Boys Roundup : Race in Empire League May Take Turn Tonight

Before the Empire League season began, there was little argument that last season’s co-champions, Katella and Los Alamitos high schools, again would battle for first place.

Eight games into league play, both teams are in the running, but they are fighting to catch Kennedy.

Fourth-place Los Alamitos (5-3 in league, 8-9 overall) will play Esperanza tonight, but its fate may turn on tonight’s battle of second-place teams--Katella (6-2, 14-3) at El Dorado (6-2, 15-3). Kennedy leads the league by one game.

Katella lost its first two league games in December, including one to El Dorado, but has won six in a row. The Knights’ most recent victory was 60-57 over Kennedy on Friday night.

“We knew it was going to be close this year--but not this close,” Katella Coach Tom Danley said. “The team that improves the most should win it all. And I don’t think Los Alamitos can be counted out.”

Katella has done its share of improving since two key players, 6-foot-5 forwards Richard Lucas and Darrell Baldwin, were injured in December.

Lucas, whose leg is broken, is out for the season. Baldwin suffered an Achilles tendon injury but does get reserve duty, including nine points in the victory over Kennedy.

El Dorado (6-2, 15-3) got off to a fast start, which surprised some since Terry Conley is the Golden Hawks’ third coach in three years. Conley, who inherited talent, has let his players run and shoot. His team used the strategy to win the Brea Tournament.

Also: Cypress at Kennedy; Loara at Pacifica.

ANGELUS LEAGUE

Mater Dei (4-0, 19-0) at Bishop Amat (1-3, 4-11): Considering the teams’ records, the game should be a good chance for everybody on the Monarchs’ roster to get some playing time. Most teams gear toward league play; Mater Dei seems to rest during league to prepare for the playoffs. Also: Bishop Montgomery at Servite.

CENTURY LEAGUE

Foothill (6-1, 15-4) at Santa Ana (5-2, 10-7): The Saints must win this game if they hope to reclaim the Century League title. The home court should help the Saints, although the Knights are coming off a very big victory over Tustin, 63-46. Santa Ana won its last outing by a point over El Modena, and tonight’s game may be just as close. Also: Canyon at Orange; Tustin at El Modena; Villa Park at Santa Ana Valley.

FREEWAY LEAGUE

Sonora (2-2, 5-10) at Fullerton (3-1, 12-6): Ralph Tallant scored 15 points in Fullerton’s 68-43 victory over Sunny Hills on Friday. He may more than match that against the struggling Raiders. Also: Troy at Sunny Hills; La Habra at Buena Park.

GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE

Rancho Alamitos (3-1, 8-9) at Bolsa Grande (2-2, 9-8): The Vaqueros tightened the league race with Friday’s 63-59 overtime victory at Garden Grove. Bolsa Grande will be pressed to stop Reuben Patton and Roger Carter. Also: La Quinta at Santiago; Los Amigos at Garden Grove.

ORANGE LEAGUE

Valencia (3-1, 11-6) at Brea-Olinda (4-0, 16-4): Brea may be established as the best team in north Orange County (sorry Kennedy, El Dorado, Katella) if it plays as impressively as last week when the Wildcats beat Savanna, 67-40. Kevin Walker and David Fox may be too much for the Tigers to contain tonight. Also: Magnolia at Anaheim; Western at Savanna.

SEA VIEW LEAGUE

Newport Harbor (7-0, 16-2) at Corona del Mar (5-2, 13-5): If any team can beat the Sailors, it’s the SeaKings, especially in the SeaKings’ gym. Newport Harbor and defending champion Estancia have had more publicity, but the SeaKings have moved into third place led by the scoring of Jeff Fryer and rebounding of Steve Morris. Also: Estancia at University; Laguna Beach at Woodbridge; Costa Mesa at Saddleback.

SOUTH COAST LEAGUE

Capistrano Valley (4-2, 15-4) at Dana Hills (4-2, 12-4): The Dolphins were routed, 66-40, Monday by Mission Viejo, and it doesn’t get any easier. The game should feature two of the county’s better players--Dana Hills’ Bryan McSweeney and Capistrano Valley’s Nathan Call. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, McSweeney doesn’t get much help in scoring from his teammates. Call has Greg Bujnovsky and Tom Manley to pick up the slack. Also: Irvine at San Clemente; El Toro at Laguna Hills.