BOYS’ BASKETBALL PREIVEW

City Section

Northern Conference

Belmont

* Coach: Jack Hansen, fifth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 11-10.

* Prediction: This will be a rebuilding year for Belmont, which returns only two starters. The Sentinels will field a short but scrappy starting five.

* Game not to miss: Marshall at Belmont, Dec. 9.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. John Arcenas 5-8 G Sr. Jerry Alejandre 6-1 C Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. German Ayala 5-7 G Sr. John Burdios 5-10 F Jr. Luis Valdivia 6-0 F Sr.

Franklin

* Coach: Robin Cardona, seventh year.

* 1993-94 Record: 22-4.

* Prediction: Two-sport star Johnnie Sanders averaged 26 points and 11 rebounds last season and was selected Northern Conference most valuable player for the second consecutive season. Joey Arviso, last season’s top junior varsity player, will add more depth to an already solid bench.

* Game not to miss: Wilson at Franklin, Jan. 20.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Johnnie Sanders 6-3 G/F Sr. H. DeSargent 6-4 F So. Jeff Deno 6-0 G Sr. Albert Torres 5-9 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Joey Arviso 6-2 F Sr. Art Mejia 6-3 F Sr.

Lincoln

* Coach: Rourke Huff, 15th year.

* 1993-94 Record: 19-8.

* Prediction: The Tigers hope to play at least .500 basketball with a relatively young team. Allen Gomez has good post moves. Leslie Richards is a three-year varsity letterman who plays well everywhere on the court.

* Game not to miss: Franklin at Lincoln, Jan. 11.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Allen Gomez 6-5 F/C Jr. Leslie Richards 6-2 G Sr. Kat Pa 5-7 G Sr. Cesar Acevas 6-1 G Sr. Frank Cerros 6-4 F Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Israel Gomez 6-3 F Sr. Jamie Oseguerra 6-2 G Jr. Juan Castellanos 5-7 G Jr.

Marshall

* Coach: Henfred Brard, sixth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 18-8.

* Prediction: Brard, who previously coached at Marshall from 1986-91, returns to his alma mater. The Barristers are well-stocked with guards, so quickness and a pressing defense will be the keys.

* Game not to miss: Franklin at Marshall, Jan. 6.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Johnny Diep 5-9 G Sr. David He 5-10 G Sr. Joe Borges 6-1 F Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Kevin Holle 6-1 F So. Billy Franco 5-9 G Sr.

Wilson

* Coach: Mario Cantu, 14th year.

* 1993-94 Record: 11-9.

* Prediction: The Mules should finish in the middle of the pack in the Northern Conference. Darry Brown is an upcoming forward who is very aggressive on the boards. Mario Aguilar is a smart, hard-working point guard.

* Game not to miss: Franklin at Wilson, Dec. 7.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Darry Brown 6-2 F Jr. Mario Aguilar 5-10 G Sr. Sam Tran 5-11 G Jr. Leonard Thompson 6-0 G Jr. Eddie Gonzalez 5-10 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Joe Ramirez 6-5 C So. Miguel Vinzor 6-3 F Jr. Jarrod Smith 5-11 G So. Rene Diaz 5-11 G Jr.

Southeastern Conference

Bell

* Coach: Randy Kiehm, third year.

* 1993-94 Record: 15-11.

* Prediction: The Eagles, who advanced to the 3-A semifinals last season, graduated most of their key players, but still could be a contender this year.

* Game not to miss: Huntington Park at Bell, Feb. 3.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Fred Alcala 5-7 G Sr. Reggie Aleman 6-0 F Sr. Omar Artega 5-10 G Sr. Mohammed Saleh 5-10 F/G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Fred Hernandez 5-10 F Sr. Dicky Purcell 6-1 F Sr. Yaie Moreno 5-10 G Sr. Steve Garcia 5-10 G Jr. Sam Espinoza 6-2 F So. Javier Rodriguez 5-10 F So.

Fremont

* Coach: Sam Sullivan, 17th year.

* 1993-94 Record: 21-7.

