Division 3AA CIFSS: Top Darkhorses
Division 3AA CIFSS: Top Darkhorses
Cerritos Dons
It may be a bit perplexing to place a team as a contender after coming off a 13-15 season—but Head Coach Jonathan Watanabe should feel good about this up-and-coming season. With a senior-laden squad looking to make a push in the playoffs the Dons immediate future looks optimistic. Destin Flucas (18ppg) brings back his scoring prowess along with battle-tested Jyvonnte Moore (14 ppg and 7rpg). Look for Vincent Biscoe to increase his scoring punch and two late bloomers (Dorian Harris and Nathan Amanuel) showed much promise in the summer and fall with their glue-type skills (Harris) and shooting ability (Amanuel) to possibly elevate the Dons to the upper-echelon of the division.
St. Paul Swordsmen
The departures are significant for the Swordsmen as CIF POY Louis Bangai (UNLV), Nate Kasongo, Kylann Mann, and Alfredo Reyes have all exhausted their eligibility after leading their team to the 3A CIFSS Championship runner-up. However, don’t be to concerned about thread Coach Damaine Powell and the Swordsmen, as they have reloaded. First and foremost is the transfer from La Serna High School who was Del Rio League POY. The 6-foot-3 Cedric Sobers is an athletic scorer who should team up with 5-foot-9 Steve Segura to develop quite the potent back court.
Leuzinger Olympians
The Olympians did lose their best overall scorer and playmaker in 6-foot-3ish Dasani Washington (19ppg). After watching them sans Washington this fall, Head Coach Arturo Jones has some nice pieces to surprise some foes this season—led by super sophomore 6-foot-2 Amound Anderson. Anderson is a skilled lefty who can play both guard positions due to his ability to knock in shots and facilitate the offense. Tyler Ridley, a 6-foot-5 senior should elevate his scoring/rebounding prowess heading into this senior campaign.
Ocean View Seahawks
Head Coach Tim Walsh after coming off a league championship and an overall 22-7 record, should be even more excited this season. The Seahawks possess arguably the most intimidating shot blocker in Orange County after the departure of Bol Bol (transferred to Findlay Prep from Mater Dei) in 6-foot-8ish Mehkel Harvey. Harvey has improved his offense and has extended the range on his jump shot to the 3-point line. Paul Head, a 6-foot-2 senior, is the team’s leading scorer while fellow 6-foot-2 senior Seth Mishler is one of the better 3-point snipers around the OC as they say. Toss in 6-foot-2 junior Vincent Caiazzo (8ppg) into the starting line-up and the potential is there for a deep CIFSS run.
Crean Lutheran Saints
The Saints, despite coming off a 23-7 from a year ago, still may be a season away, considering their youthful roster. Head Coach Josh Beaty has done a nice job formulating this roster together and building solid chemistry as witnessed in various summer leagues. The Saints are led by one of the more intriguing all-around prospects in Orange County in 6-foot-6 sophomore Isaiah Johnson. He impacts the game inside-and-out, but is at his best converting plays in the paint in the areas of scoring, rebounding, and passing. The spark plug is 5-foot-8 junior Aiden Gilbert who runs the show while 6-foot-5 sophomore Jake Conerty has the physical tools to have a breakout season due to his athleticism and slashing ability.
West Torrance Warriors
Head Coach Neal Perlmutter bagged the Warriors first CIF Championship in the school’s history as they defeated Blair (Pasadena) in the 4AA Title game. The Warriors did lose impactful starters Ricky Turner and Noah Carroll but the elements are there to make another push in the playoffs. With that “Chip” they moved up two divisions, but that shouldn’t be too much of a shock considering they have the CIF POY returning in 6-foot-3 junior Alex Mishaw—who by the way dropped 30 points in the final. The slashing rim-attacking shooting guard is relentless in transition and can score in bunches. Nick Snyder, 5-foot-10 true point guard with a ton of moxie also returns for the Warriors. Champions. How much 6-foot-6 senior Sean Hegardt has improved in the off season could make a significant impact this up-and-coming season.