SoCal High School & Prep Preview

High School Mini-Preview: O.C. Freeway League
Troy High--(November 28, 1997)

Troy High School returns all five of its starters this year, including their fast and flashy point guard, Jerry Inzunza (5'-9" Jr. PG). Also returning is starting forward Scott Blake (6'-5" Sr. F). They are basically the same team as last year, except they've gotten a whole lot better over the summer, beating some very impressive teams in the process.

Eighth year coach T.J. Hardeman describes both Inzunza and Blake as "potential all-county players." Inzunza has previously been an all-league selection since he was a freshman, and truly is an exceptional passer, with great dribbling and penetration, who's got a nice perimeter shot, and good foot speed. He and Mike Graves (6'-1" Sr. SG) provide the nucleus of a potentially great backcourt.

Troy finished 16-11 last season overall, and 6-4 in Freeway League play, taking second. They were defeated by Culver City 57-52 in the first round of the playoffs. This year they figure to go to the playoffs and do a bit better, and potentially could challenge Sonora and/or La Habra for the league championship. Coach Hardeman has compiled a winning record of 112-89 in his eight years as head varsity coach. Look for him and the team to continue the winning tradition this season.

The roster includes:

Jerry Inzunza (5'-9" Jr. PG)
Scott Blake (6'-5" Sr. F)
Mike Graves (6'-1" Sr. G)
Aaron Mason (6'-2" Sr. F)
Kevin Corby (6'-5" Sr. F)
Mike Hampson (6'-2" Sr. F)
Jeff Janaitas (6'-5" Jr. F/C)
Theron Chaney (6'-2" Jr. G)
Alex Raco (5'-9" So. G)

Compare this roster, which is predominantly forwards to Sonora's mostly guard roster and you can see why many believe that the only thing Troy is missing is a true "big man" at the post position. It's a team with great overall speed, size and shooting ability. Sixth-man Mike Hampson, a forward, adds an added dimension to the Inzunza-Blake-Graves mix, and the juniors joining the team from last year's jv squad will also bring their speed and quickness to the team. Look for Troy to make a serious run at the leauge championship and to challenge perennial favorite Sonora.

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