By Kevin Askeland
MaxPreps.com
NORTHERN SECTION BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Eastern Athletic League
Team to Beat: Foothill Cougars
MVP Candidate: Shane Zink, Enterprise
Info Max: There figures to be a four-way battle at the top of the Eastern Athletic League this year with Enterprise, Foothill, Pleasant Valley and Chico all fighting for the top spot. The Hornets (23-7, 12-2), have the league's most imposing player in 6-8 center Shane Zink. He also has a strong complement in senior guard Jacob Gray. The Cougars (17-10, 9-5), have the most returning depth with the likes of Josh Bory, Nick Parent, Matt Fogarty and John Dobson. The Vikings (23-8, 11-3) always find a way to be competitive and they return section championship game hero Hollen O'Kelley (6-foot-6) in the middle. Chico (15-14, 5-9) started four sophomores last year. An extra year of maturity could make the Panthers a contender this year.
Players to Watch: Sam Harvey, Pleasant Valley, 6-4, F; Hollen O'Kelley, 6-6, P, 7.5 ppg; Vance Newton, 6-0, G; Jacob Gray, Enterprise, 6-1, G, 9.3; Shane Zink, Enterprise, 6-8, C, 14.7; Josh Bory, Foothill, 5-11, G, 16.0; Nick Parent, Foothill, 6-2, F, Jr, 8.4; Matt Fogarty, Foothill, 6-6, C, 13.2; John Dobson, Foothill, 6-0, G, 10.0; Rex Holmes, Chico, 5-11, G, Jr, 14.3 ppg; Nate Anderson, Chico, 6-2, F, Jr, 8.9 ppg; Anthony Taylor, Chico, 6-2, F, Jr, 6.5; Kayhan Karatekeli, Chico, 6-3, F, Jr, 4.8 ppg; Craig Jeffery, Oroville, 6-0, G, 8.9; Robby Annis, Red Bluff, 6-5, F, 5.9; Tyler Kingdon, Shasta, 6-0, G, 12.5.
Northern Athletic League
Team to Beat: West Valley Eagles
MVP Candidate: Garhett Parent, West Valley
Info Max: The West Valley Eagles (24-5, 10-0) lost a lot of depth from last year's championship team, but they return the league's best player in Garhett Parent. Central Valley (21-8, 7-3) reached the Northern Section Division 4 finals last year and could do it again this year thanks to the return of senior guard Paolo Mancasola. Corning (14-14, 5-5) hopes to return back to the form it showed in 2006 when it won the Division 4 championship. A strong junior class will help make that happen.
Players to Watch: Garhett Parent, West Valley, 6-4, F, 17.3 Paolo Mancasola, Central Valley, 6-1, G, 18.1; Billy Cochran, Central Valley, 5-0, G, 8.3; Nate Borer, Corning, 6-2, F, 4.8; Tanner McIntyre, Corning, 5-9, G, 10.5; Pete Phillips, Lassen, 6-4, F, 8.5; Antrelle Whitmore, Lassen, 6-0, G, 6.4; Andrew Ward, Yreka, 6-2, F, 8.9; Jeremy Turner, Yreka, 5-11, G, 7.8;
Butte View League
Team to Beat: Wheatland Pirates
MVP Candidate: Isaiah Bohman, Sutter
Info Max: Las Plumas (16-9, 9-1) lost every notable scorer from last year's team, leaving the championship open for the young, but talented, Wheatland Pirates (13-15, 5-5). The Pirates return two of the league's top scorers from last season in juniors Michael Canalin and 6-foot-4 forward David Wilson. Orland (17-11, 5-5) will also be in the mix with a solid group of juniors and 6-foot-8 center TJ Torres. Look for Sutter (7-19, 3-7) to make a major move up the standings this year with an outstanding junior class and 6-foot-7 sophomore Isaiah Bohman.
Players to Watch: Isaiah Bohman, Sutter, 6-7, C, Soph, 11.2; Michael Canalin, Wheatland, 5-9, G, Jr, 10.6; David Wilson, Wheatland, 6-4, F, Jr, 10.8; TJ Torres, Orland, 6-8, C, 7.8;
Sacramento Valley League North
Team to Beat: Live Oak Lions
MVP Candidate: Cody Pastorino, Willows
Info Max: With the loss of two returning starters from last year's Division 4 championship team to transfers, along with the loss of graduated all-leaguers Kevin Ross, Corey Arnold and Ben Severe, the Durham Trojans (24-8, 10-0) may have a tough time getting back to the top. However the SVL North appears to be wide open this year with any team capable to claiming the prize. Live Oak (15-9, 7-3) was very balanced last year and returns a number of key role players. The Willows Honkers (12-15, 4-6) got off to a strong start last year and hope a solid junior class can lead the way.
