Prep Preview CIF SOUTHERN SECTION BOYS : Foothill League

Doug Michelson is only the second coach in the 35-year history of Hart to post a perfect league record. The Indians were 19-5 last season, 10-0 in league, and placed five players on the All-Foothill League roster.

Kevin Honaker, a three-year starter, is averaging 16 points a game. Dirk Hare didn’t start in 1983-84, but played enough to earn all-league honorable mention honors. This season, Hare is averaging 18.5 points a game.

“I think it’s going to be a tight race with Hart, Burroughs, Schurr and Burbank,” Michelson said. “We’re somewhat undersized and we’ve got to count on our good shooting.”

Burbank Coach Russ Keith said his Bulldogs are a good shooting and ball-handling team. Burbank went 5-5 in the league last season (14-10). To improve that mark, the team will need continued improvement from Gary Lotka. Lotka was the quarterback on the football team and is just working his way into basketball shape. Last week, Lotka was the most valuable player as the Bulldogs won the Santiago Tournament.

Jesse Mason, the coach at Burroughs, is enthusiastic about an Indian team coming off a 3-7, 4-17 season. “The guys have developed a sense of togetherness and a strong desire to win,” said Mason, who is in his first year at Burroughs. The Indians begin league play Jan. 15. Burroughs lost to Cleveland, 104-51, in the Hart Tournament. But they have defeated Crescenta Valley, 66-60, and St. Francis, 58-54.

Schurr, Alhambra and San Gabriel round out the Foothill League. Schurr is ranked seventh in the Southern Section’s 3-A division.