san bernardino top 10 teams and players

Since were showcasing who the local sportswriters in the region believe are the top 10 teams, and the "Players to Watch" today, we see no reason to leave anyone out, and that includes those teams and players picked as noteworthy by the San Bernardino County Sun. These teams were highlighted and the reviews were compiled and written by Danny Summers, one of the Sun's sportswriters. Like Steve Brand down in San Diego, we're not sure we agree with his selections or even the write-ups of the teams, but he's either a genius or a fool. . . only time will tell. There are a couple of teams we can think of who might have been mentioned, including Rialto, but hey, it's Summers' list, not ours. Just keep that in mind as you read this.

Rank	Team	98-99 Record	Comments
1	Fontana	19-7	The Steelers, the defending Citrus Belt League champions, return just one starter senior 5-9 guard Michael Stephenson. However, coach John McNally is blessed with three incoming freshmen who could make an immediate impact. They are Trayvon Williams (6-4), Wesley Washington (6-2) and Travantae Nelson (5- 9). All are expected to see significant playing time. The Steelers were bounced from the first round of the playoffs last season.
2	Pacific	26-5	The Pirates return three starters from their San Andreas League championship team senior 6-4 shooting guard Michael Hall, senior 5-8 point guard Chris Smith and 6-2 junior forward Donnell Jury. Throw in 6-8 senior transfer Will Kimble at center and the Pirates have a formidable unit. Pacific has advanced to the Division I-A semifinals each of the four years Scott Smith has been coach, and six of the last seven seasons.
3	Ayala	20-9	The Bulldogs advanced to the quarterfinals of Division IAA before losing to Long Beach Jordan. The Bulldogs, who compete in the Sierra League, return 6-5 senior point guard/small forward Marcel Burke, 6-0 senior guard Chris Pacana, 6-1 senior guard Mark McCoy and 6-7 senior center Nick Vavakin (6-7).
4	Upland	23-4	The Highlanders, second behind mighty Glendora in the Baseline League last season, lost to Ayala in the second round of the DI-AA playoffs. Upland has had four consecutive 20-victory seasons under coach Jeff Klein. The Highlanders return six players from last year's team, including senior 6-8 center DeMarcus Williams, 6-1 junior shooting guard Prentice Harris and 6-7 senior center Jason Johnson.
5	Etiwanda	17-9	The Eagles finished second to Ontario in the Mt. Baldy League last season, but have won four titles in six years. The starters will include senior 6-5 swingman Romel Beck, senior 6-3 small forward Orlando Solano and sophomore 5-9 point guard Aaron Gipson, a transfer from Fontana.
6	Eisenhower	22-7	The Eagles return just one starter in senior 6-4 forward Bobby Wilson. Coach Steve Johnson says the Eagles "could go 10-deep this season." Johnson will count on 6-1 senior point guard Andre Rouzan to fill the shoes left by all-world point guard Trenell Eddings (now at UC Riverside). Other top players include 6-2 junior shooting guard Alex Acker (a transfer from Cajon), 6-3 junior guards Joel Hart and Marcus Sams and 6-5 junior forward Jameal James (6-5)
7	Twentynine Palms	23-7	The Wildcats lost to Serra in last year's Division IV-AA title game. The Wildcats are led by 6-9 senior center Vili Morton, senior 6-4 shooting guard Bobby Phillips, senior 6-2 point guard Ryan Freshour, senior 6-3 forward Josh Stratton and senior 6-1 forward Frederick Bernard.
8	Victor Valley	15-11	The Jackrabbits, who jump from Division IIA to IA this season, are led by 6-2 senior shooting guard Ryan Dillon. Dillon averaged 17.8 points per game as a junior. Other starters include Dillon's younger brother Josh (a 5-10 point guard), senior 6-4 forward John Alexander and 5-10 senior guard Daniel Jordan. The Jackrabbits finished second to Barstow in the Mojave River League last season.
9	Redlands	20-9	The Terriers have had just one losing season since coach Randy Genung took over in 1977. This year's team promised to be one of Genung's best before senior point guard Jacob Avilla moved to Hawaii and highly regarded 6-8 sophomore forward Lawrence Carrier enrolled at a prep school. Still, the Terriers return 6-11 1/2 junior center Alex Graham and senior 6-6 forward Danny Genung. Other key players include 6-3 senior returner Trishtin Hall, junior 5-11 point guard Anthony Porter and junior 6-2 forward Bryan Roberts.
10	Cajon	10-17	The Cowboys finished third in the San Andreas League last season, but should compete for the title this season. Coached by Jerry Tivey, the Cowboys are led by 6-3 senior forward Aaron Griffin, 6-4 senior forward Blake Walker, 6-1 junior guard Paul Roby and 6-2 sophomore guard Donovan Morris.

Likewise, here are Mr. Summers' "10 Players to Watch", listed alphabetically:

The 6-foot-2 senior is a three-year starter for the Jackrabbits. He averaged 17.5 points per game as a junior while helping Victor Valley to a second-place finish in the Mojave River League. Dillon, a three-point specialist, is quick off the dribble and has great leaping ability.

Graham, a 6'-11 1/2" junior, is the closest thing to a 7-footer in the county, and thus will be monitored closely. He returns for his second varsity season with the Terriers. He averaged seven points, six rebounds and four blocks per game in a tentative sophomore season. Could be a top college recruit next year.

The active, 6-4 senior shooting guard is a third-year starter for the Pirates. He has verbally committed to Pepperdine. Hall averaged 14 points and 11 rebounds per game as a junior.

The 6-6 senior post man runs the floor exceptionally well for his position. He averaged 14 points and nine rebounds per game as a junior. A third-year starter for the Knights.

A mystery player to the average fan, but well-known on the college recruiting scene; Kimble already has signed with Pepperdine. A 6-foot-8 center is playing his first season in a Pirates uniform after transfering from Arrowhead Christian Academy. Averaged 10.5 points per game as a junior at ACA.

Morton, a 6-9 senior center, has signed with UC Riverside. A multi-sport star (football, track) with an enormous, eight-foot reach. He averaged 15.7 points as a junior while leading the Wildcats to the Division IV-AA finals.

The 5-8 senior point guard is a third-year starter for Scott Smith's Pirates. Can shoot the three, distributes well, and breaks down defenses with penetration. Averaged 11 points and 9.7 assists per game as a junior.

The 6-6 senior power forward is expected to be a stabilizing presence for the young Steelers. He was a part-time starter as a junior, when he showed scoring ability from 15 feet and in, good moves in the paint and leaping ability. Is getting looks from several Divison I schools.

The sturdy, 6-8 senior already has signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Washington. Williams, who weighs 250 pounds, runs the floor well and has a strong inside game and an improved shot.

One of Fohi's "Fab 3" freshmen, the 6-4 Williams is expected to make an immediate impact. He has great passing skills and a good shot off the dribble. Is ranked among the top defenders among the Steelers.