Basketball Preview 2022 by Signal

2022-23 SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BASKETBALL PREVIEW

9 High Schools 18 Teams • Season Outlooks • Rosters • Schedules

SINCE 1919

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2 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

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PUBLISHER/OWNER

Richard Budman rbudman@signalscv.com (661) 287-5501

EDITOR

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Team Previews

Tim Whyte twhyte@signalscv.com (661) 287-5591

Foothill League Teams (alphabetical order)

Canyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Sports Writers

Justin Vigil-Zuniga Tyler Wainfeld

Castaic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Photographers

Hart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Golden Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Dan Watson Chris Torres

Saugus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Valencia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

PRODUCTION MANAGER

West Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Doña Uhrig

Private Schools

The entire content of the Basketball Preview is copyrighted 2022 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Trinity Classical Academy . . . . . 34 Santa Clarita Christian School. . 38

2022-23 SANTA CLARITA VALLEY BASKETBALL PREVIEW

9 High Schools 18 Teams • Season Outlooks • Rosters • Schedules

SINCE 1919

SignalSCV. com

On the Cover Andrew Meadow of West Ranch High School hangs around while Aaliyah Garcia of Canyon High School shows off her dribbling skills. The Signal thanks both athletes for their assistance with the 2022-23 Basketball Preview cover photo shoot. Photo by Chris Torres/The Signal

Here’s wishing a Victorious and Safe Season!

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2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

CANYON BOYS

2022 Schedule

The Coach

Head coach Ali Monfared. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster

Nov. 14

at Lancaster

6 p.m.

Nov. 15

Santa Paula

6:30 p.m.

Nov. 17

Highland

6:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Nov. 21-26 Nov. 29

at Quartz Hill

2 p.m.

San Gabriel Tournament

TBA

at West Ranch*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 1

Verdugo Hills

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 6

Golden Valley*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 9

at Valencia

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 17

Newbury Park

5 p.m.

Dec. 19 Dec. 26-29 Jan. 3

at La Cañada

6 p.m.

Damien Tournament

TBA

Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Name

Year

Position

Tyler Best

Reese Valdes

Jan. 6

at Hart*

6:30 p.m.

Lincoln Phillips

at Saugus*

6:30 p.m.

Kobe Ennis

Jan. 10

Ryan Maejima-Gonzalez

Jan. 13

West Ranch*

6:30 p.m.

Carson Rodi

Jan. 16

Oak Hills (MLK Classic)

TBA

Daniel Goshen

G/F

Collin Kusumi

Jan. 20

at Golden Valley*

6:30 p.m.

Eric Kubel

Jan. 24

at Valencia*

6:30 p.m.

Steven Sorrow

Jan. 27

at Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Tyler Miller

6:30 p.m.

Sean Hernandez

Jan. 31

Hart*

Feb. 3

Saugus*

6:30 p.m. * Foothill League games

6 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

GIRLS BASKETBALL

2022 Schedule Nov. 16

at Oxnard

7 p.m.

Nov. 22

Chaminade

5 p.m.

Nov. 29

at West Ranch

5 p.m.

Dec. 6

Golden Valley

5 p.m.

Dec. 8

Buena

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 9

Valencia*

5 p.m.

Jan. 3

Castaic*

5 p.m.

Jan. 6

Hart*

5 p.m.

Jan. 10

at Saugus*

5 p.m.

Jan. 13

West Ranch*

5 p.m.

Jan. 20

at Golden Valley*

5 p.m.

Jan. 24

at Valencia*

5 p.m.

Jan. 27

at Castaic*

5 p.m.

Jan. 31

Hart*

5 p.m.

Feb. 3

Saugus*

4:45 p.m. * Foothill League games

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

The Coach

Head Coach Jessica Haayer. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster #

