SoCal High School & Prep Preview

High School Mini-Preview: O.C. Century League-
Orange High--(November 27, 1997)

Orange High School actually did very well last year, compiling an overall record of 19-7, and going 7-3 in Century League Play, losing to Villa Park twice. But that was then, and this is now. Orange is really going to be somewhat of mystery in the preseason. If you want to make any real projections about how they're going to fare in league competition, look at last year's junior varsity team, because just about all of them will be moved up to the varsity to replace all the players who left from last year. Only three players from last year's team will return, and only one starter is back.

Orange also has a new first year coach, Johnny Johnson who replaces longtime Orange coach, Rich Bosenmeyer. Only one starter is returning to this team, Gerald Morel (6'-4" Sr. F). Two other returning players will also be on the squad: Point guard Steven Miller (6'-2" So. PG), and Kyle Richards (6'-1" So. SG). Both of these guards have good height, and know how to handle the ball. Miller will have definite height advantage over some of the small "guard" oriented schools, so look for him to be able to make the entry pass a bit easier against some of the weaker competition in the league. Miller is a smart player, who can drive or dish, and who has a nice outside shot and plays aggressive defense. Kyle Richards has a nice outside shot as well, and should do better this season, getting significantly more playing time than last year. Orange however, is really without a "big man" as far as we know, so look for them also to run with a three wing set.

Coach Johnson is a former Chapman University assistant, who says he wants to see a more up-tempo offense than in past seasons. He also intends to teach and run the press. "Orange High basketball traditionally has played tough, aggressive defense with a well-balanced, slow methodical offense," he told the Orange County Register last week. Whether he will have the manpower to be able to run the press effectively, and to pull off the up-tempo game will depend alot on a bunch of guys who have not had any varsity experience. But sometimes that's the best way to go. Actually, it looks like it's the only way to go for Orange.

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