San Diego County League Team Previews: pt 2 of 3
Mesa League
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1) Eastlake (Division 1, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Alex Estrada (7th Year)
Last year's record: 24 – 5 (10 – 0, 1st)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Semi-finals.
Key players: Marlon King (Sr, 5'10"), Stephen Carr (Sr, 6'04"), Kareem Rodriguez (Sr, 6'03")
Losses to overcome: Marlano Batson (graduation)
Summary: King and Carr form a terrific duo and should help the Titans battle for another league title.
2) Bonita Vista (Division 1, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Jeff Jones (1st Year)
Last year's record: 16 – 10 (7 – 3, 2nd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round
Key players: Pierce Hunter (Sr, 6'06"), Jared Jackson (Sr, 6'05"), Mark Kiefer (Jr, 6'01"), Desmaan Robinson (Sr, 6'08")
Losses to overcome: None
Summary: The inside presence of Robinson will enhance Hunter's versatility, and help the Barons' challenge for the
league crown.
3) Southwest (Division 1, Imperial Beach)
Head Coach: Steve Selland (21st Year)
Last year's record: 14 – 13 (5 – 5, 4th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Stephan Towns (Sr, 6'02"), DeQuonta Webster (Sr, 6'00")
Losses to overcome: Daryl Anderson (graduation), Thomas Campbell (graduation), Jayson Towns (graduation)
Summary: Some talent returns for the Raiders who lack an inside presence to be considered a serious league contender.
4) Montgomery (Division 1, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: George Anderson (16th Year)
Last year's record: 6 – 20 (2 – 8, 5th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Cory Torregano (Sr, 6'00"), Chris Pizzaro (Jr, 6'00"), Daniel Murillo (Sr, 5'08")
Losses to overcome: William Keller (graduation), Chris Delacruz (graduation)
Summary: The Aztecs will be improved but must overcome their lack of size.
5) Chula Vista (Division 1, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Garrard Galvan (4th Year)
Last year's record: 16 – 12 (6 – 4, 3rd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Richard Woods (Sr, 6'02"), Kenneth Wilson (Sr, 6'01"), Mario Gutierrez (Sr, 5'11")
Losses to overcome: Demetrio Brown (graduation), Andrew Singleton (graduation)
Summary: A rebuilding year is in store for the Spartans.
6) Sweetwater (Division 1, National City)
Head Coach: Irvin Jerry (1st Year)
Last year's record: 4 – 23 (0 – 10, 6th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Eddie Venta (Sr, 6'00"), Sergio Bruno (Sr, 5'10")
Losses to overcome: Andy Silveyra (graduation)
Summary: The Red Devils are in for another long season.
South Bay League
1) Hilltop (Division 2, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Chuck Vallero (15th Year)
Last year's record: 25 – 3 (10 – 0, 1st)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals.
Key players: Gabe Wessel (Sr, 6'02"), Albert Alcala (Jr, 6'06"), Roger Davis (Sr, 6'04")
Losses to overcome: Luke Kelley (Cuyamaca College), David Vallero (graduation), Jon Orozco (graduation)
Summary: After winning their first league title in 41 years, the Lancers are primed to win another one behind the play of
Wessel.
2) Otay Ranch (Division 1, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Howard Suda (2nd Year)
Last year's record: 12 – 13 (7 – 3, 2nd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Dexter McDuffie (Sr, 6'04"), Ranee Woods (Jr, 6'06"), Domenic Cosentino (Jr, 6'02"),
Anthony Cosentino (So, 6'03")
Losses to overcome: None
Summary: A talented group returns for the Mustangs, who should challenge for the league crown.
3) San Ysidro (Division 2, San Ysidro)
Head Coach: David Maxwell (2nd Year)
Last year's record: 2 – 23 (0 – 10, 6th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Jose Silva (Jr, 6'06"), Sam Robinson (Sr, 6'00"), Charles Lovelace (Sr, 6'00")
Losses to overcome: None
Summary: The Cougars look to rebound from their first year of play with a solid nucleus.
4) Castle Park (Division 1, Chula Vista)
Head Coach: Don Brooks (4th Year)
Last year's record: 8 – 18 (5 – 5, 4th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Raymond Blossom (Jr, 5'08")
Losses to overcome: Hakim Thomas (graduation), Anthony Martinez (graduation), Magnum Toves (graduation)
Summary: The Trojans must develop some inside play in order to compete with the upper echelon of the league.
