BOYS’ BASKETBALL ‘93-’94: SUNSET LEAGUE

Servite

1992-93 RECORDS:

OVERALL: 11-15

LEAGUE: 6-8

COACH: Scott Hamilton

RECORD AT SCHOOL: 11-15

RETURNING STARTERS YR. HGT. P David Downs Jr. 6-5 F Mike Hoffman Sr. 6-0 G Mark Seaton Jr. 6-9 C Kristian Vallas Sr. 6-3 G

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TOP RETURNERS YR. HGT. P Kieran Betts Sr. 6-1 1/2 G Brian Severin Sr. 6-3 F Kerry Shimizu Sr. 5-11 G

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TOP NEWCOMERS YR. HGT. P Andrew Higa Jr. 5-9 G Grant Lee Jr. 5-11 G John Martinelli Jr. 6-0 G Sean Rawson So. 5-10 G

OUTLOOK

Seaton and Downs head a core of players who could lead the Friars to a Sunset title run. Hamilton, a second-year coach, said the team is adjusting to the more up-tempo style he prefers, a stark contrast to the ball-control offense employed by his predecessor, Richard Smith, who is now at Newport Harbor. “I think it takes a year to two years to make the transition,” Hamilton said. “There’s a new team chemistry this season. Everyone enjoys playing together and they’re pretty anxious for the start of the season.” Seaton, Downs, Vallas and Hoffman all started when the Friars won six of their final seven Sunset games to make the playoffs. Hoffman returns after averaging four assists, and Vallas returns at off guard. Although Seaton and Downs have drawn the attention of recruiters at UCLA, USC and Long Beach State, among others, the key to the Friars’ success will be balance. Hamilton stresses unselfishness in his system, so look for Hoffman, Vallas, Betts, Shimizu and the rest of the cast to keep defenses honest.