Brown Fulfilling Coach’s Prophecy

Coach Ralph Turner of Canoga Park High is looking like a prophet.

He predicted that 6-foot-4 senior Cecil Brown would average 30 points this boys’ basketball season. After nine games, Brown’s average stands at 29.6.

“I think he’s a big-school Division I [college] player,” Turner said. “He has the whole package.”

Brown was primarily known last season as a three-point shooter, but he is driving to the basket more and contributing as a rebounder. He has a 41-inch vertical leap, which comes in handy when he needs to out-jump opponents.

“They’ve given me more freedom to create what I want to do,” Brown said.

Brown’s high game this season was 53 points. Four times he has scored 33 or more.

“He can shoot, and that alone separates him from 98% of other players,” Turner said.

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Team chemistry, not talent, can make the difference between victory and defeat. Just examine the fortunes of Crespi.

Two years ago, the Celts were one of the region’s surprise teams, going 19-9 and finishing third in the Mission League despite a small lineup and few high-profile players. They relied on teamwork.

Last year, when the Celts were highly regarded, they slumped to 13-14 and finished next to last in the league because of internal problems.

This season, Crespi has been taking lessons from its 1998-1999 team. The Celts are playing good defense and making unselfish passes en route to a 6-2 record.

Junior point guard Alan Ellis and senior forwards Kingsley Anyanwu and Charlie Shiebler have led the surge. Returning all-leaguer Andrew Moore has struggled with his shooting, but once he regains form, Crespi could be a dangerous team in Mission play.