CIF Southern Section Division Preview: 3AA Contenders
CIF Southern Section Division Preview: 3AA
Top Contenders
St. Anthony Saints
Head Coach Allen Caveness guided the Saints to a 22-6 record with a team mostly consisting of sophomores. After a grueling summer of a grinding games, Caveness is ready to take his evolving squad to another level—and a possible championship. The team is lead by a trio of sophomores in 6-foot-1 Joshua Belvin (combo-guard), 6-foot-5 Frank Staine (affects game in multiple ways), and 6-foot-5 Marquis Nelloms (High-motor at both ends). This team has length, athleticism, and they’re unselfish.
St. Francis Golden Knights
The Golden Knights are coming off a 14-13 season and they lost leading scorer Joey Walsh (16ppg), but they’re a deeper team coming into this season. Head Coach Todd Wolfson received a gift in the fall when 6-foot-2 Dennis Flowers III checked out of Chaminade and arrived at St. Francis’ doorstep. The 6-foot-2 junior affects the game with his athleticism and he’s multi-skilled. The Saints best overall prospect may be 6-foot-3 sophomore Andre Henry—a player who is skilled with a ton of savvy. In addition, 6-foot-2 senior Makahi Jensen (leading returning scorer/10ppg) returns to the line-up with 5-foot-9 catalyst Lucas Shin (point guard) and 6-foot-2 junior Mathew Molina.
Paraclete Spirits
When analyzing the most physically gifted teams in this division, look no further than the Spirits. Head Coach Newton Chelette, whose team is coming off a 19-8 record, will have an even more talented and experienced team this season. Leading scorer 6-foot-8 Sean Larimore (inside-out skills) will be the go-to player on the block in the half-court set and transfer 5-foot-11 junior Jonathan Daniels (Heritage Christian) will provide the playmaking skills to get everyone involved. Elias Bell, a 6-foot-9 junior is an athletic post player while transfer 6-foot-5 junior Elijah Scranton (Village Christian) excels in transition. To keep defenses honest on the perimeter, 6-foot-2 senior Chris Gayles Jr. is team’s most lethal 3-point shooter.
Saddleback Valley Christian Warriors
When you lose a lethal scorer like Tre Smith (27ppg) you would figure your team would take a step back. However, Head Coach Tom Lewis, whose team is coming off a 24-4 record, should have a more balanced squad coming into this season. The Warriors have a potent trio coming back in 5-foot-10 senior Jonah Tolmarie (strong point guard), sharp shooting 6-foot-5 junior Jon Scherer, and much-improved 6-foot-10 senior Jordan Taylor. Look for a newcomer or two to make an immediate impact for coach Lewis and the Warriors.
29 Palms Wildcats
Reigning CIFSS 3A Champions move up a division and due to some key returnees and another influx of athletes, Head Coach TJ Stanford should have another promising squad. Led by All CIFSS nominee 5-foot-11 D’Shaun Barrett who is going to take his skills to Cal State LA for the 2018/19 season, is a terrific way to start. The athletic playmaker who utilizes his speed/quickness and evolving skill set to make plays at both ends of the floor. Fellow returnee 6-foot-4 Adam Bell is yet another athlete in the this area who may not have the refined skill set, but knows how to affect the game with his motor and a knack of always being around the ball. The Wildcats like to play the whole court and with their ability to pick up teams full court and force turnovers, they should be in the hunt immediately in this division.