BASKETBALL LEAGUE PREVIEWS: TEAM BY TEAM : Boys Valley Pac-8 : EAST VALLEY LEAGUE 4-A

GRANT

1994-95: 17-8, 8-2

Although Coach Howard Levine always downplays his team’s outlook, this time he really, really means it. His one shining star is his only returning starter, 6-2 Donald Patterson, a senior forward averaging 21.2 points and 8.8 rebounds. Beyond Patterson and 5-9 senior point guard Freddy Ramirez, who is averaging 8.8 points, there is little to boast about. The Lancers were 6-7 heading into conference play Wednesday.

MONROE

1994-95: 16-6, 7-3

The talent base is stronger than ever and playing well under first-year Coach Alan Caveness. Although 6-2 senior forward Terrance Cain is the lone returning starter, the Vikings are loaded with talent and Caveness is using all of it. “We’re using eight or nine guys and that’s the reason for our success,” Caveness said. “I couldn’t even tell you who the best player is.” Perhaps it is 6-7 senior center Marrean Robottom, who averaged 8.9 points and 8.4 rebounds last season.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD

1994-95: 14-10, 7-3

The Huskies have the best chance of challenging Monroe for the league title. The strongest argument is made by senior 6-7 center Shannon Johnson, who is averaging 19.0 points and 12.3 rebounds. With a good group of talented athletes surrounding Johnson, the Huskies look to improve on a slow start.

RESEDA

1994-95: 5-18, 1-9

The football team’s 3-A championship title run kept five players off the basketball court until Dec. 11, which put the Regents at a disadvantage. Reseda returns two starters, but 5-11 senior forward Mandeep Hayre is the one making all the noise. Hayre is averaging 15.0 points and is the only player scoring consistently in double figures.

MID-VALLEY LEAGUE 3-A

CANOGA PARK

1994-95: 13-11, 7-3

The Hunters are the defending league champions and they have the talent to run undefeated through conference play. The early matchups with North Hollywood and Monroe should provide their toughest tests. Juniors Carloes Harper Jr. and Anthony Ellison and senior Aaron Lasley are among the best players in the conference.

POLY

1994-95: 13-10, 6-4

The Parrots lost to graduation their two top scorers. The lone returning starter is 6-4 junior center Jonny Lopez. Although Poly is inexperienced, Coach Jay Werner feels his team can challenge again for the league title.

SYLMAR

1994-95: 2-19, 1-9

The Spartans have the most experienced squad in the conference with four returning starters. But considering their 2-7 start, it appears they still haven’t learned how to win. Coach Bort Escoto says it should start happening any day. “I think we’re the best 2-7 team in the Valley. I know we’re not that bad,” he said.

VAN NUYS

1994-95: 9-14, 3-7

Two very talented returning starters should help keep the Wolves in the hunt. But they need to get some help for 6-5 senior forward Onaje Longmire and 6-3 senior guard Kris Hurdle.