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BOYS’ BASKETBALL

LAWRENCE TYSON

Sr., Quartz Hill

Then: Arriving as a freshman at Quartz Hill as “skinny as all get out,” according to Coach Bernard Nichter, Tyson exhibited a passionate work ethic that he carries with him today. He made huge strides in his game between his freshman and sophomore seasons but didn’t earn a starting role on varsity until he was a junior. He averaged 11 points last season, then spent another off-season mostly in the gym.

Now: A 6-foot-2 point guard, Tyson has not only grown two inches since last season, but he has also developed into one of the top scorers in the Southland. He came into the week averaging 24.3 points for the Rebels (17-6 overall, 8-1 in league), who clinched the Golden League title last week with a 79-76 victory over four-time defending league champion Lancaster. Tyson scored a season-high 41 points last week in an 85-76 victory over Palmdale Highland. Against Highland on Jan. 6, Tyson made two jump shots late in overtime to secure an 83-80 victory.

Quote: “At the end of last season, we told him he was going to have to start getting selfish and establishing himself as the star player,” Nichter said. “He’s so unselfish, it was hard for him to take that step.”

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Dan Arritt

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GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PARIS DUNFORD

Jr., Nogales

Then: Unlike most freshmen who arrive at Nogales, Dunford came in as a skilled player and averaged 14 points for a team that finished 10-17 despite predictions of 1-26. “A lot of that had to do with her because I didn’t have any scorers,” said Yas Oda, the coach who arrived the same year. The Nobles might have done better, but Dunford sat out seven games because of a high ankle sprain. Her scoring improved to 16 points as a sophomore, when she made first-team All-San Antonio League for the second year in a row and Nogales improved to 16-11.

Now: A strong 5-foot-7 guard who runs the point out of necessity, Dunford is the Southland’s leading scorer, averaging 27.5 points, 3.8 assists and 4.0 steals. “She’s the stereotypical gunner,” Oda said of his 40% shooter. “If you need points, she’ll score 40 for you.” The Nobles’ fortunes depend almost entirely on Dunford; in seven of their eight losses, she has been in foul trouble. With a victory tonight at West Covina, Nogales (18-8) can win a share of its first girls’ basketball league championship.

Quote: “She could be one of the top guards in the state easily, but the work ethic isn’t there yet,” said Oda, who coached Montebello Cantwell Sacred Heart to a section title four years ago. “She still doesn’t have that extra drive. Everything is on skill level alone.”

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Martin Henderson

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GIRLS’ SOCCER MARIHELEN TOMER

Sr., Pomona Diamond Ranch

Then: Tomer played center midfielder during her first three years on varsity before moving to forward this season. Named the Panthers’ most valuable player as a freshman and junior, she has been an All-Mt. Baldy League selection every year. Tomer had 11 goals and eight assists as a freshman, had 13 goals and nine assists as a sophomore and notched 17 goals and 17 assists last season.

Now: Tomer is still working her way back to full strength after an emergency appendectomy in May in which complications arose after an artery was severed during surgery. She sat out the last month of her junior year of school as well as the summer club soccer season. Tomer, who has signed to play at USC next season, has 46 goals and 11 assists so far this season, including 17 goals and seven assists in the last three weeks. She scored six goals in an 8-3 league victory over Montclair. Her efforts have helped the Panthers (12-4-6, 6-2-1) to a second-place finish in league play behind Chino Hills Don Lugo.

Quote: “I know that I have to score for us to have the best chance to win,” Tomer said of her push for 50 goals in a season. “I want to make a difference for this team, and I want to be remembered at this school.”

-- Lauren Peterson