HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL ‘93-’94 : <i> Northwest Valley Conference </i> : NORTH VALLEY LEAGUE : El Camino Real

‘92-93 RECORD

OVERALL: 13-9

LEAGUE: 4-6

COACH: Neils Ludlow

YEAR: 2nd

TOP RETURNEES YR POS HT Charles Adams Sr. G 6-3 Jesse Watkins Jr. F 6-2 Marvin Jones Jr. G 6-0 Jay Graham Sr. G 5-10

TOP NEWCOMERS YR POS HT Ron Sierra Sr. C 6-5 Rodney Nelson Sr. G 5-9 Dooney Marshall Sr. G 6-0 Robert Knox Sr. F 6-2 Patrick Klacka Sr. C 6-5 Roderick Jeeter Sr. F 6-1

OUTLOOK

Chatsworth stole the headlines when several players transferred to the school, but El Camino Real picked up two impact players of their own in Nelson and Marshall. In Adams, the Conquistadores have the most explosive player in the conference. An All-City pick with terrific jumping ability, he averaged 18.1 points and six rebounds. He excels in an open floor. “He reacts,” Ludlow said. “That’s when he’s at his best.” Last season, the Conquistadores’ biggest problem was playing within Ludlow’s scheme. At times, five players were heading in as many directions. “I think the chemistry will be better,” Ludlow said.

Granada Hills

‘92-93 RECORD

OVERALL: 3-18

LEAGUE: 1-9

COACH: Lou Cicciari

YEAR: 1st

TOP RETURNEES YR POS HT Steve Fisher Sr. F 6-2 Joe Jenkins Sr. G 5-11 Todd Battles Sr. G 5-11 William Ruffin Jr. C 6-3 Mark Muir Sr. G 5-11 Chad Hess Jr. F 6-0

TOP NEWCOMERS YR POS HT Ernest Yun Jr. F 6-2 Ernest Quinley So. C 6-2

OUTLOOK

Cicciari, a longtime Granada Hills assistant, takes over for Bob Johnson, who spent 25 years at the school. There is work to be done: The Highlanders are 1-19 in conference play over the past two seasons. There isn’t much size, but the Highlanders are strong at guard with Battles, a three-year letterman, and Jenkins. “In order to do well, we’ll have to play much better defense and really shoot the ball,” Cicciari said. The new coach hopes a positive atmosphere will make a difference. “I think there’s a different attitude,” Cicciari said. “The kids seem to be excited.”

Reseda

‘92-93 RECORD

OVERALL: 7-12

LEAGUE: 5-5

COACH: Jeff Halpern

YEAR: 6th

TOP RETURNEES YR POS HT Trenton Cross Sr. G 5-11 Anthony Moreno Sr. G 6-0 Richard Guintu Sr. G 6-1

TOP NEWCOMERS YR POS HT Archie Williams Sr. G 6-2 Roderick Jones Sr. F 6-4 Matt Cooper Sr. F 6-2 Damon Bailey Sr. G 5-9 Mark Schneider Sr. F 6-0 Allison Carter So. F 6-2 David Washington Sr. G 5-9

OUTLOOK

Reseda may not have much height, but it shares a distinction with Thousand Oaks, which also had two players sign early with NCAA Division I schools. Cross, who can carry the offensive burden or distribute the ball with the best of them, averaged 21.8 points last season and signed with Cal State Northridge. Williams was Santa Monica’s best player, averaging 17 points, and signed with Texas El Paso. The front court is small, but transfers Jones (Chatsworth) and Cooper (Faith Baptist) should help. Bailey, a transfer from Fairfax, is a superior defensive player. Carter is expected to develop into an impact player. If Reseda can rebound effectively and get any kind of point production inside, look out.

San Fernando

‘92-93 RECORD

OVERALL: 15-8

LEAGUE: 7-3

COACH: Dick Crowell

YEAR: 13th

TOP RETURNEES YR POS HT Jerome Elliot Sr. C 6-5 Javy Ramos Sr. G 6-0 Barry McWright Sr. F 6-4 Marlon Hernandez Sr. F 6-3 Fernando Trinidad Sr. F 6-4 Joel Germon Sr. G 5-10 Kevin Hawkins Sr. G 6-1

TOP NEWCOMERS YR POS HT Richie Montoya Sr. C 6-5 Tehran Price Jr. G 6-0

OUTLOOK

The defending league champions are loaded. Ramos was the league MVP and an All-City pick after averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 steals and 3.3 assists. San Fernando’s baseline power is indisputable. Elliot, an all-league pick, averaged 14.1 points and eight rebounds as a junior. McWright also is a returning starter. Last year, San Fernando advanced to the 3-A semifinals before losing to Monroe. “They seem to want it,” said Crowell, who will retire as coach when the season ends. “They want it, and I want to have fun my last year.”