* Prediction: The Pathfinders played in the State Division I championships where they lost to Fresno Bullard. Dony Wilcher, one of the top junior prospects in the state, returns at point guard where he averaged 12 points and eight assists. Forward Thomas Hildreth averaged eight points and seven rebounds. Cameron Carson, who averaged 20 points and 15 rebounds at the junior varsity level, is the team’s version of Dennis Rodman, personality and rebounding wise. Look for Fremont to contend for the 4-A title again this season.

* Game not to miss: Locke at Fremont, Jan. 13.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Dony Wilcher 5-10 G Jr. Thomas Hildreth 6-3 F/G Sr. Antonio Hines 6-4 F Sr. Leon Jones 6-4 F So. Raymond Sims 6-5 C Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Cameron Carson 6-1 F/G Jr. Kory Taylor 5-8 G Jr. T. Washington 6-0 G Sr.

Garfield

* Coach: Al Madrigal, eighth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 7-17.

* Prediction: The Bulldogs will rely on the experienced backcourt of guards Robert Gomez, Carlos Hernandez and Cesar Gonzalez.

* Game not to miss: Roosevelt at Garfield, Jan. 6.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Alex Tlatenchi 6-0 G Sr. Sergio Ruvalcaba 6-1 G/F Sr. Jesse Fernandez 6-3 F Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Damian Burton 6-2 G Sr. Anthony Arana 6-4 F Sr.

Huntington Park

* Coach: Allan Bozovich and Joe Reed, sixth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 9-13.

* Prediction: The Spartans hope to return to the City 3-A playoffs with the help of forwards Kevin Garcia and Jesse Garcia.

* Game not to miss: Huntington Park at Fremont, Nov. 30.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Marvin Cabat 5-9 G Sr. Eddie Cruz 6-1 G Sr. George Cruz 6-3 F Sr. Kevin Garcia 6-2 F Sr. George Lara 6-2 G Sr. Jesse Garcia 6-0 F Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Sergio Cortes 6-3 F So. Cesar Acosta 6-0 G Sr.

Locke

* Coach: Reggie Morris, first year.

* 1993-94 Record: 5-15.

* Prediction: Morris, who led Manual Arts to three City 4-A championships and a state Division I title in 1988, returns to the City Section after stints at Los Angeles City College and Cal State San Bernardino. Center-forward Samoore Riley, the Saints’ tallest player at 6-5, will be a key offensive threat.

* Game not to miss: Fremont at Locke, Feb. 8.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Samoore Riley 6-5 C/F Jr. Freddie Lee 5-11 G Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Lamar Thompson 6-3 F Sr.

Jefferson

* Coach: Andy Fujitsubo, ninth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 14-7.

* Prediction: Transfers Al Carter and DeKeithi Walton look to bolster a weak starting lineup.

* Game not to miss: Jordan at Jefferson, Jan. 4.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Stevie Williams 5-8 G Sr. Alfredo Martinez 6-4 C Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Al Carter 6-3 F Jr. DeKeithi Walton 5-10 G Jr. Antwan Allison 5-7 G Jr.

Jordan

* Coach: Ed Kamiyama, third year.

* 1993-94 Record: 18-6.

* Prediction: Clem Breedlove, Termell Goss, Carlos Cabada and Julio Medrano enter their third year as the team’s nucleus, so cohesiveness is a strength. Jaime Hernandez, a transfer from South Gate, will step into the starting lineup. As usual, size could hurt.

* Game not to miss: Jordan at Fremont, Jan. 6.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Clem Breedlove 6-0 G/F Sr. Termell Goss 5-10 F Sr. Carlos Cabada 6-0 F Sr. Mitchell Friend 5-8 G Sr. Julio Medrano 5-9 G Jr. Jose Sanchez 6-2 C Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Jaime Hernandez 6-1 F Jr.

Roosevelt

* Coach: Dave Perea, 18th year.

* 1993-94 Record: 14-12.

* Prediction: The Roughriders, who advanced to the 3-A finals last season, will be very well-balanced and competitive.

* Game not to miss: Bell at Roosevelt, Feb. 8.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Miguel Prado 5-10 G Sr. Leo Robles 5-9 G Sr. Ruben Morales 6-1 F Sr. Fabian Garcia 5-9 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. F. Delgadillo 6-1 G/F So. Robert Martin 6-3 F/C So. Ralph Nolasco 5-10 G Sr.

