PREP BASKETBALL ‘91-’92: FREEWAY LEAGUE

Sunny Hills

1990-91 RECORDS: OVERALL: 18-8 LEAGUE: 8-2

COACH: Steve White RECORD AT SCHOOL: 221-169

RETURNING STARTER YR. HGT. P Terry Mann Sr. 6-7 F

TOP RETURNER YR. HGT. P Scott Paden Sr. 6-5 C

TOP NEWCOMERS YR. HGT. P Mario Bertuol Jr. 6-2 G Kevin Christian So. 6-1 G Kevin Garland So. 6-1 G Brandon Hayes Jr. 6-1 G Brian Wilmer Jr. 6-2 F

OUTLOOK

Sunny Hills has won four consecutive league championships but will be hard-pressed by Troy and Buena Park to win its fifth in a row. Mann, the most valuable player in the league last season as a junior, returns stronger and with a better shooting range. Mann is the only returning starter but should receive plenty of help from Paden, a strong inside player. The team’s biggest question mark over the summer was at point guard. Mann played the position most of the summer, but returned to forward when Christian transferred from Walnut. “He’s the best pure point guard that I’ve played with at Sunny Hills,” Mann said of Christian. Joining Christian in the backcourt is Bertuol, the top player on last season’s junior varsity team, where he averaged 24 points. Wilmer, the best defensive lineman on the football team, is expected to provide rebounding strength. “We have great inside play with Mann and Paden and good speed,” White said. “Our defense will be aggressive.” White listed Troy and Buena Park as the co-favorites to win the league and Sunny Hills as the dark horse. Mann, who starts his third season, figures to break former Lancer standout guard Brad McNamara’s career scoring record during the season.