Name

Year

Position

Aaliyah Garcia

Aneesa Sayan

Brielle Miller

G/F

Aaliyah Peart

G/F

Jade Sims

Arianna Rodriguez

Koko Booker

Lanie Rafkind

Jose Regez

Taylor Mathis

2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

Canyon Girls Are Ready to Defend Their Title By Justin Vigil–Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

he Canyon girls have an opportunity to go backto-back in 2023. However, the team knows nothing comes easy in the Foothill League. Canyon will return four of its five leading scorers from last year as well as its top rebounders. One of those returners is point guard Aaliyah Garcia, the 2021-22 Foothill League Player of the Year. Garcia averaged 12 points, five assists and 2.6 steals a game for the Cowboys last season. The senior is familiar with a ton of the players around her, giving her a high level of confidence heading into the season. Garcia is gearing up for her final run in a Canyon uniform with talented players surrounding her. “I think we all have good pieces and we work really well together,” said Garcia. “There’s a little bit of everything on our team and I think that’s important going into this year.” Shooting guard Josie Regez is a scoring machine and will fill the backcourt alongside Garcia. Senior Jade Sims is another Cowboy looking to have a big year. Sims is an athletic guard who can score inside and outside. Junior Koko Booker will provide an interior threat for the team. The four returners each finished with over two steals a game last season. Canyon head coach Jessica Haayer will lead the charge with 10 returners to the team. Outside of her strong returning class, the 8 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

coach believes she may have a rising star in freshman Taylor Mathis. Sophomore Laney Raskin will move up from JV and add more depth to the Cowboy backcourt. Haayer recognized the challenges of not just winning in the Foothill League, but also repeating as league champs. “I think the hardest place to be is where we’re at,” said Haayer. “When you have a target on your back, I think that’s the hardest place to be. I tell them often, ‘You’re in the worst spot. You won last year so everyone wants to get you. No matter who it is, no matter where they finished last year, you have to play with everything every single day.’” Haayer believes her team has matured a ton through last year’s playoffs and this offseason. Canyon’s stars have now all gotten a taste of the postseason and have a better understanding of getting back to that point. “I feel really confident,” said Regez. “Last year was really good and I think we can improve on what we did last season.” Canyon is well aware of their height disadvantage they may seemingly have. The Cowboys are preparing to be ready for any opposition despite their size. “We’re small so I think rebounding is our big focus this year and making sure we control the boards even though we might not have the height advantage,” said Regez. Even with their size, the players will be ready to snag rebounds from bigger players and push the ball up the court.

“We’re really scrappy and better than other teams,” said Sims. “We go out on the floor and try and crash the boards as hard as we can. A lot of people underestimate us because we’re small but some people say, ‘You’re small but mighty.’” Fans can expect the same gritty Canyon defense. The Cowboys will be pressing and hitting teams with man-to-man and zone defenses. Last year, Canyon held opponents to just 43 points a game and finished with an average point differential of over 11 points on the season. The Cowboys have scrappy defenders and crafty playmakers. They’ll still be playing team basketball, sharing the rock, working the ball inside and finding open shots. This will be the Canyon formula for big things. “Offensive wise, we’re just trying to move the ball and let everyone get theirs,” said Booker. “We all want the best for each other. We have a lot of seniors this year so this is the year we want to get the ring and win everything.” Canyon has the pieces for another league title year. The team will have plenty of obstacles in its way on the road back to the top and time will tell if Canyon can repeat. Either way, the group is a tight-knit team. “They love each other and that’s what I always sell as a coach,” said Haayer. “If you learn to want to play for each other and want to win for each other that’s going to be hard to beat because you have each other’s back. I truly feel super tight with all of them.”  NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Canyon Looking to Build Off 2022 Breakout Season By Justin Vigil–Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

he Cowboys surprised plenty of people last season with their impressive (18-9, 8-4) campaign. Canyon will now look to make the jump up at least one spot in the Foothill League. Third-year head coach Ali Monfared will be at the helm for his alma mater. Monfared has been preaching defense and rebounding to his 2022-23 team. “We have a great group of guys that are willing to work every single day,” said Monfared. “And really we have three goals right now: to get better every single day, to limit our turnovers and to defend and rebound in every possession. So, I think we’re moving in the right direction.” Senior Lincoln Phillips will lead Canyon into battle and will be a focal point for the Cowboys on both sides of the floor. “I think this year we’re really going to be able to push the ball and I think we’ll surprise people more on the offensive side,” said Phillips. “We’re a lot smaller than we were last year but I think this year we’ll be able to do more with each other.” Phillips thinks his team’s speed will stand out among other teams. After all, Canyon has had little to no offseason and has been in the gym or conditioning every day the team can. Senior returners Carson Rodi, Daniel Goshen and Ryan Meajima-Gonzalez will have big roles on the squad. NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Tyler Best will be another key player for the Cowboys. The senior loves his team this year and thinks the offense will showcase a little bit of everything. “We have scorers all around the court,” said Best. “We have knockdown shooters and people that can go inside, kick outside, go backdoor. We’re confident about all of it.” One of those shooters is sophomore Eric Kubel, who transferred from Paraclete. Kubel is one of the best shooters Monfared has been around and will be one of several perimeter threats for Canyon. The Cowboys were also blessed with the incoming transfer of Tyler Miller from Taft. Miller is an athletic junior who will likely make an immediate impact. The team graduated three AllLeague seniors and will also be without senior guard Reese Valdes. Valdes is a four-year varsity player, who will miss his senior year with a torn meniscus. The senior will still be with the team, bringing his competitive spirit to practice and games. “Our team is unselfish and we are always looking for ways to get better, which will help us improve as the season goes on,” said Valdes. Monfared believes all 12 of his players can impact the game. The Cowboys will be able to bring great energy, being well-conditioned on top of being 12 players deep. “You’re going to see that this team is going to show up every night,” said Monfared. “Their identity is that they’re going to out-compete and outwork you. No one is going to outwork Canyon.”

