Team outlook: Luna said this year’s team looks to be the strongest at Huntington since the Oilers enjoyed success with Tony Gonzalez and Co. during the early 1990s. With seven returning players, he feels the Oilers can return to the top of the league. Next up: Currently playing in the Coyote Classic (Buena Park High)
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Marina Vikings
League: Sunset
Head coach: Roger Holmes (14th year)
2006-07 record: 16-10
League finish: Third
2007 CIF results: Lost in first round
CIF finals appearances: 1975, ’91, 2004
Key returners: Garrett James (5-8, guard, Jr.); Brendan Holmes (6-1, guard, Soph.); Dion Douglas (5-7, guard, Sr.); Jimmy Irvin (5-11, guard, Sr.); Chad Lewis (6-3, forward, Soph.); Andrew Moore (5-8, guard, Sr.).
Other key returners: Trevor West (6-6, POS. Jr.); Ryan Lehane (5-11, POS, Jr.); Steven Murray (6-1, guard, Jr.).
Newcomers: Tyler James (5-8, guard, Soph.); J.P. Lichtenberger (5-9, guard, Jr.); Joe Abdelwahab (5-9, guard, Sr.); Deondre Moss (6-1, forward, Sr.); Dana Gomez (6-3, forward, Soph.); Brian Roberts (5-11, guard, Sr.); Jacob Tricaricao (6-7, center, Jr.); Eric Puttock (5-8, guard, Sr.).
Team tidbits: A year ago, Marina used a brand of play called, “The System,” and went on to set a national record for three-point field goals in a single-season. In a playoff loss to Culver City, the Vikings also set a CIF postseason single-game record with 25 three-point baskets. Garrett James, an all-league performer, averaged 15.2 points and 6.1 assists a game.
Coach’s outlook: “We will again be running ‘The System.’ With a year of experience at it under our belts and nine returners, we are looking to have another exciting year. This year’s group will make their own mark, but will play as hard as ever. We will be more versatile this year offensively and more athletic defensively.”
Season opener: Tuesday vs. Brea at the Fullerton Tournament.
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Ocean View Seahawks
League: Golden West
Co-head coaches: Jim Harris (30th year) and Jimmy Harris (11th year)
2006-07 record: 21-8
League record/finish: 10-0 (champions) 2007 CIF results: Lost in double-overtime to Norco in semifinals round
Last CIF title: 1998
Returning starters: Boys: Brandon Ishimoto (5-9, guard, Sr.); Takeshi Clifford (6-7, guard/forward, Sr.); Avery Johnson (6-2, guard, Soph.); Steve Smith (6-3, guard/forward, Sr.) Anthony Pancoast (6-4, forward/center, Sr.).
Other returners: Cameron Holz (6-6, forward/center, Sr.): Anthony Brown (6-4, guard, Soph.), Billy Keller (5-11, guard, Fr.); Ryan Okwudibonye (6-7, center, Soph.); Steven Yoon (5-8, guard, Soph.); Jake Demers (6-4, forward, Soph.); Donniven Murphy (5-11, guard/forward, Sr.).
Team tidbits: Ishimoto is a returning all-CIF player and was MVP of the Golden West League. Other all-league performers were Clifford (first-team), Johnson (second-team) and Smith (honorable mention).
Coach’s outlook: “The team is experienced with young talent that provides depth and athleticism. Overall good quickness and size. A versatile team and very hard-working. Expectations are very high.”
Season opener: Today at San Luis Obispo Tournament.
