Boys’ basketball: The future is now for El Camino Real

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Anyone entering the gymnasium at Woodland Hills El Camino Real would be impressed with all the banners on the walls of City championships won by the school’s athletic teams. Except there are none in boys’ basketball.

The Conquistadores are about to change that. They are seeded No. 1 in City Section Division II, and this is just a trial run for when they get moved up to Division I next season and take on the big boys.

This is a program on the move. If the Conquistadores (18-7) were in Division I this season, they might be a top four seed. They are loaded with talented sophomores, none better than Julian Richardson, who has become one of the most dependable shooters in the City Section.

After El Camino Real wins Division II -- and the Conquistadores will do just that -- they will be a factor in the Division II state playoffs. Thanks to changes in enrollment and formulas, Division II doesn’t look so tough as far as potential Southern Section representatives.

But remember the names -- Maleke Haynes, Evan Wardlow, Michael Thomas, Kelton Conway, Mason Pollock. These players are going to become well known in City basketball under rising Coach David Rebibo.

-- Eric Sondheimer