HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL / SOUTHERN SECTION PREVIEW : FOOTHILL LEAGUE

Burbank

COACH: Fred Cook, 4th season

LAST SEASON: 6-17; 5th in league, 3-7

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Three starters return on what Cook says is the most talented team he has coached. Senior Mike Jonas (6-foot), the point guard last season, will move to off-guard to make room for junior Tony Ngo (5-10). The extremely quick Ngo led the junior varsity in assists last season and Cook expects the tandem to form one of the league’s best backcourts. Starting senior forward Tyson Helsely (6-1) is a gifted athlete and tenacious defender. Senior swingman Kendricks Lewis (6-0) plays both guard positions and small forward. Lewis, who averaged eight points last season, might be the sixth man this season because of the presence of talented juniors Brad Warner (6-3) and Willie Perryman (6-3). Warner, the MVP of the junior varsity, will start at center. Warner should be a scoring force. Perryman’s strength is rebounding and defense. Cook is counting on Warner and Perryman to provide a strong presence close to the basket, something the team lacked a season ago. Senior forward Mike Bowers (6-1) is a quality backup who should play a lot.

OUTLOOK: Cook thinks the pieces are in place for the Bulldogs to have an outstanding season. “We’re going to be real versatile,” he said. “The kids are very close and they want o work.”

Burroughs

COACH: Art Sullivan, 2nd season

LAST SEASON: 5-18; 6th in league, 0-10

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Injuries and eligibility problems helped turn last season into a nightmare for the Indians. This season’s squad is determined to compete for the league title. Guard Gabe Colon (5-11) is back for his senior campaign after averaging 15 points and three assists as a junior. Colon, an outstanding three-point shooter, played point guard last season but will start at off-guard. Senior Thomas Mike III (5-10), the most improved player on the team, takes over at point guard. He has excellent quickness and leaping ability. Forward Mike Merina (6-5) was averaging 12 points when he suffered a broken hand that forced him to miss most of the second half of the season. The senior is a good mid-range shooter. Senior center Donny Brannon (6-6) was a rebounding force on the junior varsity. He is a tremendous leaper with good defensive skills. Senior swingman Matt Matthews (5-10) will either start or be the sixth man.

OUTLOOK: The Indians hope to run their way to the championship. “We’re looking at winning with tempo,” Sullivan said. “We’ve got a lot of quickness. You just never know what’s going to happen, but I think we have the talent to win this thing.”

Canyon

COACH: Greg Hayes, 11th season

LAST SEASON: 12-12; 4th in Golden League, 4-6

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Cowboys enter a new league with what should be a potent offensive lineup. Senior center Mike Beach (6-7), who averaged two points last season, is being counted on to become a consistent scorer. Senior forward Warren Delp (6-2) also should improve on his averages (five points, four rebounds). The Cowboys’ development will coincide with that of junior swingman Chad Phillips (6-2), junior off-guard Charles Woodard (6-4) and sophomore point guard Greg Minor (6-2). Minor and Phillips started at times last season and are expected to become leaders. Woodard is a gifted athlete but has limited experience.

OUTLOOK: “Most people think we are a year away because of our youth, but a lot of our young guys have played,” Hayes said. “We’re definitely going to run the ball and shoot well, so we have a chance to be pretty good if we can play solid defense.”

Hart

COACH: Mike May, 1st season

LAST SEASON: 17-10; 1st in league, 8-2

PLAYERS TO WATCH: May, formerly the coach at Colton, takes over a team that has several key contributors back from last season’s championship group. The Indians have a good mix of size, speed and strength. The top returner is senior forward Matt Steffe (6-6), who averaged 16 points and eight rebounds last season. Steffe will receive front-court help from junior center Cody Patterson (6-5) and senior forward David Sanders (6-4). Sanders is recovering from a shoulder injury but is expected to be ready for the opener. Senior off-guard Brandon Moore (5-11) is the Indians’ best defender and he has improved his shooting. Junior Eric Spindt (5-11) will start at point guard. Spindt gained experience last season after being promoted to the varsity for the playoffs.

OUTLOOK: May builds on defense and this team will be no exception. “We have the potential to be a very quick, good defensive team,” May said. “We have the size and strength to challenge people all game.”

Saugus

COACH: Eric Olsson, 1st season

LAST SEASON: 17-8; 3rd in Golden League, 6-4

PLAYERS TO WATCH: After seven seasons as an assistant, Olsson takes control of the Centurions as they enter a new league. This season’s team has size and depth. Senior guard Erik Bilik (6-2) is the most improved player on the team. He is a good shooter and defender. Joining Bilik in the backcourt is senior point guard Mike Thompson (5-11). Thompson averaged six points as the sixth man last season. Junior forward Mike Williams (6-3), who bench presses 260 pounds, is the strongest basketball player in school history, Olsson said. Williams and fellow junior forward John Dell (6-6) should be a formidable rebounding tandem. Senior forward Dan Noonan (6-2) is one of the team’s best shooters and senior Chris Hickman (6-5) should be a consistent scorer and defender at center.

OUTLOOK: “The key for us is how our seniors play early on,” Olsson said. “Our big juniors will be good, but they need time. We need our seniors to take pressure off of him in the beginning.”