Southern Section Basketball Preview : PACIFIC LEAGUE

COACH: John Goffredo, 14th season

LAST SEASON: 8-16; 5th in league, 2-8

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior guard-forward Josh Willis (6-foot-6), one of the best players in the region, is NCAA Division I material, Goffredo said. Willis, who averaged 16 points last season, can score via the dunk and the three-point shot with equal ability. “He’s going to play wherever he wants to play,” Goffredo said. Junior forward Brendon Cowsill (6-2), who averaged 10 points last season, gives the Falcons two of the league’s most talented athletes. Junior point guard John Peterson (5-7) averaged four points and five assists as a starter last season. Senior guard Eddie Molina (5-9), most valuable player of the junior varsity last season, is a three-point threat. Seniors Mark Harrison (6-6) and Andy Settle (6-3), a reserve last season, will share duty at center. Also moving up from last season’s 20-3 league-champion junior varsity are juniors Glenn Granz (6-2) and Kevin Jakel (6-3).

OUTLOOK: Last season’s record was the worst in school history. “We’re going to run this year,” Goffredo said. “I like to, but last year we couldn’t.” Goffredo (198-108) is closing in on his 200th career win.

Glendale

COACH: Bob Davidson, 5th season

LAST SEASON: 14-11; 3rd in league, 5-5

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior forward Mike Wright (6-4), the Southern Section 4-A Division long-jump champion and a standout wide receiver, should shine brightest on the basketball court. Wright, who averaged 12 points last season, has improved and broadened his skills. “He’s our best three-point shooter and he gets way over the rim,” Davidson said. Wright is also the only senior starter, but he will be surrounded by young talent, Davidson said. Sophomore forward Edgar Perkins (6-3), who moves up from the freshman team, is another good leaper and has Davidson predicting an Division I college career. Juniors Jaiya Figueras (6-2), Ryan Blatchley (6-5) and Rick Mosley (6-3), all up from the junior varsity, add to a sizable frontcourt. Junior Hai Tran (5-7), who returns as starting point guard, is an excellent passer. The bench is full of good long-distance shooters, including juniors Paul Chin (5-7), David Sofro (6-1) and senior Tom Tran (5-11).

OUTLOOK: Davidson says this is his quickest team in years. “We’ll be really fast,” Davidson said. “And really aggressive.” Behind Wright, Glendale should be much improved. If the Dynamiters’ outside shooters can produce, Wright can spend more time under the basket where he might be difficult to stop.

Hoover

COACH: Kirt Kohlmeier, 12th season

LAST SEASON: 7-16; 4th in league, 2-8

PLAYERS TO WATCH: All-league senior guard Dave Ulloa (5-9), who averaged 22 points a game, might be the best of the several prominent returning players in the league. “He’s one of our better leapers, better rebounders,” Kohlmeier said. “He’s a good outside shooter. He does it all.” Senior center Gabe Alvarado (6-3), who averaged 10 points and six rebounds, and junior forward Chad Reese (6-2), a good rebounder, also are returning starters. Junior swingman Joe Khouzam (6-0), the probable sixth man, is the best player of a good group moving up from the junior varsity, Kohlmeier said. Others include junior forward Richard Gharibians (6-0), junior Teiko Walker (5-10), junior guard-forward Juan Calderon (6-0) and senior guard Hguyen Ton (5-10).

OUTLOOK: The Tornadoes were better last year than their record indicates, so improvement should not come as a surprise. “We were in every ballgame but we lost a lot of close games,” Kohlmeier said. “This year, we’ll have the experience down the stretch.” Look for Hoover to play a conservative offense with a few fast breaks.