CIF Southern Section Division Preview: 2A Dark Horses
The new CIF Southern Section competitive equity format has shaken up the playoff divisions for the 2017-18 season and beyond.
Let’s take a deeper dive into exactly what competitive equity means.
The division placement for each team is based upon a two-year weighted power point total, as described by the CIF-SS website, which take into account strength of a team’s regular season schedule results (33 percent) and playoff performance results (67 percent).
In addition, regular season contests are weighted based on strength of opponents. For example, a victory over a team in Division 1 is given more “points” than a win over a team in Divisions 2, 3, 4, and 5 and the same goes for playoff performance results.
The past CIF division placements have revolved mostly around number of enrollment, and while the number of students at a specific school is no longer a determining factor, the division breakdowns, especially toward the lower end, still have many of the smaller schools in those lower divisions.
This brings us to our first CIF-SS Division breakdown in 2A.
Division 2A Dark Horses
Diamond Ranch
The Panthers were a dreadful 4-21 last season, but a change at the top of the coaching staff could bode well for this squad. Kevin Ryan and his brother, John, took over after Eric Cooper resigned and they have a nice mix of athletes to go along with high IQ point guard Coree Joseph. Diamond Ranch didn’t graduate any seniors from last year’s team.
Oaks Christian
The Lions return three nice pieces from last season’s team that won 16 games, led by crafty, high-scoring left-handed shooting guard Jordan Jones. Jones has the ability to go off for 30 points on any given night, but has plenty of help with 6-foot-6 junior forward Jordan Berens, 6-foot-6 senior forward Jericho Parker and 6-foot-4 senior wing Talin Lewis.
Santa Ana Foothill
First-year head coach Zach Johnson inherits a veteran-laden team with plenty of talent. Six-foot-6 senior forward Brennan Hellmers is a versatile “stretch-four” type player who can spread the floor with his 3-point touch or score around the basket. Senior shooting guard Brooks Mallory has deep range and can catch fire in a hurry.
Tesoro
The Titans have two things you can’t teach — experience and size. Tristan and Tyler Broughton are both toolbox forwards who come ready to work each and every game, as are junior point guard Matt Jones and senior wing Willie Duggan. Six-foot-8 junior Noah Honetschlager and 6-foot-10 sophomore Hugo Clarkin could present matchup problems for any team in the painted area. Six-foot-4 sharpshooter Kaden Garrett adds a much-needed perimeter threat.
Trabuco Hills
A shooter the likes of Chase Anderson can take a team deep into the playoffs, and that’s what the Mustangs are hoping for. Anderson is poised for a breakout season in his second year as a varsity starter, but will need some help from fellow seniors Quentin Watts and Zack Mowers. Six-foot-6 junior Trevor Hotmer provides Trabuco with some physicality in the paint.