: The Titans are the league favorites once again
2) Otay Ranch (Division 1, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Howard Suda (6th Year)
Last year's record: 16 - 13 (7 - 3, 2nd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Alex Perez (Jr, 6'03"), Antuone Collins (Jr, 6'02"), J.R. Espanto (Sr, 6'00"), Darnell Williams (Sr, 6'02")
Losses to overcome: Melvin Holper (Cuyamaca CC), Isaiah Hall (graduation)
Summary: The Mustangs should make the league race interesting.
3) Bonita Vista (Division 1, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Bill Woods (1st Year)
Last year's record: 7 - 19 (1 - 9, 6th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Zach Sanchez (Sr, 6'01"), David Scarafone (Sr, 6'02"), Andrew Cupil (Sr, 6'08")
Losses to overcome: Antuone Collins (transferred - Otay Ranch)
Summary: The Barons should be improved from a year ago.
4) Chula Vista (Division 1, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Garrard Galvan (8th Year)
Last year's record: 15 - 13 (6 - 4, 3rd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Stephon Turner (Sr, 6'01"), Brandon West (Sr, 6'04"), Victor Perez (Sr, 6'06"), Taylor Nelson (Sr, 6'00")
Losses to overcome: Jon McClendon (transferred - San Ysidro), Justin Walker (graduation)
Summary: The Spartans should be in the middle of the pack once again.
5) Hilltop (Division 1, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Chuck Vallero (19th Year)
Last year's record: 10 - 16 (4 - 6, 4th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Jacob Craig (Sr, 6'02"), Carlos Perez (Jr, 6'05")
Losses to overcome: Chris Prather (graduation), Anthony Carillo (graduation)
Summary: The Lancers hope to make some positive strides in league.
6) Mater Dei (Division 4, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Kenny Caesar (1st Year)
Last year's record: 10 - 18 (3 - 7, 5th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Angel Basantes (Jr, 5'10")
Losses to overcome: R.J. Rowan (graduation), De'Anthony Tobe (graduation)
Summary: It may be a long year for the Crusaders.
Player of the Year:
Trevon Ash (Eastlake)
All-Mesa League:
Trevon Ash (Eastlake)
Antuone Collins (Otay Ranch)
Felix Dion (Eastlake)
Alex Perez (Otay Ranch)
David Scarafone (Bonita Vista)
Palomar League 1) El Camino (Division 1, Oceanside)
Head Coach: Jeff Jarrard (1st Year)
Last year's record: 31 - 4 (10 - 0, 1st in Avocado)
Last year's playoffs: Won CIF D-1 Championship; Lost in State 2nd Round.
Key players: Ryan Ena (Jr, 6'05"), Dayton Boddie (So, 6'03"), Chris Gorman (Jr, 5'11")
Losses to overcome: Luke Evans (Cal Baptist), Steven Aldridge (San Diego CC), Alan Cox (graduation)
Summary: The Wildcats return a young but talented nucleus that makes them the team to beat in league.
2) Rancho Bernardo (Division 1, Rancho Bernardo)
Head Coach: Jim Choe (2nd Year)
Last year's record: 19 - 11 (5 - 5, 3rd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Semi-finals.
Key players: Tanner Clayton (Sr, 6'09"), Scott Fuller (Sr, 6'02"), Brett Stephan (Sr, 6'03")
Losses to overcome: Brian Hogan (graduation), Steven Davis (graduation)
Summary: The Broncos should be a strong contender in the league race.
3) Poway (Division 1, Poway)
Head Coach: Aaron Little (4th Year)
Last year's record: 17 - 12 (4 - 6, 4th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals.
Key players: Sam Beeler (So, 6'10"), Danny Woodley (Sr, 6'02"), Nate Long (Jr, 6'03")
Losses to overcome: Brian Kuklok (graduation), Stephen Bonner (graduation)
Summary: The Titans may be a sleeper in the league title chase.
4) Vista (Division 1, Vista)
Head Coach: Charlie Mercado (4th Year)
Last year's record: 23 - 7 (7 - 3, 2nd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals.
