Top Scorer at Moorpark Given the Boot : College basketball: Damian Wilson dismissed from team but Nordquist leaves door open for his return.

Damian Wilson of Moorpark College, one of the top returning basketball players in the Western State Conference, has been dismissed from the team, Raider Coach Al Nordquist said Wednesday.

Nordquist would not discuss the reasons for Wilson’s dismissal but did say that the sophomore guard might return to the team, depending on his conduct. Wilson could not be reached for comment.

“I like to keep this kind of stuff within the team,” Nordquist said. “That way, the kid has a chance to patch things up if he wants.”

Although Nordquist said that Wilson could rejoin the team, he does not expect him to return soon.

Wilson’s absence will leave a huge hole in the Moorpark lineup. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound guard from Westchester High averaged 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists as a freshman last season to earn All-WSC North Division honors for the Raiders. Wilson led the team in scoring.

“We’re not sure who is going to take his place,” Nordquist said. “That’s up in the air right now. It’s hard to replace a player as talented as him. We’re kind of in a state of flux right now without him in the lineup. We’ll try a lot of different players at that position in the next few games.”

Moorpark (1-3) will play Dixie College (Utah) in a first-round game of the Moorpark Thanksgiving tournament on Friday night at 8.

Nordquist, Moorpark’s coach for 25 years, is unsure whether Wilson might transfer to another school if he does not return to the Moorpark team.

“I have no idea about that,” Nordquist said. “I just hope he continues his education, whatever he decides to do.”