Southern Section Basketball Capsules : PACIFIC LEAGUE

Crescenta Valley

COACH: John Goffredo, 13th season

LAST SEASON: 16-9; 2nd in league, 7-3

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Goffredo has compiled a 190-95 record and has guided Crescenta Valley to 10 playoff appearances and seven second-place league finishes in 12 seasons, but this season’s team is inexperienced. Forward-guard Josh Willis (6-foot-5) and Brad Haines (6-3) return, but each played sparingly last season. Willis can play inside and outside and jumps well. Christian Burgess (5-10), Vachik Amiran (5-5) and Andy Saltman (6-2) move up from a 20-2 junior-varsity team to round out the lineup. John Breckow (6-4), Andy Settle (6-4) and Mike O’Brien (6-5) also will be given significant playing time. Rebounding is Goffredo’s biggest concern. “We have good overall size, but we have a lot of medium-sized guys. We don’t have the one big guy.”

OUTLOOK: Goffredo said that the Falcons will play a pressure, man-to-man defense but cannot afford to get into an up-tempo game. “We’re not a great running team. Shooting is our strength.” Goffredo sees Muir and Pasadena as the favorites for the league championship, but he likes his team’s chances. “As long as we gel and play good defense, we can’t be counted out.”

Glendale

COACH: Bob Davidson, 4th season

LAST SEASON: 8-16; 5th in league, 2-8

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Glendale won the league championship in 1988 but has struggled the past two seasons. Senior forward Jason Harper (6-6, 178) was an all-league second-team selection, averaging 13 points and 9.8 rebounds last season, and he has gained 10 pounds since last season. Part-time starters Paul Severns (6-8, center) and Rob Apcar (6-3, forward), along with guard Jerry Armen (6-0), a three-point shooting threat, return for their senior seasons. Mike Wright (6-3), a junior transfer from Ganesha High in Pomona, has all-league potential and sophomore David Sofro, whose brother, Jeff, was an All-Southern Selection selection at Glendale in 1988, also are battling for starting positions. Senior Thao Tran (5-3) and his sophomore brother Hai Tran (5-5) will play off the bench at point guard. “We have different combinations,” Davidson said. “We can go with a big, slower team or a smaller, quicker team depending on the situation.” Glendale will play a man defense and Davidson said it will be the key to the Dynamiters’ success.

OUTLOOK: Three of Glendale’s top six players have never played varsity ball but showed promised during a 14-5 summer campaign. “We’re a whole lot better offensively than last year,” Davidson said. “If we stay healthy, I think we’re going to be competitive in the league. We had some down seasons, but I think we’re definitely on the rise.”

Hoover

COACH: Kirt Kohlmeier, 11th season

LAST SEASON: 6-16; 6th in league, 3-7

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kohlmeier is reluctant to designate a lineup. “I don’t know who our starting five will be,” he said. “Different situations will take care of different things.” Kohlmeier expects to use an eight-man rotation. Guards Dave Ulloa (5-10) and Karlos Narzian (5-9) are the team’s top outside shooters and center Kevin Nelson (6-4) is the main inside threat. Gabe Alvarado (6-4) can play the post or be effective from three-point range. Terry Green (6-2), Chad Reese (6-2), Rich Ashlin (6-2) and Won Lew (6-1) will divide time at both forward and guard.

OUTLOOK: Kohlmeier said the team has the capability to play the running game or a set offense and is comparable to the 1983 Hoover team led by former Indiana star Joe Hillman that advanced to the Southern Section championship game. “This is a unique group of kids that can do what it takes to win.”