Key players: Stephen Que (Sr, 5'10"), Antoine Maples (Sr, 6'03"), Sedrick Childress (So, 6'02")
Losses to overcome: Quincy Lawson (Loyola Marymount), Tray Johnson (Saddleback CC), Mikey Franciscus (graduation)
Summary: The Panthers look to rebuild after being hit hard by graduation.
5) Carlsbad (Division 1, Carlsbad)
Head Coach: Scott Ogden (10th year)
Last year's record: 16 - 13 (3 - 7, 5th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Sawyer Carlson (Sr, 5'11"), Tommy Gordon (Sr, 6'01"), Charlie Parker (Sr, 6'04")
Losses to overcome: James Towner (graduation), Michael Tanael (graduation)
Summary: The Lancers should battle to get into league contention.
6) Rancho Buena Vista (Division 1, Vista)
Head Coach: Terry Miller (9th Year)
Last year's record: 11 - 16 (1 - 9, 6th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Jake Bennett (Sr, 6'09"), Anthony McIver (Sr, 6'05")
Losses to overcome: Tyler Downs (graduation), Jon Hernandez (graduation), Johnny Dee (transferred - Kansas)
Summary: The Longhorns suffered some major losses in the offseason.
Player of the Year:
Ryan Ena (El Camino)
All-Palomar League:
Dayton Boddie (El Camino)
Tanner Clayton (Rancho Bernardo)
Ryan Ena (El Camino)
Stephen Que (Vista)
Danny Woodley (Poway)
South Bay League 1) Southwest (Division 3, Imperial Beach)
Head Coach: Steve Selland (25th Year)
Last year's record: 19 - 8 (12 - 0, 1st)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals.
Key players: Jay Santos (Sr, 5'09"), Ashper Morris (Sr, 5'09"), Emilio Arellano (Sr, 6'05")
Losses to overcome: Laurence Degrasio (graduation), Rosendo Luna (graduation)
Summary: The Raiders are once again the league favorites behind a solid nucleus.
2) San Ysidro (Division 2, San Ysidro)
Head Coach: Terry Tucker (3rd Year)
Last year's record: 15 - 12 (7 - 5, 3rd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Dondi Shumate (Sr, 5'10"), Javion Watson (So, 6'02"), John McClendon (Sr, 6'03")
Losses to overcome: Duane Quezada (graduation)
Summary: The Cougars will challenge for league supremacy all season.
3) Olympian (Division 3, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Alex Salazar (3rd Year)
Last year's record: 8 - 18 (2 - 10, tied 6th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Ryan Van Nostrand (Sr, 6'01"), Ryan Canlapen (Sr, 5'09"), Steven Watkins (Jr, 6'06")
Losses to overcome: Benneth Bunag (graduation)
Summary: The Eagles are a team to watch in league.
4) Mar Vista (Division 2, Imperial Beach)
Head Coach: Jesse Aguirre (7th Year)
Last year's record: 16 - 10 (20 - 2, 2nd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Nathaniel Bennett (Sr, 6'02"), Luke Stamm (Sr, 6'01"), Treyvon Turner (Sr, 6'03")
Losses to overcome: Greg Charley (graduation), Jared Satterfield (graduation), Jeremi Morales (graduation)
Summary: Graduation really hurt the Mariners.
5) Montgomery (Division 3, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Ed Martin (2nd Year)
Last year's record: 8 - 20 (6 - 6, 4th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Al Agapay (Sr, 5'04"), Ricky Reyes (Sr, 6'03"), Alex Cobb (Sr, 5'11")
Losses to overcome: Mark Armitage (graduation), Surge Ponce (graduation), Faaliga Siatu (graduation)
Summary: The Aztecs may be able to sneak into league contention before the season is over.
6) Sweetwater (Division 1, National City)
Head Coach: Jose Mendoza (1st Year)
Last year's record: 8 - 15 (3 - 9, 5th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Nigal Sanders (Sr, 5'11"), Jorge Alvarez (Sr, 6'03")
Losses to overcome: Bobby Cobian (graduation), Nathaniel Cobb (graduation)
Summary: The Red Devils will fight to stay out of the cellar.
