north league grossmont conference preview

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SoCalHoops High School Previews

SD-CIF: Grossmont Conference
North League Preview--(Nov. 27, 2002)

The San Diego Coaches Association has been really good to us this year. In the past, getting information out of San Diego has been like pulling teeth, but this year, we've gotten a slew of league and team capsule preview from our friends down south.

The Grossmont Conference is divided into a North League and South League. This preview is for the North League. The big news in this league was the signing by Montana of Jared Boswell of El Capitan, but that's not going to be the only thing you'll hear from the teams in the league, because there are some really good teams that will finish well up in the rankings this year. What follows are capsule previews and predictions from the Coaches' Assn. (no, these picks are not ours), for the North League of the Grossmont Conference, including some pre-season picks for MVP and All-League players. Teams are listed in the order of finish; again these are the Coaches' Association's picks, so if you don't like them, blame them, not us.

1) West Hills (Division 1, Santee)

Head Coach: Jeff Armstrong (10^th Year)
Last year’s record: 13 – 12 (4 – 4, Tied for 2^nd)
Last year’s playoffs: Lost in 1^st round.
Key players: Sam Miller (Sr, 6’00"), Matt Gilson (So, 6’02"), Blake Sutton (Jr, 6’03"), Brad Ostrander (Sr, 6’03")
Losses to overcome: Matt Henriksen (graduation), Ricky Zizzo (graduation), Ryan Hamann (graduation)
Summary: A very solid unit returns for the Wolfpack led by Miller and Gilson. Enjoyed a good summer together and while there are no stars, chemistry and a balanced attack make them the league favorite.

2) El Capitan (Division 2, Lakeside)

Head Coach: Ross Furrow (11^th Year)
Last year’s record: 16 – 12 (8 – 0, 1^st)
Last year’s playoffs: Lost in quarterfinals.
Key players: Jarrod Boswell (Sr, 7’00"), Scott Fisher (Sr, 6’00), Sean Hogue (Sr, 6’03")
Losses to overcome: John Relph (graduation), Matt Grant (graduation), Thomas Sutton (graduation)
Summary: Graduation losses will definitely hurt as the Vaqueros search for a quality backcourt. Boswell is a force in the middle both offensively and defensively, and will keep them battling until the end for the league title.

3) Grossmont (Division 2, Grossmont)

Head Coach: Frank Foggiano (2^nd Year)
Last year’s record: 11 – 17 (3 – 5, 4^th)
Last year’s playoffs: Lost in 1^st round.
Key players: Tyler Vickers (Jr, 6’05"), Tyler Barbour (So, 6’00"), Blake Brands (Sr, 6’00")
Losses to overcome: John Sanders (graduation), Salim Ayub (graduation)
Summary: Will need to fill the scoring void created by Sanders’ departure, but the Foothillers should be improved as most of their top players return led by the inside presence of Vickers.

4) El Cajon Valley (Division 2, El Cajon)

Head Coach: Darnell Cherry (1^st Year)
Last year’s record: 13 – 13 (4 – 4, tied for 2^nd)
Last year’s playoffs: Lost in 1^st round.
Key players: Nate Reed (Sr, 5’08"), Deron Taylor (Jr, 6’03"), Demarcus Flemister (Jr, 5’08")
Losses to overcome: Pooh Taylor (graduation), Darick Dubose (graduation)
Summary: The graduation of Pooh Taylor is a big loss for the Braves up front, but Reed is a prolific scorer and Taylor’s brother, Deron showed flashes of potential last year. If new coach, Cherry can find someone to man the inside, then El Cajon might send a scare through the Grossmont North.

5) Santana (Division 3, Santee)

Head Coach: Tim Barry (3^rd Year)
Last year’s record: 8 – 15 (1 – 7, 5^th)
Last year’s playoffs: None
Key players: Scott Rohner (Jr, 5’10"), Kellan Kemp (Sr, 5’10"), Tim Henselmeier (Sr, 6’04")
Losses to overcome: Hayden Penn (pro baseball), Jon Sturgill (graduation)
Summary: Replacing Penn’s scoring will be major challenge for the Sultans, but are hoping that Rohner can help fill the void.

Pre-Season Player of the Year:
Jarrod Boswell (El Capitan)

Pre-Season All-Grossmont North League:
Jarrod Boswell (El Capitan)
Sam Miller (West Hills)
Nate Reed (El Cajon Valley)
Scott Rohner (Santana)
Tyler Vickers (Grossmont)