5) Mar Vista (Division 2, Imperial Beach)
Head Coach: Jesse Aguirre (3rd Year)
Last year's record: 3 – 20 (2 – 8, 5th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Sheldon Tucker (Jr, 6'03"), Jacob Penolio (Jr, 6'03")
Losses to overcome: Max Werner (graduation), Ruben Allen (graduation)
Summary: Some size returns for the Mariners who continue to rebuild.
6) Marian Catholic (Division 4, Imperial Beach)
Head Coach: Ed Johnson (3rd Year)
Last year's record: 14 – 10 (6 – 4, 3rd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals.
Key players: Alex Cota (Jr, 5'11"), Deandre Henry (Jr, 5'08"), Mik Fajardo (Jr, 5'08")
Losses to overcome: Earl Wilson (football at Saddleback College), Brandon Alvarado (graduation)
Summary: Graduation losses and a lack of size will make for a long year for the Crusaders.
Grossmont North League
1) Santana (Division 3, Santee)
Head Coach: Tim Barry (6th Year)
Last year's record: 10 – 17 (2 – 6, tied for 4th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Jon Hernandez (Sr, 6'01"), Ricky Michelmore (Sr, 6'02"), Brooks Bass (Jr, 6'00")
Losses to overcome: Tai Purpero (graduation), Billy Wickens (graduation)
Summary: This may be the Sultans' year as graduation has devastated some other league teams.
2) El Capitan (Division 2, Lakeside)
Head Coach: Ross Furrow (14th Year)
Last year's record: 7 – 19 (2 – 6, tied for 5th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Cory Brown (Sr, 6'08")
Losses to overcome: David Reeder (graduation), Daniel Krueger (graduation)
Summary: Brown is the best player in the league, but other players will need to step up for the Vaqueros to contend in a
down year.
3) West Hills (Division 2, Santee)
Head Coach: Jeff Armstrong (13th Year)
Last year's record: 14 – 13 (6 – 2, 1st)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Bo Hart (Jr, 6'02"), Peter Gilson (Jr, 6'01"), Troy Nowlin (Jr, 6'04")
Losses to overcome: Matthew Gilson (Pt. Loma Nazarene), Ryan Shumaker (Cuyamaca College), Nathan Muzquiz (graduation)
Summary: The Wolfpack will feel the sting of graduation, but Gilson and Hart should make them respectable.
4) Grossmont (Division 2, Grossmont)
Head Coach: Frank Foggiano (5th Year)
Last year's record: 17 – 11 (5 – 3, tied for 2nd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals.
Key players: Luis Gonzales (Sr, 6'03"), Justin Rutherford (Jr, 6'05")
Losses to overcome: Tyler Barbour (graduation), Tyler Hajosy (graduation), Robert Gange (graduation)
Summary: The loss of Barbour and Hajosy will be hard to overcome for the Foothillers.
5) El Cajon Valley (Division 2, El Cajon)
Head Coach: Nate Reed (3rd Year)
Last year's record: 10 – 16 (5 – 3, tied for 2nd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Abraham Muheize (Sr, 5'11")
Losses to overcome: Frank Collins (Cuyamaca College), Shane Myer (graduation)
Summary: The Braves youth make them a wild card in a league of parity.
Grossmont South League
1) Helix (Division 1, La Mesa)
Head Coach: John Singer (26th Year)
Last year's record: 25 – 6 (8 – 2, 2nd)
Last year's playoffs: Won CIF D-1 Championship; Lost in State 1st Round.
Key players: David Jefferson (Jr, 6'04"), Lawrence Hurdle (Jr, 5'10"), Kareem Abukar (So, 6'01")
Losses to overcome: Lance Hurdle (UC, Santa Barbara), Clinton Shelton (Cuyamaca College)
Summary: The loss of Hurdle will sting, but the Highlanders should have enough to return to the top of the league.
2) Steele Canyon (Division 2, Rancho San Diego)
Head Coach: Bernie Balikian (1st Year)
Last year's record: 30 – 2 (9 – 1, 1st)
Last year's playoffs: Won CIF D-2 Championship; Lost in State 2nd Round.
Key players: Wesley Davis (Sr, 6'03"), Lionel Ball (Sr, 6'04"), Emory Mitchell (Sr, 6'06")
Losses to overcome: Richie Williams (San Diego State), George Cunningham (Southern Indiana),
Jason Beauchamp (football @ Nevada), Raymond Williams (transfer to Horizon)
Summary: A lot of unknowns linger in the face of last year's special season. The development of Ball and Mitchell inside
will determine the Cougars fate.
