Previews of Southeast / Long Beach Teams : CAMINO REAL LEAGUE

With Cantwell opting for a free-lance schedule, this league has a different look and no longer has a doormat. Other league teams are St. Monica, Serra, Verbum Dei and Murphy.

PIUS X-Coach Mike Murphy is quite a wit. When asked to write a description of his team, he listed all 11 of his players. Asked if he knew of any top players or teams in the area, he wrote, “Yes, see above.” Murphy predicts that Pius X will win the league title with St. Monica second, followed by Verbum Dei, Serra, St. Anthony and Murphy. The key for the Warriors is 6-5, 190-pound forward Anthony Jenkins, a Times all-Southeast choice last season who averaged 21.9 points and 6.4 rebounds. “Our team is deep, experienced and quick,” Murphy said.

ST. ANTHONY--The Saints went to the Big 5 playoffs a year ago after finishing third in the league. Tom Roanhaus takes over as coach for Danny Marques, who has gone into business. Darrick Martin, a 6-0 junior guard, returns. He was a Times all-Southeast player last season and Roanhaus calls him “the finest player in the Southern Section.” Also back are Derrick Walker, a 6-2 junior, and 6-5 Todd Anderson, a senior. Roanhaus predicts that the Camino Real will be “the class of the CIF again this year,” but admits Serra, St. Monica and Pius X are the favorites for playoff spots.