HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL / CITY SECTION PREVIEW : NORTHERN CONFERENCE : NORTHEAST LEAGUE (3-A)

Verdugo Hills

COACH: Scott Kemple, 2nd season

LAST SEASON: 10-11; 3rd in league, 4-6

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kemple’s first season was a huge success. Before he took sole possession of the program last season, the Dons had won only four games in the past two years. Two other reasons Verdugo Hills is breaking from its losing tradition are senior point guard Eddie Powell (5-foot-11) and junior forward Chan Cornish (6-4). Powell, a newcomer from Oakland High last season, averaged 24.9 points and was the third-leading scorer among area City Section players. Cornish, a third-year starter, averaged 14.8 points and 11.4 rebounds, third best among area City players. “If they both stay healthy, we’ll be OK,” Kemple said. “They’ve got to be the top two guys in the conference.” Senior Matt Margolis (6-1) is a returning lettermen who will start at forward. Brothers Bryan (a 5-10 sophomore) and Angelo de los Reyes (5-9 senior) are the starting guards. Off the bench are seniors Adrian Campos (6-3) and James Galloway (5-10), junior David Bryant (5-10) and sophomore Mike Sessions (5-11).

OUTLOOK: Powell and Chan are blue-chip players. Much of the team’s success will depend on how the team plays around them. “We should be competitive,” Kemple said.