LEAGUE PREVIEWS : GOLDEN

CANYON

LAST SEASON: 17-8, 9-1 in league

THIS SEASON: After losing two all-league players in Butch Mettinger and Darrin Moloznick, Coach Greg Hayes needs more balance this season. “Unlike last year, where we were using two or three guys on offense, I’m looking for a team effort this year,” he said. “We should have a more balanced attack and we should have a pretty quick fast-breaking team.” With nine seniors, including four players with varsity experience, Canyon has its deepest team in Hayes’ four seasons as coach. Forward Stuart Sayre, a 6-4, 195 pound senior, averaged 10 rebounds per game last season and was a second-team all-league selection. Senior guard Greg Paskweitz averaged 11 points. Other returning players include small forwards Andy Boron (6-0) and David Nash (6-1). Nash, however, is out with a broken collarbone and may not be ready until league play begins.

SAUGUS

LAST SEASON: 10-13, 3-7 in league

THIS SEASON: With five varsity players back, including two starters, fourth-year Coach John Clark is looking to improve on last season’s fourth-place finish and 3-7 record. “We have pretty good team depth this year,” Clark said. “We have about eight guys who can shoot the ball, and our defense is pretty sound.” Clark inherits four players from the junior varsity team that won two straight league championships. Starting forwards Rusty Morse and John Thomas played on the varsity last season. Morse averaged 13.5 points and Thomas added six points and five rebounds per game. “Probably our biggest weakness is our size. We’re a little too small, and that will affect our rebounding,” Clark said.