Monfared preaches gritty defense so opposing teams can expect full-court press for the entirety of games. “We’re going to be tenacious on defense,” said Best. “We’re going to be all up in people’s faces and we’re going to make it tough for them to get up the court.” For the head coach, it’s the only way Canyon knows. “We could have a group of guys that were here last year, or not here last year. We’re always going to start by playing great defense. That’s our mantra here,” said Monfared. “It’s been that way since I’ve been here. I’ve been a player here. We’re going to defend and rebound and we’re going to let that be our identity as we move forward.” Canyon has the makings of another strong season as well as a strong future. The seniors will lead while the young core will fill in the blanks. The team goals are clear: Make it back to the playoffs. The Cowboys haven’t gotten into the playoffs in back-to-back years since 2014. Canyon has a great chance to return to the postseason. The physical defense, strong inside-outside game, shooting and depth will power this balanced Cowboys squad throughout the season. More than anything though, Canyon wants to win. “The guys are hungry and the guys are really excited,” said Monfared. “I’m really excited and I think people are going to be surprised. I think people are going to be surprised at what we’re going to do this year.”  2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

CASTAIC BOYS

The Coach

2022 Schedule

Castaic boys head coach Dominique Butler. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES/THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster #

Name

Nov. 14

at Royal

7 p.m.

Nov. 16

Desert Christian

5 p.m.

Nov. 17 Nov. 21-22

at La Salle

7 p.m.

San Gabriel Tournament at Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences

TBA

Nov. 28

4:30 p.m.

Nov. 29

Golden Valley*

6:30 p.m.

Nov. 30

at Cabrillo

7 p.m.

Dec. 2

at Valencia*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 6

Granada Hills Charter

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 8

Palmdale Aero

5 p.m.

Year

Position

Tashaun Barron

G/F

Giovanni Valentin

Christian Clark

Dec. 9

at Hart*

6:30 p.m.

Carson Golden

James Borg

Dec. 21

at Rio Hondo Prep

4:30

Thristian Lewis

G/F

Jan. 3

at Canyon*

6:30 p.m.

Oliver Shand

F/C

Jan. 10

West Ranch*

6:30 p.m.

Gavyn Cirricone

Vito Cavallo

Jan. 13

at Golden Valley*

6:30 p.m.

Lucas Milan

Jan. 17

Valencia*

6:30 p.m.

William Walker

G/F

Jan. 24

Hart*

6:30 p.m.

Sean Deme

G/F

6:30 p.m.

Kevin Curtis

F/C

Jan. 27

Canyon*

20 21

Jack Shand

G/F

Jan. 31

at Saugus*

6:30 p.m.

Noah Crouch

Feb. 3

at West Ranch*

6:30 p.m.

Jonathan Hakim

10 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

* Foothill League games

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

GIRLS BASKETBALL

2022 Schedule Nov. 14

Santa Paula

6:30 p.m.

Nov. 22

Lakeview Charter

6 p.m.

Nov. 23

at Fillmore

7 p.m.

Nov. 29

Golden Valley*

5 p.m.

Dec. 2

at Valencia

5 p.m.

Dec. 8

at Palmdale Aero

7 p.m.

Dec. 9

Hart*

5 p.m.