7) Castle Park (Division 3, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Marcos Ochoa (1st Year)
Last year's record: 4 - 17 (2 - 10, tied 6th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Tyron Eden (Jr, 5'07")
Losses to overcome: Keifer Baker (graduation), Miguel Hodges (graduation)
Summary: It should be another long year for the Trojans.
Player of the Year:
Javion Watson (San Ysidro)
All-South Bay League:
Al Agapay (Montgomery)
Nathaniel Bennett (Mar Vista)
Jay Santos (Southwest)
Steven Watkins (Olympian)
Javion Watson (San Ysidro)
Valley League 1) Oceanside (Division 1, Oceanside)
Head Coach: John Crogeur (1st Year)
Last year's record: 25 - 5 (10 - 2, 1st)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in CIF D-2 Championship; Lost in State 1st Round.
Key players: J.J. Whitaker (Sr, 5'10"), Markese Cronk (Sr, 6'00"), Edward Woodfork (Sr, 6'04")
Losses to overcome: Osmond Nicholas (graduation)
Summary: The Pirates should once again be the class of the league.
2) San Marcos (Division 2, San Marcos)
Head Coach: Dante Carey (4th Year)
Last year's record: 17 - 11 (7 - 5, 3rd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in D-3 1st Round.
Key players: Shane McPherson (Sr, 6'02"), Josh White (Sr, 5'11"), Hayden Bachman (Sr, 6'00")
Losses to overcome: Zach Ramirez (graduation), Matt Meyers (graduation), Adrien Briens (graduation)
Summary: The Knights will challenge for league supremacy.
3) Valley Center (Division 3, Valley Center)
Head Coach: Bob Purdy (4th Year)
Last year's record: 15 - 13 (8 - 4, 2nd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Semi-finals.
Key players: Matt Battelle (Sr, 6'01"), Stehly Reden (Jr, 6'06"), Beau Reilly (Jr, 6'04")
Losses to overcome: James Johnson (graduation)
Summary: The Jaguars should be in the thick of the league title race.
4) Westview (Division 2, Rancho Penasquitos)
Head Coach: Kyle Smith (1st Year)
Last year's record: 10 - 16 (5 - 7, tied 4th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Peter Rubis (Sr, 6'06"), Lance Vigilia (Sr, 5'09")
Losses to overcome: Phil Gruber (graduation)
Summary: The Wolverines should be in contention all year in a very balanced league.
5) Ramona (Division 2, Ramona)
Head Coach: Ken Scheib (8th Year)
Last year's record: 15 - 13 (5 - 7, tied 4th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Andrew Alcarez (Sr, 5'11"), Keith Scheib (Sr, 6'01"), Kwayde Miller (So, 6'08")
Losses to overcome: Dodge McIntosh (graduation), Cameron Kolk (graduation)
Summary: The Bulldogs could be a sleeper in the league race.
6) Mt. Carmel (Division 2, Rancho Penasquitos)
Head Coach: Brad Enright (1st Year)
Last year's record: 2 - 25 (2 - 10, 7th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: John Buford (Sr, 6'00"), Lewis Sheffield (Sr, 6'00"), Mike Nelson (Sr, 6'01")
Losses to overcome: Ryan Carden (graduation), Max Shulman (transferred - Scripps Ranch)
Summary: The Sundevils should see improvement from a year ago.
7) Orange Glen (Division 2, Escondido)
Head Coach: Chris Featherly (1st Year)
Last year's record: 11 - 15 (5 - 7, tied 4th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Chris Locher (Jr, 6'02"), Matt Hausner (Jr, 6'02")
Losses to overcome: Feras Tartir (graduation), Derrick Rhone (graduation)
Summary: The Patriots will battle to stay out of the league cellar.
