By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
La Verne Lutheran made history last season, and there’s good reason to believe the Trojans might make a little more this season. Lutheran, which won the CIF State Division 5 title last season, could be even better in 2010-11.
The Trojans will have to be. “After what they accomplished last year, we expect to be better,” said Lutheran coach Eric Cooper, whose Trojans begin the season ranked No. 1 in the area. “But we’re in a tougher division, so the challenge will be tougher.” (To continue, click thread).
SGVN Pre-season Top Ten
1. La Verne Luthgeran (28-8)
2. Damien (22-9)
3. Bonita (24-5)
4. Bishop Amat (21-9)
5. Glendora (16-9)
6. Chino Hills (23-6)
7. San Dimas (19-6)
8. Walnut (14-14)
9. Northview (16-14)
10. Rowland (12-16)
The Trojans move from Division 5AA, which it won last season, to 3AA, but they also have the talent to match the move and should again contend for a divisional title and more state glory.
Lutheran features one of the better lineups in the section, returning all five starters that went 28-8, won the CIF-SS 5AA and state Division 5 championships.
It starts with junior forward Grant Jerrett, who has committed to Arizona. He averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds and earned All-State Division 5 honors by Cal-Hi Sports last season. He was also All-CIF-SS and the Arrowhead League Offensive Player of the Year.
But the Trojans’ talent does not end with Jerrett, who has been tabbed by ESPN as one of the top college prospects for the 2012 class.
Lutheran also looks to senior guards CJ Cooper and Bruce English, senior forward Xavier Jones and sophomore guard Eric Cooper Jr.
CJ Cooper, who has signed with Texas El Paso, averaged 16
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points and six assists and was the CIF-SS Division 5 Player of the Year. English, who has signed with Loyola Marymount, averaged 13 points a game, while Jones and Eric Cooper scored at 5- and 8-point clips, respectively. Eric Cooper has committed to Arizona.
Lutheran, which is the heavy favorite in the Arrowhead League, will also face one of the tougher schedules in the Southland. It includes out-of-town trips to the Beach Ball Classic (Dec. 27-31) in Myrtle Beach S.C.; Bass Pro Tournament of Champions (Jan. 13-15) in Springfield, Mo.; and the Pangos Dream Classic in Las Vegas. The Trojans also will be in the California Elite Showcase in La Verne.
Here’s a look at the rest of the top 10:
2. Damien (22-9)
The Spartans have been one of the most-consistent programs in the area the past few seasons, winning at least 20 games a season since 2007 and advancing to the CIF-Southern Section semifinals each of the past two years.
It’s expected to be no different this season for Damien, which begins the season as the favorite in a realigned Sierra League.
The Spartans return one of the top players in the area in Chris Reyes, along with JP Chakbazof at wing and Clayton White at point guard.
“We’ve really had four good years and this might be the best team since I’ve been here,” Damien coach Matt Dunn said. “We have more depth than I ever had, so I think we can be even better offensively than last year.
“We lose (All-CIF-SS guard) Chris Adams and a couple of other guys (to graduation), but the guys are really excited to have their opportunity.”
Damien’s strength will be inside with Reyes. He was All-CIF-SS as a sophomore, and is arguably the top center in the area, averaging 16.2 points and 9.1 rebounds last season. Chakbazof put up 6.1 points per contest, and White is expected to fill the point spot nicely.
Damien is expected to be the favorite in the Sierra League, but will get challenges from two-time defending champion Chino Hills, traditional-power Ayala and newcomers Charter Oak, South Hills and Claremont.
3. Bonita (24-5)
The Bearcats have won a league title twice in the past three seasons, and will have a solid chance to make it three in four seasons as they move into the new Hacienda League.
Bonita will be led by All-CIF-SS player James Northrup, who averaged 15.1 points. The Bearcats also look to Jordan Butler, who averaged nearly 7 points per game.
“Expectations are always high,” Bonita coach Greg Eckler said. “We try to just go one game at a time, but the goal is always to get (20 victories). But the bar is high.”
4. Bishop Amat (21-9)
The Lancers were the most-improved team last season, advancing to the division semifinals.
Bishop Amat’s hopes of a similar run lie with the return of senior Daniel Rodriguez, who averaged 14.1 points.
The Lancers also return guards Tyler Hill, who averaged 8.3 points, and Jeff Davis, who averaged nearly two assists.
Bishop Amat’s roster is also boasted by junior forward Nate Burchardt, junior guard Taylor Olvera and sophomore center Joseph Cook.
“We made it to the semifinals, but this year we have to create our own identity,” Bishop Amat coach Brandon Ertle said. “We know what we have with Daniel. He’s a special player. We will see how Tyler adapts with an increased role.
“We will see how we will be after the first two or three weeks. It’s going to take time. Nothing is secure, but we just have to continue to prepare and work hard.”
5. Glendora (16-9)
The Tartans lose their best player in shooter Calvin Smith, but Glendora should be stronger inside with the return of Michael Doering and Dillon Downard.
The two averaged 7.9 and 6.2 points, respectively. Glendora is also expected to be solid defensively.
The Tartans move from the competitive Sierra League to the more challenging Baseline, which features power Etiwanda.
6. Chino Hills (23-6)
The Huskies could be Damien’s biggest challenger in the Sierra League.
Chino Hills was hit by hard by graduation, but still returns a strong nucleus of Jonathan Richman, Albert Hecox and Warren Ondatje.
Richman is expected to be the leader after averaging 6.1 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. Hecox scored at a 5.6 clip.
7. San Dimas (19-6)
The Saints returned to glory last season, and more of the same is expected in 2010-11.
San Dimas, which won the Valle Vista League, is the preseason favorite again this season.
The Saints feature two of the league’s better players in junior guard Chris Barbato, who averaged 17.1 points , and senior forward Kevin Kolbeck, who scored at a 7.5 clip.
8. Walnut (14-14)
The Mustangs should be much improved, with one of the better returning units in the area.
Walnut, which could challenge Bonita in the Hacienda League, will look to senior Brian Gholar, who averaged 12.3 points.
The Mustangs also look to senior inside player Aubrey Coleman, who averaged 10.3 points and 12. 1 rebounds. Zach Galman, who averaged 5.8 points and 2.7 assists, also returns.
9. Northview (16-14)
The Vikings had their reign in the Valle Vista League end after finishing behind San Dimas.
They might get some redemption this season.
Northview will feature the return of Brian Johnson, who did a little bit of everything, including averaging 18.5 points and nearly 10 rebounds.
The Vikings also return Treavon Francis, who averaged 10.3 points, and Nick Fuentes, who scored at a 5.0 clip in addition to having 2.7 assists per game.
10. Rowland (12-16)
The Raiders struggled a bit last season, but are expected to be much improved in 2010-11, with three returning starters.
Rowland’s expectations begin with senior forward Sharif Watson, who averaged 12.1 points and 8.0 rebounds. He also is expected to be much stronger from 3-point range.
The Raiders’ strength also includes returning starters Robin Yi, who averaged 7.1 points last year, and Michael Ball. Rowland coach Gordon Hamlow also likes the improved play of Isaac Thompson.