Players to Watch: Brandon Boyd, Willows, 6-2, F, 8.4; Matt Vedo, Colusa, 6-2, G, 9.5; CJ Garrity, Durham, 5-10, G, 6.4; Jeremy Thompson, Durham, 5-10, G, 5.5; Cody Pastorino, Willows, 5-9, G, Jr; Miguel Rodriguez, Willows, 6-0, F, Jr, 5.9; Juan Robles, Live Oak, 6-2, F, 6.4; Daniel Gonzalez, Live Oak, 5-9, G, 6.8; James Fox, Live Oak, 5-8, F, 5.4.
Sacramento Valley League South
Team to Beat: Pierce Bears
MVP Candidate: Michael Barber, Pierce
Info Max: The Pierce Bears (17-9, 7-3) have no size to speak of, but they do have speed with Michael Barber and Jose Vera and they will work well in coach Scott Burnum's pressure defense. East Nicolaus (14-10, 7-3), the co-champs with Pierce last year, lost every starter from last year's group. Delta (10-14, 2-8), could make a move with the return of Clint Wagner and Ryan Elliott.
Players to Watch: Clint Wagner, Delta, 6-1, F, 9.8; Ryan Elliott, Delta, 6-3, F, 9.4; Michael Barber, Pierce, 6-0, G, 7.5; Tristan Thomas, Rio Vista, 5-11, G, 6.2; Jose Vera, Pierce, 5-9, G, 5.0; Jesse Gardner, East Nicolaus, G, Jr, 6.3.
Mid-Valley League North
Team to Beat: Liberty Christian Patriots
MVP Candidate: Chris Kilgore, Liberty
Info Max: The Liberty Christian Patriots (27-5, 8-0) return three starters from last year's squad that had little trouble winning the league and Division 5 section titles. Redding Christian (14-15, 5-3) loses four-year standout Nathan King to graduation and will look to rebuild. University Prep joins the league for the first time this year.
Players to Watch: Chris Kilgore, Liberty, 6-1, G, 11.1; James Jansen, Liberty, 6-2, F, 9.8; Ethan Moon, Mercy, 6-6, C, 11.0; Daniel Bartow, Redding Christian, 6-0, G, Jr, 9.6; Neil Lawley, Mercy, 6-2, G, 9.4; Jordan Sabanovich, Liberty, 5-10, G, 7.5; Curtis Behnke, Liberty, 6-4, G.
Mid-Valley League South
Team to Beat: Hamilton Braves
MVP Candidate: Suavae Cook, Esparto
Info Max: The Hamilton Braves (23-6, 6-2) made school history last year by reaching the Division 5 section final and advancing to the NorCal semifinals. Two starters return from that team, 6-foot-5 senior Spencer Keables and guard Craig Lohse. A solid group of reserves from last year's squad now move into the starting lineup, including 6-4 forward AJ Gonzalez. Esparto (15-12, 5-3) returns the league's most dynamic player in Suavae Cook. The Los Molinos Bulldogs (18-9, 5-3) lost nearly every key player from last year's team, as well as the coach, Chas Konopka, who is coaching only volleyball at Los Molinos this year.
Players to Watch: Suavae Cook, Esparto, 6-0, G, 12.1; Spencer Keables, Hamilton, 6-5, F, 10.9; Craig Lohse, Hamilton, 5-11, G, 10.6; Danny Padilla, Williams, 5-9, G, 8.8; AJ Gonzales, Hamilton, 6-5, F, 6.2.
Shasta Cascade League
Team to Beat: Trinity Wolves
MVP Candidate: Skyler Schneider, Etna
Info Max: Most of the top schools in the league lost their top players, but the Trinity Wolves (23-6, 11-1) have enough of a tradition to keep them at the top. Etna (5-20, 2-10) is intriguing with its high number of returning players, good size and athletic ability. Lion senior forward Skyler Schneider is one of the top athletes in the section and could be an MVP candidate.
Players to Watch: Skyler Schneider, Etna, 6-3, F, 14.1; Trevor Eastlick, Etna, 6-6, F, 11.7; Logan Dysert, Etna, 6-5, F, 8.3; Peter Lackey, Trinity, 6-4, F; Zach McKnight, Trinity, 6-6, C; Trenton Schmidt, Modoc, 6-0, F, 7.1; Adam Brubaker, Fall River, 6-0, F, 11.1.