Player of the Year:
J.J. Whitaker (Oceanside)
All-Valley League:
Matt Batelle (Valley Center)
Markese Cronk (Oceanside)
Shane McPherson (San Marcos)
Peter Rubis (Westview)
J.J. Whitaker (Oceanside)
Western League 1) Lincoln (Division 2, San Diego)
Head Coach: Jason Bryant (3rd Year)
Last year's record: 19 - 12 (5 - 7, tied 4th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Semi-finals.
Key players: Victor Dean (Sr, 6'06"), Rasean Simpson (Jr, 6'06"), Jerry Cobb (So, 6'02"), Tyree Robinson (Fr, 6'04"),
Tyrell Robinson (Fr, 6'04"), Norman Powell (Jr, 6'03")
Losses to overcome: Javon Barrino (UC Merced), Ronald Yell (graduation), Jonathan Simpson (graduation)
Summary: The Hornets are a serious contender for the D-2 CIF and league crowns behind a very deep and talented group.
2) La Jolla (Division 3, La Jolla)
Head Coach: Kamal Assaf (6th Year)
Last year's record: 17 - 15 (5 - 7, tied 4th)
Last year's playoffs: Won CIF D-3 Championship; Lost in State 1st Round.
Key players: Taylor Davis (Sr, 6'02"), Jack Latta (Sr, 6'04"), Max Greenberg (Sr, 6'01")
Losses to overcome: Tyler Heap (graduation)
Summary: The Vikings will battle for the D-3 CIF and league titles.
3) Mission Bay (Division 3, Mission Bay)
Head Coach: Dennis Kane (7th Year)
Last year's record: 12 - 14 (4 - 8, 7th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals.
Key players: Derrick Thompson (Sr, 5'08"), C.J. Rayford (Jr, 6'07"), Irving Valdivinos (Sr, 6'02")
Losses to overcome: Esaias Tsegai (graduation)
Summary: The Buccaneers are serious contenders for both the D-3 CIF and league crowns.
4) Scripps Ranch (Division 2, Scripps Ranch)
Head Coach: Brian Keiser (1st Year)
Last year's record: 13 - 13 (5 - 7, tied 4th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Thomas Jacobs (Sr, 6'05"), Jon Irving (Sr, 6'00"), Ryan Carden (Jr, 6'04"), Max Shulman (Sr, 6'00")
Losses to overcome: Jacob McLemore (graduation), James Collins (graduation)
Summary: The Falcons return enough talent to be a serious contender in the league race.
5) St. Augustine (Division 3, San Diego)
Head Coach: Mike Haupt (15th Year)
Last year's record: 20 - 8 (8 - 4, 2nd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals.
Key players: Ceprian McClaren (Sr, 6'00"), Dana Barbaro (Sr, 6'02")
Losses to overcome: Stephon Lamar (Univ. of Pacific), Cole Carter (graduation), Kwamanique Brandon (graduation)
Summary: Saints may be able to sneak into title contention as the season wears on.
6) Cathedral Catholic (Division 3, Del Mar)
Head Coach: Will Cunningham (1st Year)
Last year's record: 17 - 14 (6 - 6, 3rd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in CIF D-3 Championship; Lost in State 1st Round.
Key players: Nick Madden (Sr, 6'05")
Losses to overcome: Aldrete Andres (graduation), Chase Novak (graduation), Matt Moynihan (graduation)
Summary: The Dons may surprise before the season ends.
7) University City (Division 3, La Jolla)
Head Coach: Terry Stonebreaker (6th Year)
Last year's record: 23 - 6 (9 - 3, 1st)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Semi-finals.
Key players: Reynard Rice (Sr, 6'02"), Jordan Johnson (Sr, 6'00")
Losses to overcome: Mark Hills (graduation), David Washington (Pro baseball)
Summary: Graduation hurt the Centurions but there are no bad teams in this league.
Player of the Year:
Victor Dean (Lincoln)
All-Western League:
Taylor Davis (La Jolla)
Victor Dean (Lincoln)
Thomas Jacobs (Scripps Ranch)
Tyree Robinson (Lincoln)
Derrick Thompson (Mission Bay)