3) Granite Hills (Division 1, El Cajon)
Head Coach: Randy Anderson (2nd Year)
Last year's record: 13 – 14 (5 – 5, 3rd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Nick Taylor (Sr, 6'02"), Clark Gordon (Sr, 6'08"), Brandon Pride (Sr, 5'08")
Losses to overcome: James Clark (graduation), Ryan Snyder (graduation), David Baxter (graduation)
Summary: Graduation losses will hurt, but Taylor leads a solid returning cast for the Eagles.
4) Mt. Miguel (Division 2, Spring Valley)
Head Coach: Michael Golovka (2nd Year)
Last year's record: 10 – 18 (3 – 7, 5th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in 1st Round.
Key players: Richard Jackson (Sr, 6'07"), Warren Thodile (Sr, 6'00"), Colin Stewart (Sr, 6'02"), LaRon Rush (Jr, 6'04")
Losses to overcome: Greg Monroe (graduation), Deviyon Carter (graduation), Eddie DeArcos (graduation)
Summary: The Matadors should rebound from a disappointing year behind a talented nucleus.
5) Valhalla (Division 2, El Cajon)
Head Coach: Eric Thomas (5th Year)
Last year's record: 9 – 18 (1 – 9, 6th)
Last year's playoffs: None
Key players: Paul Martin (Sr, 6'04")
Losses to overcome: Kyle Luhnow (graduation)
Summary: Martin needs a big year for the Norseman to make some noise in a balanced league.
6) Monte Vista (Division 2, Spring Valley)
Head Coach: Zack Peck (6th Year)
Last year's record: 11 – 18 (5 – 5, 4th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Quarterfinals.
Key players: Trevor Peck (Sr, 6'03"), Adam Robinson (So, 5'09")
Losses to overcome: Clinton Snyder (football @ Stanford), Brandon Harvey (graduation)
Summary: Graduation losses will be hard to overcome for the Monarchs in a rebuilding year.
Coastal South League
1) Horizon Christian (Division 4, Clairemont)
Head Coach: Waheed Mitchell (1st Year)
Last year's record: 25 – 5 (8 – 0, 1st)
Last year's playoffs: Won CIF D-4 Championship; Lost in State 1st Round.
Key players: Jeff Withey (So, 6'11"), Marquise Carter (Jr, 6'03"), Steve Winnick (Sr, 6'02"), Zach Fleishman (Sr, 6'04"),
Raymond Williams (Sr, 5'08")
Losses to overcome: Dominique Jones (graduation), Quincy Robinson (graduation), Christian Jeter (graduation),
Geoff Howard (graduation)
Summary: Graduation hit the Panthers hard, but the addition of Williams to a solid nucleus will make Horizon the favorite
to win another Division 4 CIF title as well as a serious state contender.
2) Francis Parker (Division 4, Linda Vista)
Head Coach: Jim Tomey (1st Year)
Last year's record: 18 – 11 (4 – 4, 3rd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Semi-finals.
Key players: Tyler Bernardini (Jr, 6'05"), Garrett Muagututia (Sr, 6'06"), Jerome Bacho (Sr, 5'08"),
Kevin Condon (So, 6'04"), Shawn Lasalita (Jr, 5'09")
Losses to overcome: Pat Harrigan (graduation), Brian Giometti (Univ. of Denver), James Melton (Univ. of Puget Sound)
Summary: The talent is there for the Lancers, but something has been missing the last couple of years. Parker hopes they
have found the answer in a new coach. The question remains, can they beat Horizon when it counts?
3) Bishop's (Division 4, La Jolla)
Head Coach: Tom Tarantino (6th Year)
Last year's record: 22 – 8 (5 – 3, 2nd)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in CIF D-4 Championship; Lost in State 1st Round.
Key players: Nick Lake (Sr, 6'05"), Sterling Jones (Jr, 6'02"), Jywrell Wilson (So, 6'03"), Ivan Regalado (Sr, 6'07")
Losses to overcome: Eric Moore (Williams College), Gyan Alexander (Occidental College), Chris Sanders (graduation)
Summary: The backcourt was devastated by graduation but the Knights hope to rally behind the improved play of Lake.
4) La Jolla Country Day (Division 4, La Jolla)
Head Coach: Paul Wilson (10th Year)
Last year's record: 16 – 12 (3 – 5, 4th)
Last year's playoffs: Lost in Semi-finals.
Key players: Mark Schu (Jr, 6'03"), Alex Watrous (Sr, 6'06"), Travis Golia (So, 5'10")
Losses to overcome: Tomma Golia (Williams College), Max Zousmer (graduation), Eric Mothander (graduation)
Summary: A rebuilding year is in store for the Torreys who may surprise as they respond with a youthful nucleus.