Dec. 17 Dec. 28-30 Jan. 3

at Quartz Hill

12 p.m.

at Arvin Holiday Classic

TBA

at Canyon*

5 p.m.

Jan. 6

Saugus*

5 p.m.

Jan. 10

West Ranch*

5 p.m.

Jan. 13

at Golden Valley*

5 p.m.

Jan. 17

Valencia^

5 p.m.

Jan. 21

Hueneme

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

Canyon*

5 p.m.

Jan. 27

Canyon*

5 p.m.

Jan. 31

at Saugus*

5 p.m.

Feb. 2

at West Ranch*

5 p.m.

The Coach

Castaic Coyotes Head Coach Terra Palmer. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

* Foothill League games

Editor’s note: Roster unavailable as of press time.

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

Castaic Girls Enter First Year of Varsity By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer

here will be a new entrant into the Foothill League for the 2022-23 season as Castaic girls’ basketball gets ready to embark on its first varsity campaign. The girls will not be doing it alone, though, as they’ll have a familiar face in the Foothill League to lead them through it in the form of head coach Terra Palmer. She led the Hart girls’ basketball program from 2011 to 2020, resigning at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It takes a lot of hard work [to compete in the league],” Palmer said. “But it also takes a lot of talent. You know, if you want to be one, two or three in the Foothill League, you have to have good basketball players, good basketball players who work hard.” Palmer will be overseeing a Coyotes team that has no seniors and just three juniors. The varsity roster will most likely be comprised of just eight players. Sophomore Trinity Haddad is one of those young players, and she has been tasked with being the point guard for Castaic. She’s excited to see what she and her teammates can do even being one of the smaller teams around, both in terms of roster size and physical size. One of the more important things for Castaic this year will be that everyone will get a chance to play. “I think it creates a great energy,” Haddad said. “From the past times I’ve played, it’s always been bigger teams. The bigger team we 12 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

have, it’s more breaks we can have so we can rest. But in this case, we’re just not fortunate enough to have those players. But I feel like it’s very important for everyone to play and to get to feel the game, to know what it’s like. Because I remember sitting on the bench, waiting for me to go in, and it was very exciting. But I think that even though we do have a smaller team, it gives everybody a chance and a shot to prove themselves and to show that we’re all capable of handling the ball on the court.” The key for Castaic this season: Working hard. That may seem like an obvious statement, but with the lack of ready-to-go talent on the roster, hard work could go a long way. “We’re gonna have to be the hardest-working team on the floor to compete,” Palmer said. The good news is, her players have bought in. Led by Haddad, sophomore Alana Clark, junior team captain Leyna Le and freshman Amelia Carson, Palmer has a handful of players who want to improve and put Castaic girls’ basketball on the map. Le has been in the program the longest, starting out when it first popped up her freshman season, and Palmer sees her as being one of the team’s top options to score out of the guard position to go along with her leadership role. “I want to be a team leader overall,” Le said. “I was chosen as captain last year because we had one combined team, and so I had to step up as seniority. Since we have no seniors, I was like one of the upperclassmen, and I just want to be there for everyone. Be-

cause although they haven’t been through COVID and all the game situations, I have, and I don’t want them to go through that. So, I want them to do their best.” Clark, who has two brothers in the Castaic boys’ basketball program, has noticed a tougher schedule to get the Coyotes ready for the season compared to how it was getting ready for last year’s JV-only schedule. That, she said, can only help as they get ready to perform in front of family, friends and even some more hostile atmospheres on the road. “It’s definitely been a lot different than the past couple years,” Clark said. “Last year, we played a lot more tournaments. This year, we’re playing in league, so it’s a little bit different. Our families are going to be in the stands, our friends are going to be in the stands. So going into preseason, we’re thinking, ‘Oh crap, our school’s gonna be watching us. We need to be prepared, we need to be ready.’ So, I feel like this preseason, we’ve been a lot more focused. And it’s also just kind of like a realization, like, ‘Oh, we’re playing basketball in league this season.’” The preparation might be tougher and the challenges may be harder to overcome, but Palmer’s expectations remain the same: Get better every day. Work hard every day. Try to win every game. “I hope to see us compete every game,” Palmer said. “I hope to see us leave it all out on the floor every day. And I hope to be able to say at the end of the season that we’ve worked as hard as we could, we gave it everything we had, and we got better. That’s the goal.”  NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Castaic Takes the CAB into Foothill League Contention By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

