LEAGUE PREVIEWS : ALPHA

L.A. BAPTIST

LAST SEASON: 21-4, 12-2 in league

THIS SEASON: Coach Maury Neville will need to find a replacement for All-Southern Section forward Robert Dodson if the Knights are to repeat as league champions. “He was the kid we looked to,” Neville said of Dodson, who averaged 20 points and 8 rebounds per game. “We really have no one to replace him.” The Knights, 12-2 in league last season, have a front line of 6-1 center James Hoback, 5-11 junior forward Mike Wise and 5-10 forward Mike Null. Steve Kim (5-9) is the point guard. Wise is the only returning.

L.A. LUTHERAN

LAST SEASON: 6-15, 5-9 in league

THIS SEASON: The Lions will attempt to improve on a sixth-place finish with a slower brand of basketball this season, third-year Coach Gordon Bredow said. “It’ll be strictly a half-court offense,” he said. “We won’t run as much and we’ll cut down on the turnovers and play more in control.” Expected to carry the scoring load are senior forward Greg Husmann and senior guard Jeff Young. Rebounding duties will fall to senior center Paul Sauer (6-1, 200) and senior forward Barry Walter (6-1, 190). Young, who averaged 5.1 assists per game last year, will direct the offense.

MONTCLAIR PREP

LAST SEASON: 16-7, 11-3 in league

THIS SEASON: Coach Howard Abrams’ squad, which finished in a second-place tie with Marshall Fundamental last season at 11-3, appears to have the talent to contend for the league title. Forming an imposing front line are junior center David Sanger (6-7, 185) and senior forward Jeff Light (6-5, 200), the team captain. Senior guards John De Rouen and Scott Hauser form the backcourt. Sophomore guard Craig Handschu averaged 18 points per game as a member of Montclair Prep’s junior varsity team, which was undefeated in league last season. Abrams will need big performances from all his players to replace departed talent. Gone from last year’s squad is center Todd Bowser, who averaged 19.8 points and 11 rebounds per game.

VILLAGE CHRISTIAN

LAST SEASON: 5-16, 3-11 in league

THIS SEASON: The Crusaders, fifth in league last season, will have five returning players. First-year Coach Tom Watkins was Village Christian’s junior varsity coach the past two seasons. “The players know me and I know them,” Watkins said. The Crusaders are led by 5-8 guard Tyler Victor, whom Watkins called “the best athlete in the school.” Senior James Bohn and junior Royce Ferrar will start at forward, with senior Gerit De Young at guard and senior Jim Priest at center.