Antelope Valley Takes Its Best Shot

John Burrell inherited few moves from his father, a former Harlem Globetrotter.

Still, Burrell is interesting to watch.

Burrell, a 6-foot-3 sophomore guard for Antelope Valley College, is ranked 21st among the nation’s top junior college players by one publication because of his shooting ability.

Burrell, who signed a letter of intent with Nevada this week, and Antelope Valley open the season tonight against Fullerton in the Santa Monica tournament.

Stan “Chico” Burrell, a member of the Globetrotters during the 1960s, passed a few tricks on to his son--not many of which make their way into Burrell’s repertoire.

“He’s told me stories, but not too many tricks,” Burrell said. “Little stuff. Like dribbling between people’s legs and going behind my back.”

Burrell spends more time honing his jumper. He launches 500 three-point shots every day.

His sharpshooting last season powered Antelope Valley to the state quarterfinals. He averaged 21 points and led the Marauders in three-point shooting (41%)--despite playing with three returning starters.

Burrell, a Times All-Valley selection in 1995 as a senior at Highland High, was an All-Foothill Conference choice last season.

“That’s very unusual for a freshman here,” said Newton Chelette, in his ninth season as coach of Antelope Valley. “He’s the first one I can remember doing that.”

Burrell was hottest down the stretch. He scored a season-high 34 points against Riverside, and 32 in an overtime victory over Chaffey in a Southern regional game.

“I’ve always been a scorer,” Burrell said. “When I got here, there were a whole bunch of good sophomores and I wasn’t expected to do anything. I was surprised. But it’s just been hard work.”

A look at the region’s men’s teams:

ANTELOPE VALLEY

COACH: Newton Chelette, ninth season.

LAST SEASON: 30-5; first in Foothill Conference North Division at 8-0.

With Burrell providing much of the scoring, the Marauders will be difficult to defend. Point guard Trevor Beal, who led the team in assists and was an All-Foothill selection, is the only other returning starter. Center Le’Tre Kelly averaged 17.1 points and 13.3 rebounds, and guard Ziaire Williams averaged 17.4 points last season at Antelope Valley High. The Marauders have depth with 6-7 Carlos Wheeler, 6-6 Lance Silvester and 6-4 Kevin Kirkland, all freshman forwards.

CANYONS

COACH: Lee Smelser, 29th season.

LAST SEASON: 12-20; fifth in Western State Conference Southern Division at 2-8.

Only two starters return. Guard Woodley Polynice, brother of Olden Polynice of the Sacramento Kings, averaged 14.8 points and made 30.1% of his three-point shots (40 of 133). Guard Bryan Finley also returns. Top newcomers include 6-5 forwards Moses Lindsey and Sam Harris.

GLENDALE

COACH: Brian Beauchemin, 19th season.

LAST SEASON: 13-18; fourth in WSC Southern Division at 5-5.

The Vaqueros will try to rebound from two consecutive losing seasons with an undersized but quick squad. Sophomore guard Juan Corleto, the only returning starter, averaged 11.3 points and 3.6 assists. Forward Javien Moore, who averaged 4.9 rebounds, is the only other returning player. Will Ruffin, a 6-6 freshman forward from Granada Hills High, is the team’s tallest player. Forward Donald Holt averaged 27 points a game last season at Cleveland High.

MOORPARK

COACH: Remy McCarthy, second season.

LAST SEASON: 13-17; fifth in WSC Northern Division at 3-7.

Four starters return, including guard Marques Pena, who led the WSC with 6.9 assists per game and averaged 13.6 points. Forward Anthony McCurtis averaged 12.9 points and seven rebounds. Forward Cameron Henderson averaged 10.7 points and guard Scott Blough, who led the WSC in three-point shooting at 51.9%, averaged 10 points. Forwards Charles Dickson and Ceneka Shaw transferred from Ventura. Freshman guard Tyrone Nunnery averaged 15.8 points at Rio Mesa High.

OXNARD

COACH: Ron McClurkin, fifth season.

LAST SEASON: 12-20; fourth in WSC Northern Division at 4-6.

Oxnard, 2-25 two seasons ago, continues to rebuild. The Condors have 12 players, all freshmen. McClurkin will build the team around Audreece Dickson, Corey Dickerson and David Jones. All are 6-4 and good perimeter shooters.

VALLEY

COACH: Doug Michelson, fifth season.

LAST SEASON: 26-9; 8-2 in WSC Northern Division.

The Monarchs have three starters returning, most notably all-conference postman Leon Brisport, who averaged 6.5 rebounds last season. Guard Pierre Elize averaged 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. Guard Germaine Chase, who has committed to Montana State, sixth man Eric Dotson and guard Gianandrea Marcaccini all return. Faheem Nelson, a 6-8 center, transferred from Southern Idaho. Point guard Ronnie Noel set a school record with 276 assists last season at Simi Valley High.