HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL / SOUTHERN SECTION PREVIEW : GOLDEN LEAGUE

Antelope Valley

COACH: Jim Hall, 2nd season

LAST SEASON: 9-15; 5th in league, 3-7

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Only one full-time starter returns, but the Antelopes went 16-4 in summer leagues and show promise. Size, however, is the team’s major weakness. Only two starters are taller than 6 feet. Senior guard Troy Coutee (6-0), who averaged 12 points, is the lone returning starter and “knows all the positions,” Hall said. Senior forward Zack Curtis (6-2) is a three-year letterman who has earned a starting position. Junior guards John Sanders (5-9) and Derrick Barker (5-11) started occasionally last season. Junior Freddy Gonzalez (5-9) is a solid--but not flashy--point guard. “We call him steady Freddy,” Hall said. “He doesn’t make many mistakes.” Junior John Leath (5-9) and sophomore Joe Glover (5-10) are up from the lower levels. Junior forward Jason Storm (6-2) “is a great three-point shooter,” Hall said.

OUTLOOK: Inexperience and lack of size will keep the Antelopes focused on their strengths: speed, defense and shooting ability. “A lot depends on how well we shoot,” Hall said.

Highland

COACH: Tom Mahan, 1st season

LAST SEASON: 6-15 as a free-lance team

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Mahan takes over a program that enjoyed little success last season, the school’s first at the varsity level. Three starters return, including senior guard Brian Burleson (6-4), last year’s leading scorer (12.1 points) and rebounder (8.3). Junior forward Pharaoh Davis (6-5, 205 pounds) grew a couple inches and improved his game over the summer. “He is every coach’s dream,” Mahan said. Davis, who already is getting attention from college recruiters, averaged 10.2 points and 6.7 rebounds last season. Senior Jermaine Brooks (6-1), a point guard, is the third returning starter. Junior Lee Guilbeau (5-10) and senior Brian Cwiakala (5-8) enjoyed occasional starts in 1991-92. Junior forward Jason Dedeaux (6-4) could start, and juniors guards Devin Harvey (6-0) and Dave Londono (5-11) will play a lot.

OUTLOOK: Mahan, an assistant at Quartz Hill the past four seasons, said the Bulldogs shot poorly last season. He hopes morning shooting practices have helped combat that problem. “I believe that we’re contenders,” he said.

Littlerock

COACH: Mark Groh, 2nd season

LAST SEASON: 16-6 as a free-lance team

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Lobos’ first season at the varsity level was successful, but they will be facing a much tougher schedule in the Golden League. Leading scorer and rebounder James Cain has transferred, but three starters return. Senior forward Louis Bryant (6-3) and senior guard Mitch Casey (5-11) are the “keys to how well we’ll do,” Groh said. Bryant averaged 14.8 points and 6.9 rebounds, and Casey, a three-point threat, averaged 12.8 points. Senior guard Mike Leaks (6-0), who averaged 4.2 assists, also returns. Sophomore James Jefferson (5-10) started occasionally last season and will take over full time at point guard. Sophomore forward Jonathan George (6-4) is up from the junior varsity. Junior guard Tony Hunt (6-0) and senior center Dani Stephens (6-3) should contribute.

OUTLOOK: This first season in the league will be a litmus test of sorts for the Lobos. “We’re venturing into the unknown,” Groh said. “My gut feeling is that we’ll be competitive, at the least.”

Palmdale

COACH: Garry Phelps, 13th season

LAST SEASON: 8-17; 6th in league, 1-9

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Last season was one of Palmdale’s worst under Phelps. The junior varsity went 18-3, however, and Phelps is hoping those incoming players will bring their winning ways with them. However, this is a rebuilding season for the Falcons, who probably will have three underclassmen in the starting lineup. Junior forward Juan Fernandez (6-2) is the only returning starter, but senior center Ty Gaines (6-4), who did not play last season, started as a sophomore and should be a force inside. Junior Erick Bridge (5-8) and senior Mike Lauricella (5-10) will start at guard, and junior Ian Jewett (6-1) will play at forward. Junior center Dennis Cunningham (6-5), junior forward Al Lairson (6-2) and senior guard Stuart Gates (5-8) are reserves.

OUTLOOK: Phelps is encouraged by Palmdale’s depth and hopes to improve on the team’s one-win league season. “This is as good a group from top to bottom as I’ve ever had,” Phelps said. “We’re looking forward to it.”

Quartz Hill

COACH: Steve Hurst, 2nd season

LAST SEASON: 15-8; tied for 1st in league, 8-2

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Rebels will get stiff competition from Ridgecrest Burroughs for the league title. The teams shared the honor last season, but Burroughs has four returning starters; Quartz Hill has only two. “We’re not real big, not very quick, but I (have) some smart kids,” Hurst said. “And we shoot the ball well.” The Rebels also can be expected to play tenacious defense, a Hurst trademark. Senior guard R. E. Beckstead (6-2), second-leading scorer last season with a 9.7 average, and senior center Erick Taylor (6-4) are the veterans. Seniors Bryan Bailey (6-0) and Brian Paider (6-2) likely will start at forward. Senior Gary Graham (5-10) is moving from off-guard to point guard. “How he does will tell how we do,” Hurst said. Senior Mike Nebo (5-10) is a small forward.

OUTLOOK: Hurst views Burroughs as the clear favorite to win the league. “The rest of us are playing for second place,” Hurst said.