South Gate

* Coach: Tony Cartar-Loza, second year.

* 1993-94 Record: 4-18.

* Prediction: South Gate is better at every position. Off-season weightlifting will help the Rams to be more physical. Damion Johnson, a Fremont transfer, is the team’s best all-around player.

* Game not to miss: Fremont at South Gate, Dec. 15.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Jose Carona 6-7 F/C Sr. Jaime Rios 6-0 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Damion Johnson 6-3 G Sr. Marcos Sanchez 6-3 G Jr. Alex Cypert 6-1 G Jr. Carlos Palacious 5-9 G Jr.

Coastal Conference

Los Angeles

* Coach: Karim Girgis, first year.

* 1993-94 Record: 13-17.

* Prediction: The Romans’ hopes of returning to the playoffs rest on the shoulders of guard Damien Magee.

* Game not to miss: Westchester at Los Angeles, Feb. 8.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Damien Magee 5-11 G Sr. Antoine Henderson 6-2 F Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Kwesi Jones 6-3 G Sr. Deon Green 6-1 G Fr. Ewart Bishop 6-0 G Sr.

Manual Arts

* Coach: Randolph Simpson, seventh year.

* 1993-94 Record: 20-5.

* Prediction: After fielding several talented teams, Manual Arts finished in disappointing fashion the past two seasons, losing in the first round of playoffs. With the addition of Travis Reed from Crenshaw, the Toilers are expected to return to the championship form they had when they won the City title in 1990.

* Game not to miss: Westchester at Manual Arts, Jan. 11

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Darwin Carter 6-1 G Sr. Charlie Parker 5-11 G Sr. Sha’ Channel 5-11 G/F Sr. Jayvonte Jackson 6-2 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Travis Reed 6-7 F So. Anthony Archie 6-6 F/C Sr. Marcus Herring 6-4 F Jr. D. Brewington 6-3 F Jr.

Southern Pacific Conference

Crenshaw

* Coach: Willie West, 24th year.

* 1993-94 Record: 28-2.

* Prediction: Ronnie Arch, a 6-6 forward, is the only returning starter from the Cougars, who won two consecutive City 4-A and State Division I titles. Corey Williams, 6-5 forward, is a transfer student from Ribet Academy. Although the Cougars are inexperienced, they may be one of the quickest and strongest teams in the city. Expect Crenshaw to reach at least the semifinals.

* Game not to miss: Santa Ana Valley at Crenshaw, Dec. 8.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Ronnie Arch 6-6 F Sr. Corey Williams 6-5 F Jr. Raymond Palmer 6-7 F Sr. Robert Parker 6-1 G Sr. Damian Willis 6-3 G Sr. Antonio Simpson 6-0 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Lamar Vane Sciver 6-3 F Sr. Darrel Reece 6-3 G/F Sr.

Dorsey

* Coach: Kevin Gibson, fifth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 17-9.

* Prediction: Dorsey seeks to return to its third consecutive 4-A City Final. The Dons will be better than last year because of added size, but the quickness remains. Defense and up-tempo style will still be a trademark.

* Game not to miss: Crenshaw at Dorsey, Feb. 1.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Charles Johnson 6-6 F Sr. Willie ONeal 6-5 G/F Sr. Jason Howzell 6-3 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Lamont Frazier 6-1 G Jr. Mike McCluster 6-1 G Jr. Verdel Baskin 6-0 G Sr. Tim Johnson 6-5 F Sr.

Washington

* Coaches: Andy Davis and Dave Johnson, third year.

* 1993-94 Record: 15-13.

* Prediction: Washington will have a good defensive team and should improve offensively as the season progresses. The Generals have plenty of size up front with 6-6 Robert Gordon-Lamar and 6-5 Daniel Moore. Patrick Blake will be the team’s biggest shooting threat outside.

