Upon his graduation from USD, Coach Haupt went on to assist at his alma mater for Coach Egan and then subsequently for Brad Holland. Haupt assumed the reins at St. Augustine in 1995, and is now entering his 5^th year at the school. Haupt took over a program that won only 7 games his first year, and has turned them into a 3-time San Diego section Division III finalist. He has an overall coaching record of 68 – 50 (61 – 29 the last 3 years). Last year, the Saints won the Western League title (finishing ahead of perennial Division III power USDHS). They finished 11 – 1 in league and 21 – 9 overall. This record included wins over USDHS, Oakland Fremont (Division I State Champs), and a last second loss to Inglewood. In the San Diego section finals, they lost by one at the buzzer to USDHS, and were eliminated in the state playoffs by West Hills Chaminade. The Saints were at one point ranked as high as #6 in the state for Division III. While this was a terrific year for the Saints, they feel that they have some unfinished business this year.

This year, St. Augustine returns a very strong nucleus beginning with 3 returning starters. The Saints will be led by All-Western League performers, Jamaal Williams and Floyd North. Williams, their 6-06, 265 pound center was runner-up for league player of the year, while averaging 18 points per game. Jamaal shot an astonishing 70% from the floor last year. While Jamaal is a very large human being, he is also a fine athlete with soft hands and runs a 4.8 in the 40. Jamaal recently accepted a football scholarship to USC as a defensive end. He recently completed a disappointing football season in which he suffered a fractured fibula in the first half of the first game. He looks to rebound in his final year of basketball, where he returns as a two-year starter.

The name that seems to be on the tip of everyone’s tongue is junior, Floyd North. Last year, North averaged 17.6 points per game, and is coming off a terrific summer with the Rising Stars program in which he averaged well over 20 points per game. He also enjoyed a solid campaign at Adidas ABCD Camp. Recently, the Orange County Register listed him as one of the top 15 juniors in California, and Pac-West Hoops has selected him as the #3 junior shooting guard in the west. The 6-05 athletic "2" guard also was impressive in Dinos Trigonis’ Fall Showcase. His strength and athleticism have many people claiming North to be the best player to come out of San Diego since St. Augustine Alum, Jelani McCoy (formerly of UCLA and currently with the Seattle Supersonics). While this is only his 3^rd year of competitive basketball, we definitely expect him to be one of the best guards to come out of the area in a long time. He should battle Teyo Johnson (Mira Mesa), Chris Walton (USDHS), Nick Booker (Bishop’s), and Donyare Mayfield (Vista) for San Diego Player of the Year honors.

The St. Augustine roster looks as follows:

Donnie Cochran is another returning starter at the "4". Although somewhat undersized for this position, Cochran makes up for it with tremendous athleticism. Currently San Diego State and Cal are among the Division I schools recruiting him as a defensive back in football. Cochran brings rebounding and defense to the Saints, and is a terrific leader and role player.

Eric Osmundson flip-flops between the 1 and the 2, and returns from a sophomore season tarnished by a broken foot. Osmundson has grown 6 inches in the last year, and remains a terrific threat from the perimeter. His ability to stretch defenses will make life a lot easier for St. Augustine’s athletic front line.

Danny Silva and Michael Mauger are two other players who figure prominently in St. Augustine’s plans. Silva is a gritty defender who will not make mistakes. His experience will help balance some of St. Augustine’s youth in the backcourt. Mauger is a quickly developing inside player who should help spell Williams and Cochran. Michael can score in the post, and is athletic enough to play quality interior defense. Edward Davis and Todd Harrington should also contribute quality minutes in the post.

The key to St. Augustine’s success may lie in the hands of sophomore point guard, Rommel Marentez. Marentez is coming off a summer in which he was named a BCI All-American at the 15 & Under National Championships held in Colorado. Now he is asked to fill the shoes of the graduated, Andre Porter, a 3-time all-league player and a division III All-State selection. However, Marentez is a special young man who distributes the ball extremely well, is a feisty pest on defense, and just seems to make everyone on the court better. How Marentez continues to develop may determine St. Augustine’s fate.

The San Diego pre-season #3 ranked team, St. Augustine opened their 1999 – 200 campaign with an impressive 86 – 59 win over Dana Hills this past Monday. After falling behind 10 – 0 in the opening minutes, the Saints took control behind Floyd North (28 points), and Jamaal Williams (21 points). Eric Osmundson also added 18 points.