oyotes boys’ basketball will enter its second year of varsity action but its first with head coach Dominique Butler. Butler has had an easy transition into being the team’s coach this summer. He has instilled the team to go by the motto “CAB,” standing for communication, accountability and balance. “Once I got the job and saw the hard work the guys were putting in, it was just second nature for me to hop in and add my philosophy and culture,” said Butler. “They tapped in right away and made my job effortless because these guys are hard-working, they communicate well and their atti-

tudes are great.” Butler previously coached at Arrowhead Christian and inherits a gritty team that doesn’t show many signs of being a new program. The Coyotes have athletes, shooters, defenders and plenty of them. Junior guard Gio Valentin fits all those categories and will be one of the top players for Castaic. “We score on three levels,” said Valentin. “We have bigs that can shoot the three. We have little dudes that can get up. We can score all around.” Senior forward Jonathan Hakim will be another threat on offense while also leading the team on and off the court. Hakim is the team’s only AllLeaguer from last season and is ex-

cited for what’s brewing in Castaic. “Our culture and energy is unmatched compared to any team we play,” said Hakim. “No matter who it is, our energy and culture has grown so much since last year. We play as a family. We don’t play as individuals and I think that’s the biggest part of our success and the biggest key for our future.” The team will add depth to the backcourt later in the season when Vito Cavallo’s transfer period ends. Cavallo can move the ball effectively and be a strong addition at point guard alongside Carson Golden. Forward Thristian Lewis brings great energy to them and can be a spark plug for the Coyotes. Gavyn Cirricione will be one of the team’s sharpSee CASTAIC, page 42

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NOVEMBER 4, 2022

2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

GOLDEN VALLEY BOYS

The Coach

2022 Schedule Nov. 21-26 Nov. 29

Golden Valley boys head coach Chris Printz. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON/THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster #

Name

Tournament

TBA

at Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 2

Hart*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 6

at Canyon*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 Dec. 19-30 Jan. 3

at Lancaster

3 p.m.

Tournament

TBA

Valencia*

TBA

Jan. 6

at West Ranch*

TBA

Jan. 9

Knight

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 13

Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 20

Canyon

TBA

Jan. 24

Saugus*

6:30 p.m.

Year

Position

Jayden Bryant

Joseph Miller

Jan. 28

Lancaster

TBA

Deon Lopez

G/F

Jan. 31

West Ranch*

6:30 p.m.

Jackson Torres

G/F

Freddy Marion

Jaiden Burwell

Tristan Tiu

Kaleb Melara

G/F

Janthan Garcia

Andrew Ezenwa

Angelo Samson

Garen Linco

Bradley Christoffersen

Milo Capitan

14 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

* Foothill League games

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

GIRLS BASKETBALL

2022 Schedule Nov. 15

at Cleveland

4:30 p.m.

Nov. 17

4 p.m.

Nov. 17-19

at Heritage Christian Santa Paula Tournament

Nov. 19

at Quartz Hill

10:30 a.m.

Nov. 22

Santa Paula

5 p.m.

Nov. 29

at Castaic*

5 p.m.

Hart*

5 p.m.

Dec. 5-10

Vaughn Tournament

TBA

Dec. 6

at Canyon*

5 p.m.

Dec. 9

at Saugus*

5 p.m.

Dec. 20

Thousand Oaks

5 p.m.

Dec. 27

Simi Valley

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 30

at St. Genevieve

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 3

Valencia*

5 p.m.

Jan. 6

at West Ranch*

5 p.m.

Jan. 7

at Hueneme

11:30 a.m.

Jan. 13

Castaic*

5 p.m.

Jan. 17

at Hart*

5 p.m.

Jan. 20

Canyon*

Jan. 24

Dec. 2

The Coach

TBA

Golden Valley girls head coach Charise Hall. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON/THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster #

Name

Stephanie Leyva

Akina Ma’at

Ashley Guzman

Makaiya Cortinas

Adonijah Currie

Chelsea Chavarria Alvarez

Genesis Perez

5 p.m.

Alyssa Taufaasau

Saugus*

5 p.m.

Mariah Payan

Jan. 27

at Valencia*

5 p.m.

Janise Benbo

Jan. 31

Jaia Bryant

West Ranch*

5 p.m.

