Holding Court

The central Los Angeles area has produced many talented high school basketball players, including Marques Johnson of Crenshaw, Billy (The Hill) McGill of Jefferson and Jumpin’ Joe Caldwell of Fremont. Though there is no guarantee that this year’s crop of top athletes will ascend to legendary status, they are certain to contribute to the success of their teams. Here is a look at six players to watch during 1992-93. Toby Bailey, Loyola This 6-4 junior forward was one of two sophomores chosen for last year’s Times all-Central area team. Bailey, who averaged 18 points a game last season, makes exciting plays almost every time he touches the ball, whether it is a one-handed dunk or a behind-the-back bounce pass to a teammate on a fast break. During crunch time, Bailey will be the one with the ball. Rickey Brown, Fremont The 6-2 shooting guard is one of the area’s best long-distance scorers. He can hit from three-point range or drive to the hole. Brown, who averaged 17 points a game, has a devastating first step and is especially tough off the dribble. He will get the first pass when Fremont runs its fast break. Kris Johnson, Crenshaw Johnson, a 6-5 junior, has a tough act to follow at Crenshaw, where his father Marques was the state Player of the Year and guided the Cougars to their first City title. The younger Johnson proved himself at the lower level of Southern Section competition, averaging 21.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last year at Montclair Prep. He was selected to the Southern Section Division V team as a sophomore. At Crenshaw, Johnson again will be the featured scorer, but he will move from the pivot to small forward. By next fall, Johnson is expected to be among the top recruits sought by major college teams. Troy Matthews, Manual Arts At 6-3, Matthews is a big guard who will pose a problem for smaller defenders. Matthews, who averaged 19.6 points a game last year, is fast, dribbles well and can play either point or shooting guard. Teamed with 6-3 Michael Stewart in the backcourt, the Toilers have arguably the tallest and most talented pair of guards in the city. Matthews has already received a college Division I scholarship, signing early with Southern Methodist University. Miguel Villegas, South Gate Villegas, a 6-2 guard, is not a fancy shooter and does not make schoolyard trick shots. He beats teams with smart ball handling and great defense. Villegas, who averaged 14 points and 12 assists a game, also can shoot from the outside or post up against smaller defenders. Last year, he was selected to the City Section 3-A Division team. By the end of the season, he is likely to be one of the most talked-about guards in the city. Kenya Wilkins, Dorsey This 5-9 playmaker is mentioned along with Fairfax’s Robert Foster as one of the top point guards in the City Section. Wilkins was courted by several NCAA Division I schools, but chose Oregon during the early signing period in November. Wilkins has good speed, can penetrate a zone and will pull up to hit a 15-foot shot. He averaged about 17 points, five assists and three steals last season. He also is a great defender and is a main reason Dorsey could be the team to beat in 1993.