Evergreen League
Team to Beat: Tulelake Honkers
MVP Candidate: Luke Woodson, Tulelake
Info Max: The Tulelake Honkers (22-5, 10-0) return Luke Woodson, a 6-3 force in the middle, and Cody Dodson, easily making them the top pick in the Evergreen League. Big Valley (21-7, 7-3) reached the Division 6 finals last year, but lost every starter to graduation. Surprise Valley (10-11, 5-5) could make a move up the standings this year with Kevin Quick and Ian Konz back in the lineup.
Players to Watch: Luke Woodson, Tulelake, 6-3, F, 13.3, Cody Dodson, Tulelake, 6-1, F, 10.8; Kevin Quick, Surprise Valley, 5-10, G, 14.4; Ian Konz, Surprise Valley, 5-8, G, Jr, 13.1; Ryan Gleason, Butte Valley, 5-9, G, 7.1;
North Valley League
Team to Beat: Hayfork Timberjacks
MVP Candidate: Nick Gonzalez, Hayfork
Info Max: The Westwood Lumberjacks (27-2, 9-1) lost high-scoring Sam Osofsky to graduation while Champion Christian (20-9) lost rebounding leader Andy Roberts to graduation. The Mustangs also lost coach Dan Swagerty, who took a job at Bakersfield Christian. The Hayfork Timberjacks (14-12, 7-3) have the most returning talent, including high-scoring guard Nick Gonzalez. The Lumberjacks will continue to be a force as long as Phil Bryant is coach. Paradise Adventist has one of the league's top big men in junior Jon Haskins.
Players to Watch: Nick Gonzalez, Hayfork, 6-0, G, 20.1; Stephen Bayley, Hayfork, 6-5, C, 16.2; Jon Haskins, Paradise Adventist, 6-4, F, Jr, 13.9; Joseph Dosier, Hayfork, 6-2, F, 9.6; Mitchell Barsotti, Maxwell, 5-9, G, 8.7; Randy Sipin, Westwood, 6-4, F, 7.6; Jordan Rice, Redding Adventist, 5-10, G, 9.3; Kevin Penington, Redding Adventist, 5-11, G, 8.6; Dale Henry Jorgensen, Westwood, 4-8; Zach Quam, Westwood, 5-7, G; Max Osofsky, Westwood, 6-3, C.
Pioneer League
Team to Beat: Princeton Eagles
MVP Candidate: Daniel Cooper, Princeton
Info Max: It will be slow going early on for the Princeton Eagles (15-7, 8-2), who will be without sophomore guard Logan Valencia until late December. Meanwhile leading scorer Daniel Cooper hurt his knee during football season. But otherwise the Eagles return every player from last year's team that finished second in the league. Downieville (16-7, 10-0) lost its top two players from last year and Plumas Christian is not fielding a team this season.
Players to Watch: Daniel Cooper, Princeton, 6-1, F, 15.4; Logan Valencia, Princeton, 5-10, G, Soph, 11.1; Mike Evans, Herlong, 5-10, G, 10.1; Tyler Roach, Princeton, 6-1, F, 8.8; Poul Angstadt, Herlong, 6-2, F, 5.9; Tyler Lopez, Elk Creek, 5-9, G, 9.4.
Feather River League
Team to Beat: Quincy Trojans
MVP Candidate: Ricky King, Quincy
Info Max: The Quincy Trojans (23-5, 8-0) figure to be the kings of the Feather River League as long as Ricky King is wearing a Trojan uniform. The senior guard was one of the leading scorers in the state last year at 29.4 points per game and he could easily finish his career as the second all-time leading scorer in section history.
Players to Watch: Ricky King, Quincy, 5-11, G, 29.4; Travis Ledwig, Portola, 6-1, G, 22.2; Michael Wirta, Portola, 6-2, F, 9.2; Adam VanDevender, Chester, 6-3, F, 8.5; Aaron Kimmel, Quincy, 5-10, G, 6.7;
Preseason All-Section Team
First Team
G - Ricky King, Quincy
G - Josh Bory, Foothill
C - Shane Zink, Enterprise
F - Matt Fogarty, Foothill
F - Garhett Parent, West Valley
Second Team
G - Paolo Mancasola, Central Valley
G - Rex Holmes, Chico
C - Hollen O'Kelley, Pleasant Valley
F - Isaiah Bowman, Sutter
F - Jacob Gray, Enterprise