SoCalHoops High School News

San Diego Top 10 From
The Union-Tribune--(Nov. 12, 1998)

The San Diego Union-Tribune, the only really large paper covering the greater San Diego area was a virtual wasteland when it came to covering San Diego Prep sports last year, at least on the internet.  But this year, things have totally changed, and they've got one of the best Prep Sports sections anywhere.  And they're kicking off the year with some great high school basketball coverage, just in time for the impending start of the San Diego Section season.  And what better way to do it than to post up their "Boys' Basketball Top 10" list, which also has a nice listing (but without any detail) of some "Players to Watch" this year.  We're not certain we agree with all of their selections, and particularly the order (for example a D-IV team, Horizon is picked as the No. 1 team in the area, while St. Augustine & USDHS are ranked lower, and Division I Rancho Buena Vista, which plays against far tougher competition than Horizon during the year, is ranked lower at No. 2.   Seems like they need to get an RPI going at the paper.   Nevertheless, the information is timely and other than the team profiles we've posted here on some of these teams, we don't know of any other resource covering hoops in San Diego, so get used to a new and continuing stream of information from way down south this year.    Here's the list (we've provided links to our own High School Previews of these teams, where available): 

Boys Basketball Top 10
Picked by Union-Tribune staff. Last year's record in parentheses.

1. Horizon (27-3)

With a backcourt coach Zack Jones calls the best in the state, the Panthers look to improve -- meaning win an elusive Division V state title. Guards Detrick Watts and Zack Jones Jr. been have teammates for four years. Quickness and experience abound with 6-5 swingman Wayne Bernard, 6-7 post player Trevor Jensen and 6-5 shooting forward Ryan Fellows. 6-8 Ron Coleman (Lincoln) makes up for the loss of 6-9 Chris Monroe to Granite Hills.

2. RB Vista (26-9)

The Longhorns will be led by All-State selection Aaron Abrams, a 6-3 guard-forward who averaged 22.2 points and 8.3 rebounds a game. C.J. Fellars (6-5) will dominate inside and veteran guards Adrian Phillips and Louie Cordero bring experience and poise. Add 6-3 Clovis West transfer Jason Bow (16.0 average), a prolific outside shooter, and RBV has few weaknesses.

3. USDHS (26-4)

Cousins Chris (6-8) and Kam Walton (6-8) were able to gain valuable experience as sophomores last year but now must step up as the top returning players. Football star Justin Green will try to fill the guard void. Temecula transfer Mike Malloy, a 6-3 wingman, will move right in and 6-3 Riverside transfer Josh Kipper should help, too.

4. St. Augustine (18-11)

A flood of transfers and newcomers led by former Helix standout Floyd North (6-4) must meld with veteran 5-11 guard Andre Porter (14-point average) and 6-5 junior forward Jamal Williams (8.0 average) to make the Saints the force many believe they will become. Role playing returnees such as 6-5 Leon Doxey, a force under the basket, provide stability.

5. Bishop's (25-8)

The return of 6-6 senior Mike Hausmann (18.6), 6-6 junior Nick Booker (17.0) and 5-10 Gibran Garcia (9.3) plus the addition of 6-4 freshman Paul Fraley and 6-8 junior Chris Neff (Torrey Pines transfer) should make the Southern California Regional finalists even stronger this year.

6. Oceanside (21-9)

A big man may be all the defending Avocado League champs lack. Co-league players of the year 6-1 Matt Adame (13.0) and 6-4 Justin Austin (13.0 plus 7 rebounds a game) form a solid nucleus, though. Veterans Seth Berry and Kevin Freeman also figure to contribute.

7. El Camino (19-10)

Height isn't a problem for the Wildcats since 6-8, 285-pound Mike Kracalik improved immensely last year. That means such players as 6-2 swingman Marcus McGill, 6-3 Ben Adelman, and 6-foot guard D.J. Hicks will be able to focus on something other than rebounding.

8. Serra (22-4)

Transfers could play a big role for the Q's. In U-T Newcomer of the Year James Profitt (17.0), a 6-5 forward, and 5-9 guard Kim Valenzuela, Serra has proven starters. Football standout Jeff Shoate, a 5-11 guard, is a quality athlete. Three transfers led by 5-11 John Idano must help.

9. La Costa Canyon (15-13)

Led by 6-7 Tod Beights, 6-foot Brian Faulstich and 6-foot Scott Orozco, the Mavericks are very experienced. The addition of 6-6 Mike Bonwell by way of Santa Fe Christian won't hurt, either. May come around later than some, but they'll be there.

10. Southwest (15-13)

Coach Steve Selland's club has been tearing up the summer and fall leagues with a close-knit group led by 6-3 Nate Sandeford (13.5). Mike Holper, a 6-6 forward, continues to improve in all phases of his game and guards Tim Thompson and Dennis Amparo complement each other nicely.

The Union-Tribune also published a short list of "Other Players to Watch"  and while they provided no insights or analysis of any of the players, you'll recognize more than a few of the names if you've been following the tournaments and camp reports here at SoCalHoops.  Here's who they listed:

Billy Bloom (6'-6" Sr. C)  Rancho Bernardo
Anthony Bolton (6'-6" Sr. F) Vista
Tim Browning (5'-10" Sr. G) El Capitan
Kemmy Burgess (6'-1" Sr. G) El Cajon--quick guard, played at Double Pump West Coast All-Stars; impressed a lot of people
Tim Crenshaw (6'-4" So. F)  Carlsbad
Elliott Edwards (6'-1" Sr. F)  Crawford
Chris Faber (6'-6" Sr. C)  West Hills
Chris Ferguson (6'-7" Sr. F) San Diego--not the same Chris Ferguson who has committed to USD; he's from Irvine, and a 6'-1" guard
John Masnica (6'-6" Sr. F) Orange Glen
Donyare Mayfield (5'-8" Jr. G) Vista --note: just tore it up at the Nike National Championships this summer. Great player.
Mike McCoy (5'-10" Sr. G) Grossmont
Carl McCullough (5'-10" Fr. G)  El Camino
Jeremee McGuire (6'-8" Jr. C) Lincoln
Chris Monroe (6'-7" Sr. C) Granite Hills--strong, powerful player, transferred from Horizon
Roy Morris (6'-2" Sr. G) Bonita Vista
Brian Osmundson (6'-0" So. G)  St. Augustine's
Blake Perry (6'-1" Jr. G) Torrey Pines
Shamir Shire (6'-7" Fr. C) San Diego
Gerome Templeton (5'-10" Sr. G)  Poway
William Waggoner (6'-1" Jr. G)  Helix

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