Janice Orantes

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Year

2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

Golden Valley Boys Tapping into Program Depth By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer

hen Golden Valley boys’ basketball coach Chris Printz looks at his Grizzlies, he sees a lot of potential. Led by three-year varsity returner Joe Miller, the Grizzlies have expectations to be one of the top teams in the Foothill League this season. After that, a strong run in the playoffs is what the Grizzlies are really looking forward to. “A lot of people are doubting us because we lost like half our team because we were senior-heavy last year,” Miller said. “But all of our guys have been putting in a lot of work, mornings, lunch, just a lot of their time. We’ve just been working real hard so hopefully we can make it out the first round this year.” Miller was part of the team last year that went 11-10 in the regular season and 5-10 in Foothill League play before bowing out in the first round of playoffs. And while six of those seniors from last season have graduated, Printz will have 10 seniors to count on for this season, including Miller and three other returners in Freddie Marion, Andrew Ezenwa and Jackson Torres. In total, Printz looks to count on 14 players to carry his team, with 11-12 of them seeing time each game. “Part of our strength in our program is our depth,” Printz said. “We think so. We want to play fast, and when you’re gonna play fast, you’re gonna play a lot of bodies. I also think that it helps with our culture that everybody 16 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

knows we’re all pulling on the rope on the same end, everybody feels a part of things.” Marion thinks that with all of the seniors coming together in their final year after spending some time at the different levels of the program, only good things can come from it. “I’m excited to see us all play together,” Marion said. “We haven’t played together since like freshman year. So it’s like we’re reuniting together and see how good our chemistry is.” The varsity team will welcome six new seniors coming up from JV, meaning much of the bench will be players without varsity experience. Printz, though, isn’t worried about that. He just wants to see his players playing the Golden Valley way. “I think you’re gonna see 32 minutes of competitiveness on both ends,” Printz said. “Offensive end, we like to play an up-tempo game. So, we like to get up and run, that plays into our philosophy of playing a lot of guys. We like to share the ball. We pride ourselves on the defensive end. We’re not very big. I think our biggest guy is maybe [6 feet, 2 inches]. So, we have to be very physical and tough defensively just to survive, especially in a league like ours.” The seniors have been waiting for this year for quite some time, and now that it’s here, they want to leave their mark. Ezenwa, one of those taller guys that Printz mentioned at 6 feet, 3 inches, has no intention of making the playoffs just to lose again in the first round. His eyes, and

his teammates’, are on a CIF ring. “I think we can make it to the chip to be honest, get a ring,” Ezenwa said. “Hopefully that’s what I think is our best. As long as we talk the talk, as long as everybody’s locked in, I think that’s what we can do.” Miller is excited to see what he and his teammates are going to do. His expectation is that everybody plays some sort of role, as he is high on all of them, including the underclassmen. “We have a couple of juniors like Tristan [Tiu], transfer from Saugus,” Miller said. “He’s pretty good as a point guard, very quick. He can shoot, he can do everything. Angelo [Samson], Kaleb [Melara], both very good shooters. Bradley [Christofferson] has a very big basketball IQ. So, no one’s really a liability on our team, I don’t think, this year.” The Grizzlies have been working hard to get past the failure of last year’s first-round playoff exit. Much of that work has gone unnoticed by the other schools, but if you ask Printz, that’s just the way the Grizzlies like it. “We’re just little Golden Valley,” Printz said. “We just go and do what we’re asked to do. We don’t really worry about what anybody else says or thinks about us, and most people aren’t thinking about us at all, which is fine. And we’ll just get our job done and see what happens.”  NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Golden Valley’s Recipe: More Athletic By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer

