LEAGUE PREVIEWS : FOOTHILL

BURBANK

LAST SEASON: 20-6, 9-1 in league

THIS SEASON: Burbank will attempt to win its third consecutive league title. “We’re just an outstanding team,” Coach Russ Keith said. The reason for optimism is four returning players: Bryan Chandler, a 6-2 senior guard; Abo Velasco, a 5-9 senior guard; Chris Buck, a 5-9 senior forward; and Mark Nielsen, a 6-3 junior guard. The fifth starting position is “up for grabs,” Keith says. Chandler made honorable mention all-league when he averaged nine points and six rebounds per game.

BURROUGHS

LAST SEASON: 7-13, 6-4 in league

THIS SEASON: Coach Jesse Mason says the Indians should be an improved team this season. “We had a pretty good summer,” he says. “We’re going to be lacking size, but with the combination of of an aggressive defense and an up tempo defense, we should have a fair year.” Three starters return for Burroughs, including all-Foothill League guard Tom Kelly, who averaged 12 points last season. Two other returning starters are Robbie Harris, a 6-4 forward who averaged 9.8 points and was honorable mention all-league, and Max Casal, a 6-3 forward who averaged 8 points. The two best newcomers are 5-9 guard John Johnson, who was most valuable player on the sophomore team two years ago, and Ian Grant, a 6-3 senior forward.

HART

LAST SEASON: 11-14, 4-6 in league

THIS SEASON: Coach Doug Michelson, in his fifth season, had his first losing one in 1985-86. But three returning starters should make the Indians legitimate contenders. “I think we have a great shot, as good as any team in the league,” Michelson said. The team’s best player is Mike Michelson, the coach’s son. The 5-10 senior guard averaged 9.5 points and made the all-league team last season. Jim Bonds, also an all-league guard who averaged about five points, steals, rebounds and assists, returns along with 6-2 forward Eric Arnold. Steve Valenzuela, a 6-1 guard junior guard, is the team’s “premier perimeter shooter,” Michelson said.