2 Injured Valley College Basketball Starters to Miss Opening Game

Joey Rosas and Eric Dafney, projected starters for the Valley College men’s basketball team, sustained sprained ankles in practice Tuesday and are not expected to play in the Monarchs’ opener against Fullerton in the Mt. San Antonio tournament on Friday night.

Rosas, a 6-foot-8, 215-pound freshman center, graduated from Granada Hills High in 1989--he averaged 12.2 points in his senior season--but has not played at the collegiate level.

Dafney, a 6-5, 185-pound freshman, averaged 15.9 points and 8.1 points for Taft High last season.

“Losing those two really hurts, especially when you’re getting ready to start the season,” Valley Coach Jim Stephens said. “Hopefully, our other kids can pick up the slack.”

Sophomore Art Kirksey (6-5, 195) and freshman David Tyner (6-3, 180) will start in place of Rosas and Dafney.

Kirksey averaged 10 points and 10.1 rebounds as a Monarch starter last season.

Tyner averaged 16.2 points as a senior at Royal High.

Stephens did not know when Rosas and Dafney would be able to play.