SOUTHERN SECTION BOYS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW : Teams to Watch

* HARVARD-WESTLAKE

1994-95: 29-3, Mission League champion

Jason and Jarron Collins make the Wolverines a feared team. But the twins are surrounded by a talented supporting cast, making the team’s goal of a state championship realistic. “We will be better than last year,” Coach Greg Hilliard said. Harvard-Westlake fell in the State semifinals last season. Senior forward Alex Gelbard (6-4, 183) and junior guard Ryan Smiley (6-4, 165) have played year-round with the Collins twins for several years. The point guard is junior Leo DaCosta (6-1, 145) and Rico Cabrera, a 6-4 junior guard, is the sixth man. “I think we have the right complement of players to match the talent of the twins,” Hilliard said.

* CRESCENTA VALLEY

1994-95: 24-2, Pacific League champion

Crescenta Valley has become one of the region’s most consistent winners under Coach John Goffredo, whose 17th victory this season will be the 300th of his career. The lineup is formidable again, with no starter under 6-4. Nathan Sinning, a 6-5, 195-pound senior forward, should be one of the region’s top scorers. Sinning averaged 14 points and 8.6 rebounds last season. “Nathan will have the green light,” Goffredo said. Point guard Jake Willis (6-5, 180) is a Division I prospect who averaged 9.4 assists last season. After fighting injuries for two seasons, center Mike Greco (6-4, 195) is 100%. The top newcomer is Brad Lyans, a 6-5 senior forward who was most valuable player on the junior varsity.

* ROYAL

1994-95: 15-9, third in Marmonte League

Seniors Marques Pena (6-2) and Scott Schnetzler (6-4) give the Highlanders a top-notch guard combination. Pena ranks with Westlake’s Steve Aylsworth and Agoura’s Brian Laibow as the league’s best guards. Schnetzler, a transfer from Simi Valley, is a tenacious rebounder and defender. “Marques is hungry and Scott is just relentless,” Coach Larry Wiksell said. Ryan Nielsen, a 6-5, 215-pound junior, returns at forward. Nielson averaged 12.5 points and 10.1 rebounds last season. Nick Flanagan, a 6-6 junior, will start at forward along with Kraig Tytus (6-2) or Eric Plummer (6-4), another transfer from Simi Valley.

* BURBANK

1994-95: 17-9, Foothill League champion

Burbank’s dramatic turnaround should continue under Coach Ron Quarterman, who replaces Jeff Davis. Quarterman inherits four returning starters, including guard Juni Williams, a Street and Smith sophomore All-American. Only 6-feet, Williams rebounds well in addition to shooting and running the floor. Forward Matt Baker (6-4, 180) was all-league last season, averaging 14.4 points and 7.2 rebounds. Center Don Allado (6-6, 195) is a factor in the middle. Tom Ngo, a 5-7 senior who led the team with 3.4 assists a game, is back at point guard. “My only concern is lack of height,” said Quarterman, who coached at Bell-Jeff last season. “We have a lot of guys who can score.” Guard Greg Church will have an increased role and two junior transfers from Burroughs--forward Bobby Moore and guard Steve Silviera--are expected to contribute.

* LA CANADA

1994-95: 18-8, Rio Hondo League champion

Although only one starter returns, La Canada reloads with a group of talented players who lack only experience. Danny Bush, a 6-2, 180-pound senior guard, will be counted up on for scoring and leadership. Bush averaged 10 points and 3.5 assists last season. Jason Choi, a 6-2 senior, is the point guard, and senior Todd Crane, La Canada’s quarterback in football, will start in the three-guard lineup. “Our guards are as deep and balanced as any we’ve had here,” Coach Tom Hofman said. Sophomore center Matt Moore (6-7, 250) is improving at a rapid rate, and senior forward Tim Sweetnam (6-2, 175) is a good perimeter shooter. As Moore improves, so will La Canada. “He will be exciting to watch,” Hofman said.

Other teams to watch: Simi Valley, Alemany, Camarillo, Westlake, Buena, Santa Clara.