Valencia Hopes to Stop Brea-Olinda’s Walker

Ray Rodriguez, Valencia High School basketball coach, says the key to beating Brea-Olinda, is stopping its 6-foot 9-inch center Kevin Walker. The Tigers (8-4) will try and do just that tonight, when they open Orange League competition against the Wildcats (12-4) at Brea.

Rodriguez said he’ll be very pleased if his team limits Walker, averaging 25.5 points a game, to 15 to 20 points.

Sonora Coach Paul Bottiaux had similar plans before the Raiders game with Brea, Friday.

Walker scored 30 points--outscoring the entire Sonora team--as Brea won easily, 80-29.

Rodriguez says if things aren’t going right he may employ some gimmick defenses to contain Walker.

“We’ve been preparing for Kevin for about four days,” Rodriguez said.

The problem for Rodriguez is that in those four days, Valencia’s 6-4 center, Dennis Burbank, has not grown any taller. Not that Burbank, averaging 13.4 points per game and 8 rebounds, will be guarding Walker on his own.

The play of 6-4 forward Mike Tousey has helped offset the added pressure on Walker. Tousey, the sixth man on last’s season’s 23-5 Brea team, is averaging 13 points per game in Brea’s last 10 games. Also in the Orange League: Western at Savanna; Magnolia at Anaheim.

ANGELUS LEAGUE:

Mater Dei at Bishop Montgomery--The Monarchs have won their last 45 games, but have struggled in their last three. The Knights start a small lineup that Mater Dei’s 6-10 LeRon Ellis and 6-9 Stuart Thomas will probably exploit.

Also, Servite at St. Paul.

CENTURY LEAGUE:

Tustin at Orange--The Panthers were expected to be among the league’s top three teams, but have struggled to a 1-3 record. The Tillers, who have won only three games in each of the last two league seasons, are off to a 3-1 start in league. Also, Santa Ana at Villa Park; Foothill at Canyon; Santa Ana Valley at El Modena.

EMPIRE LEAGUE

Cypress at El Dorado--The Golden Hawks (4-0,12-2) are led by forward Jim Sammon who is averaging 26.5 points a game and 9.6 rebounds. Cypress (3-1, 5-7) is led by center Chris Yoxtheimer (13.3 points, 10.7 rebounds). Also, Pacifica at Los Alamitos; Katella at Esperanza; Kennedy at Loara.

FREEWAY LEAGUE:

Fullerton at Buena Park--This league-opening game matches the two preseason favorites to take the league title. Fullerton (9-5) is led by guard Ralph Tallant, averaging 16.1 points a game. Buena Park has a strong front line, featuring Tony Toscano, averaging 12 points and 7.3 rebounds a game. Also, Troy at Sonora; Sunny Hills at La Habra.

GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE:

Rancho Alamitos at Los Amigos--The Vaqueros (1-0, 7-7) opened league play by beating La Quinta, thanks to a 24-point performance by point guard Randy Morales. Los Amigos (0-1, 8-6) is led by guard Geno Howard, who averages 16.1 points a game. Also, Bolsa Grande at Santiago; La Quinta at Garden Grove.

SEA VIEW LEAGUE:

Laguna Beach at Saddleback--The game features two of the top players in the county. Laguna Beach’s Coby Naess is averaging 23.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a game for the Artists (2-1, 8-5). Saddleback guard Bryant Walton leads the Roadrunners (1-2, 6-7), averaging 23.8 and 10.7 rebounds a game. Also, Costa Mesa at Woodbridge; Newport Harbor at Estancia; Corona del Mar at University.

SOUTH COAST LEAGUE:

Dana Hills at El Toro--Sophomore point guard Bret Johnson is averaging 16.3 points for the Chargers (2-1, 8-7). Dana Hills (0-2, 6-6) is led by 6-3 forward Dave Lyon who is averaging 13 points a game. Also, Laguna Hills at Mission Viejo; Capistrano Valley at Irvine.

SUNSET LEAGUE:

Edison at Ocean View--The Chargers (1-0, 11-4) are a fast-breaking team that could prove tough to handle for preseason league favorite Ocean View (1-0,11-4). The Seahawks have struggled of late. Their last loss came against Long Beach Poly, which Edison beat earlier this season. Also, Huntington Beach at Westminster; Fountain Valley at Marina.