CIF-SS Divisional Preview: 3A Teams to Watch
The competitive equity format for the CIF Southern Section divisional breakdowns takes into account a team’s performance over the last two seasons. Based on season results, a team is given a score, which is then averaged out and the resulting number places said team into said division. This style makes for a lot of moving parts year-by-year among the divisions. Here are some teams to watch in Division 3A.
Mary Star of the Sea
Any team that has a scorer the caliber of Joseph Octave deserves to be one to monitor. The 6-foot-4 senior shooting guard poured in 27.3 points per game last season and is certainly on track to match or surpass that total. Aside from Octave, the Stars bring back Jose Rocha, who averaged 11 points, and Aaron Martinez who chipped in 9.4. Mary Star advanced to the 4A quarterfinals last season and made the jump up to 3A for this year.
Palm Springs
The Indians were solid last season, finishing with an 18-8 overall mark before falling to eventual 3A champion Riverside Notre Dame in the opening round of the playoffs. Palm Springs has a host of returning players from that youth-laden team, including 6-foot-5 junior Parker Hunt. Two-sport guy Damien King (football/basketball) brings much-needed senior leadership and toughness, while sophomore guard Elijah Goad could be in for a promising season.
Barstow
The Aztecs lost quite a bit of offensive productivity from last season’s team which finished with 21 wins and a strong run in the 4AA playoffs, but the Aztecs bring back second-leading scorer and top rebounder Christian Taylor who averaged 22.5 points and 8.4 boards last year as a junior. One of thing to monitor with Barstow is which players step up to help Taylor.
Capistrano Valley Christian
Coach Chris Childress has his best player back in the mix and Festus Ndumanya has the size, strength and athleticism to single-handedly dominate games at the 3A level. The 6-foot-7 senior averaged 14.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game last season. Junior guard Daniel Powers is a capable floor spreader from 3-point range, while 6-foot-8 freshman Bence Duka could add another layer to an already formidable front-line.
Westminster
Coach C.J. Hollingsworth has his best mix of talent and experience since taking over the Lions’ program in 2015. Westminster brings back its top scorer, Isaiah Lee (16 ppg), and third-leading scorer Ryan Phung (10.4 ppg). The key for the Lions will be how big of a leap Joshua Lee will make from his sophomore to junior seasons. The younger Lee averaged 9.5 points last season and should break the double-digit threshold this season. Six-foot-6 forward Matthew Brookins, a transfer from Executive Prep, brings welcomed size and physicality to the Lions’ front court.