Boys’ basketball: Beware of Loyola and Mission League

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Basketball practice has begun, and one school to keep an eye on is Los Angeles Loyola, which I believe should be the favorite to win in Division I-A.

The Cubs return high-scoring guard Miles Cartwright, plus 6-foot-10 Tony Wroblicky, who has committed to American University. Add to that, 6-4 junior Ryan Oliver was a second-team all-Mission League pick, and sophomores Julian Harrell and Justin Childress are getting better. Plus, 6-3 Joe Stein, a transfer from Concord De La Salle, is supposed to be a prolific outside shooter.

But what I like most is that the Cubs are going to be tested repeatedly in the super competitive Mission League, where North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake, Encino Crespi and West Hills Chaminade all could win division titles. Add to that, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame should be much improved because of an influx of talented freshmen, led by point guard Ausar Madison, who also happens to play saxophone in the school band.

Another team to watch in Division I-A is Santa Monica, which was impressive in summer competition.

-- Eric Sondheimer