* Game not to miss: Westchester at Washington, Dec. 1.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. R. Gordon-Lamar 6-6 F Sr. Patrick Blake 6-2 G Sr. Daniel Brown 6-0 G Sr. Daniel Moore 6-5 C Jr. Charles Stone 6-3 F Sr. Jason Reed 5-4 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Emmanuel Brown 5-11 G Jr. Carlton Frazier 6-5 C Sr. Tarron Williams 6-3 F Sr.

Southern Section

Bell Gardens

* Coach: Charlie LaCommare, 17th year.

* 1993-94 Record: 21-7.

* Prediction: The Lancers, although not very tall up front, will use quickness to their advantage. Junior center-forward Rigoberto Bejarano figures to be the go-to player in the paint. Senior guard George Gutierrez, who averaged 10.5 points a game last season, had knee surgery last month and would be a big plus if he returns to the lineup.

* Game not to miss: Montebello at Bell Gardens, Jan. 13.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Rigoberto Bejarano 6-3 C/F Jr. George Gutierrez 6-0 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Richard Lopez 6-1 F/C Jr. Juan Juarez 5-8 G Jr. Mario Jaurequi 6-0 G/F Sr. Joe Rivera 5-8 G Jr.

Cathedral

* Coach: Oscar Leong, second year.

* 1993-94 Record: 5-15.

* Prediction: An experienced backcourt should help the Phantoms in the competitive Santa Fe League.

* Game not to miss: Cathedral at Salesian, Jan. 17.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Torrance Nivens 6-1 G Jr. George Flores 5-10 G Jr. Javier Rivera 6-5 C Jr. Jerry Villareal 6-0 G Sr. Richard Miguel 5-11 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Alex Flores 6-1 F Jr. Travis Jackson 6-2 F Jr. Omar Garnett 5-10 G Sr.

Loyola

* Coach: Bill Thomason, 17th year.

* 1993-94 Record: 22-6.

* Prediction: The team returns eight players but only three played a significant amount of time last season.

* Game not to miss: Harvard-Westlake at Loyola, Jan. 11.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Ryan Bailey 6-1 G Sr. Todd Edwards 6-2 G Jr. Randle Parker 6-1 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Oji Singletary 5-8 G Jr. Chris Lakey 5-10 G Jr. Danny Thomason 6-4 F Jr.

Pilgrim

* Coach: Gene Hicks, 14th year.

* 1993-94 Record: 18-6.

* Prediction: The Patriots won the league championship for the first time since 1990. Point guard Fred Barnam, who averaged 9.1 points and nearly 10 assists a game, set a school record for most assists in career. With the development of Jeret Black and Brandon Campbell, the Patriots should repeat.

* Game not to miss: Pilgrim at South Bay Lutheran, Jan. 10.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Fred Barnam 5-7 G Sr. Jeret Black 6-2 F So. Billy Lewis 6-1 F Jr. Edo Hewitt 5-10 G So. Josh Stroud 5-10 F Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Brandon Campbell 6-3 C Jr. Brandon Clay 5-10 G So.

Salesian

* Coach: Terry McCrory, first year.

* 1993-94 Record: 1-19.

* Prediction: The Mustangs, bolstered by the return of forward Art Gonzalez and guard Eddie Santana, expect to improve after taking their lumps in the Santa Fe League last season.

* Game not to miss: Cathedral at Salesian, Jan. 17.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Art Gonzalez 6-3 F Jr. Gabriel Medina 6-2 F Jr. Eddie Santana 5-9 G Sr. Hector Vasquez 6-1 F Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Eric Gomez 6-4 F/C So. Ernest Alentine 5-10 G Jr.

Verbum Dei

* Coach: Mike Kearney, sixth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 26-3.

* Prediction: Verbum Dei will miss the scoring of Andre Miller and the ballhandling of Jamal Cobbs. The Eagles will continue their trademark up-tempo style but will utilize size in the post.

* Game not to miss: Verbum Dei at Pius X, Jan. 11.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Deon Williams 6-1 G/F Jr. Andre Larry 6-6 F Sr. Andre Smith 6-4 F Sr. Kelly Mann 6-3 F Sr. Hasani Acklin 5-9 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Ivory Burris 6-2 G/F Sr. Phillip Blackmon 6-5 F Soph. Jamaal Johnson 6-6 F Jr.