BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL 1995: PREVIEW : Six Teams to Watch : San Clemente

Coach: Mike Hurlbut (fourth year).

1994: 17-6, 7-3 in the South Coast League. Lost in Division I quarterfinals to Los Angeles Loyola.

Key returners: Corin Bemus, 6-5, outside hitter, Sr.; Rick Bruce, 6-3, middle blocker, Sr.; Gabe Gardner, 6-9, outside hitter, Sr.; Chris Katke, 5-9, outside hitter, So.; Mike LaDue, 6-3, setter, Jr.; Brandon Taliaferro, 6-5, setter, Jr.

Key newcomers: Chris Boden, 6-2, middle blocker, Jr.; Jeff Johnson, 6-1, outside hitter, Sr.; Andy McNeill, 6-1, middle blocker, Sr.; James O’Bradovic, 6-2, middle blocker, Jr.; Cory Priggs, 6-0, outside hitter, Sr.; Chris Sebourn, 5-9, outside hitter, So.

Outlook: The Tritons are led by two of the county’s best players, Gardner and Taliaferro. Gardner has signed with USC. Taliaferro will be one of the most highly recruited players in the county next season, but he’s nursing a sore right shoulder that is currently forcing him to serve left-handed. Bemus is another returning starter who Hurlbut hopes will help the Tritons win the South Coast League title for the first time since 1983, Hurlbut’s senior year at San Clemente.