1989 ALL-STARS : Artesia, Poly, Lakewood Put 2 Players Each on Boys Prep South Coast All-Star Team

Ed O’Bannon, the Artesia High School All-American, became a true leader this season.

“He vocally and physically led the team,” said Wayne Merino, coach of the state champion Pioneers. “On and off the court he was a great role model for the younger kids.”

The 6-foot-8 O’Bannon, a member of the 1990 Times All-South Coast prep basketball team, averaged 26 points and 11 rebounds and shot 62% from the field.

He made The Times’ all-star team for the third consecutive season.

“He is one of the hardest-working kids I have ever met,” Merino said. “He is never satisfied with his play.”

A look at the rest of the All-South Coast team, which includes two players each from Artesia, Poly and Lakewood:

Willie McGinest, Poly--”Out of all the players I have had, he has played with the most intensity,” Poly Coach Ron Palmer said of the aggressive 6-6 McGinest, who averaged 13.6 points and 12.8 rebounds a game. A linebacker, McGinest is going to USC on a football scholarship, but Palmer says he may also play a little basketball there.

Roderick Hannibal, Poly--This 6-5 senior can play four positions and is a superb ballhandler. “I thought he was our best athlete,” Palmer said. “With continued improvement, he will be a (college) Division I player.” He averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds for the CIF Southern Section champion Jackrabbits.

DeAndre Austin, Artesia--The 6-3 junior guard averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, and shot 57% from the field. “I think he has finally matured both mentally and physically,” Merino said. “He is determined to become a great player.”

Pat Thacker, Millikan--Playing point guard, which is not his true position, the 6-5 Thacker averaged 16.8 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. He shot 45% from three-point range. “He is very consistent and offers great leadership,” Millikan Coach Bill Odell said of Thacker, a junior.

Terrance O’Kelley, Lakewood--Headed for Cal State Long Beach, the 6-8 O’Kelley’s usual game consisted of 19 points, 8 rebounds and 7 blocked shots. “He played two or three inches taller than his actual size,” Lakewood Coach Tim Sweeney said.

Andre Miller, Lakewood--Sweeney said the 6-3 Miller was one of the best defensive players ever at the school. A three-year starter, he averaged 16.7 points and 5 assists this season. He is considering Oregon State, Portland and Cal State Long Beach.

Darryl Bryant, Jordan--A smooth junior, the 6-3 Bryant is an All-Moore League shooting specialist who averaged 17 points a game. He also led the Panthers in taking charging fouls.

Jeff Rogers, Dominguez--A three-year varsity player who has signed with Texas El Paso, the 6-1 Rogers averaged 16 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists as the leader of the Dons. “He is a great defender who takes pride in shutting people down,” Dominguez Coach Russell Otis said.

James Williams, Compton--”He is the kind of player all coaches want,” Compton Coach Curtis Knight said of the 6-7 senior, who averaged 14.5 points and 13.5 rebounds. “He is a tremendous player with a great attitude, and he hasn’t peaked yet.”

Times staff writer Mike Coil contributed to this story.

The South Coast all-star boys and girls teams, each consisting of 10 members, their coaches and parents, will be guests of The Times at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Anaheim Hilton for the annual Times High School Basketball Awards Brunch. All-star teams from 12 circulation areas will be honored. The players and coaches of the year from each area will be announced.

The teams were chosen on the basis of a poll of area coaches, who were asked to fill out ballots nominating their own players and opponents, plus the observations of college scouts and sportswriters. Each player will receive the traditional Times golden basketball plaque and award certificate.

Boys Prep Team Name: Willie McGinest School: Poly Year: Senior Height: 6-6 Average: 3.6 Name: Roderick Hannibal School: Poly Year: Senior Height: 6-5 Average: 14.0 Name: Ed O’Bannon School: Artesia Year: Senior Height: 6-8 Average: 26.0 Name: DeAndre Austin School: Artesia Year: Junior Height: 6-3 Average: 16.0 Name: Pat Thacker School: Millikan Year: Junior Height: 6-5 Average: 16.8 Name: Terrance O’Kelley School: Lakewood Year: Senior Height: 6-8 Average: 19.4 Name: Andre Miller School: Lakewood Year: Senior Height: 6-3 Average: 16.7 Name: Darryl Bryant School: Jordan Year: Junior Height: 6-3 Average: 17.0 Name: Jeff Rogers School: Dominguez Year: Senior Height: 6-1 Average: 16.0 Name: James Williams School: Compton Year: Senior Height: 6-7 Average: 14.5