CLOSE-UPS

GIRLS’ SOCCER McCALL ZERBONI

Sr., San Clemente

Then: An All-Southern Section Division I selection last season with 11 goals and 10 assists as a center midfielder, Zerboni led the Tritons to a share of their third Division I title. The 17-and-under national pool player was selected the Division I offensive player of the year as a freshman and sophomore.

Now: A skillful, creative passer and scorer admired even by opposing players and coaches for her artistry, Zerboni holds her own as a physical, tenacious player. She has five goals and six assists this season and has committed to UCLA. Zerboni converted the decisive penalty kick as San Clemente (8-0-2), ranked No. 6 in the nation by Student Sports magazine, claimed the Santa Ana Mater Dei tournament title for the second consecutive year after a scoreless tie with Mission Viejo in the final Dec. 13. Zerboni and the Tritons were the defending champions of the prestigious Santa Ana Foothill Excalibur tournament, which was scheduled for this week but canceled because of inclement weather. They tied Los Alamitos, 2-2, in last year’s final, claiming the title on penalty kicks.

Quote: “She’s doing what she normally does, making other people look good,” said Stacey Finnerty, San Clemente’s coach. “Her vision of the game is three steps ahead of everybody else’s. She always shocks everyone.”

Lauren Peterson

*

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL JESSICA CARRERA

Sr., La Puente Bishop Amat

Then: Intimidated when she arrived on campus, Carrera seemed to elevate her game once she got comfortable. Her freshman season, when she averaged 5.4 points, she made what could have been the winning shot against Pomona Diamond Ranch in the playoffs. That was, however, usurped by a half-court shot that beat the buzzer according to a controversial call. In the last two seasons, the point guard has combined with forwards Erin Myrick and Chasmine Jones to lead the Lancers to the section finals, including a win in last year’s Division III-A championship.

Now: The one returning starter off last year’s state finalist, Carrera has averaged a career-high 10.4 points for the Lancers. She had seven three-pointers and had 23 points Tuesday in a win over Long Beach Millikan that raised Bishop Amat’s record to 14-0 and, over the past three seasons, 73-10. “Her leadership,” Coach Richard Wiard said, “has been instrumental in our success.”

Quote: “I look to run the plays, not just shoot,” Carrera said of her maturation, “and once we’re in the offense, everyone on the team will get an opportunity to score.”

Martin Henderson

*

BOYS’ BASKETBALL RAY MAGEE

Jr., Placentia Valencia

Then: As a 6-foot-3, 165-pound freshman, Magee earned a starting role for the Tigers and was named All-Empire League at the end of the season. He repeated those feats a year ago, averaging 13.2 points and eight rebounds for Valencia, which finished 12-17. He emerged last fall as a talented wide receiver and defensive back in football, the sport where he’ll probably receive the most attention from college recruiters.

Now: After growing two inches and adding about 30 pounds since his freshman season, Magee is a versatile wing player who is most dangerous around the basket. He scored 38 points last week in a 60-48 victory over Tustin, making 16 of 20 free throws and grabbing 10 rebounds. He’s averaging 18.6 points and 9.7 rebounds for Valencia (9-4). He had 28 points Tuesday night in a 90-86 overtime loss to Ontario Colony in a second-round game at the Santa Ana Century tournament.

Quote: “He’s probably the best player I’ve ever had,” said Coach Dean Yoshimura, in his 12th season. “He’s just so active. We don’t run stuff for him, he gets it all on his own.”

-- Dan Arritt