he Golden Valley girls’ basketball program’s recipe for success calls for mixing in some new ingredients along with some of its returning staples. Grizzlies head coach Charise Hall, entering her third season in charge of the program, has built the program back up with five returning varsity players and a couple of transfers. Add in the three sophomores who will make the jump up to varsity, and Hall is excited about what is to come. “We’re having a way better athletic team this year,” Hall said. “We’re really working on pushing the ball, using our athleticism and just trying to build our experience. We had a lot of lack of experience last year, and with the returners coming back and being young, I think it’s just gonna help.” Hall will be leaning on junior Akina Ma’at to be her leader on the court, while junior Aly Taufaasau transferred from Oakwood and junior Janise Benbo came in after transferring from SCVi. The Grizzlies, 2-18 overall and 0-10 in the Foothill League last season, will be helped by dropping down to Division 5A, which Hall thinks could be a good place for her players to shine come playoff time. “We’re definitely looking to make playoffs, especially with being in a different division this year,” Hall said. “It’s definitely something that’s do-able. But of course, we want to take it one game at a time and keep progressing in a positive direction and keep growing.” Taufaasau likes the idea of being the underdog in the Foothill League. She is looking forward to showing what she and the rest of the Grizzlies can do after a lackluster couple of seasons. “I think the expectations are a lot higher than they were last year,” Taufaasau said. “And I don’t think anyone even thinks Golden Valley is a threat, which makes it the most fun because we’re coming out of nowhere and we’re gonna be good this year.” Hall has instituted a more rigorous practice schedule in preparation for the season, though not all of it has to do with on-the-court skills. “We’ve been working a lot on our mind, which is a very valuable part of the game,” Ma’at said. “A lot NOVEMBER 4, 2022

of people don’t realize how important the mind is. Everything starts in the mind and that’s what we’ve been working on, getting our minds ready, our bodies ready. But it all starts up there.” Despite the optimism surrounding the team, Hall is still trying to temper expectations and keep her players humble. “We want to be competitive this year,” Hall said. “Basically, our main concern is our growth as a program and our growth as these young athletes are competing and working hard and getting better.” The mix of old and new blood in the program hasn’t been a hinderance at all, according to Ma’at. She’s looking at it from the most positive of perspectives, as she noted that many teams don’t get to build a camaraderie like theirs on the fly. “I feel like it’s pretty beautiful,” Ma’at said. “You know, you don’t see a lot of teams where they have newer players mix with more older players. You don’t see that mix, and for it to mesh right and correctly. I feel like we’re establishing a precedent that other See GV, page 42

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HART BOYS

The Coach

2022 Schedule Cantwell Tournament

TBA

La Salle

7 p.m.

Dec. 2

at Golden Valley*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 6

Saugus*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 9

at Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 19-22

Faith Baptist Tournament

TBA

Dec. 27-30

Hart Tournament

TBA

Jan. 3

at West Ranch*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 6

Canyon*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 10

at Valencia*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 14

at Westchester

TBA

Jan. 17

Golden Valley*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 20

at Saugus*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Nov. 14-29 Nov. 22

Hart Head Coach Tom Kelly. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster #

Name

Year

Position

Joseph Montes

jason Fawzi

G/F

Jan. 27

West Ranch*

6:30 p.m.

Devon Strong

Jan. 31

at Canyon*

6:30 p.m.

Elias Bookhart

G/F

Tim Larkins

Gabriel Stokes

Andrew Stoker

G/F

JD Lontok

Brett Hourigan

Zach Judd

Jack Oldhafer

Jacob Okonowski

G/F

18 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

* Foothill League games

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

GIRLS BASKETBALL

2022 Schedule Nov. 14

Knight

6 p.m.

Nov. 19

Highland

1:30 p.m.

Nov. 29

Ventura at Viewpoint

7 p.m.

Nov. 30

at Moorpark

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 1

at Crescenta Valley

4 p.m.

Dec. 2

at Golden Valley*

5 p.m.

Dec. 3

at Viewpoint

7:30 p.m.

Dec. 6

Saugus*

5 p.m.

Dec. 9

Castaic*

5 p.m.

Dec. 16

La Cañada

4:30 p.m.

Dec. 26-30

Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions John Burroughs Tournament

Jan. 3

at West Ranch*

5 p.m.

Jan. 6

Canyon*

5 p.m.

Jan. 10

at Valencia*

5 p.m.

Jan. 12

Rolling Hills Prep

6 p.m.

Jan. 17

Golden Valley*

5 p.m.

Jan. 20

Saugus*

5 p.m.

Jan. 21

Quartz Hill

1:30 p.m.

Jan. 27

at Canyon*

5 p.m.

Jan. 31

at Canyon*

5 p.m.

Feb. 3

Valencia*

5 p.m.

Dec. 20-22

Hart Girls Head Coach Jerry Mike.

TBA

2022 Roster

TBA

* Foothill League games

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

The Coach

Name

Year

Position

Andrea Aina

Janelle Boozer

Lily Cornejo

Arleigh Eav

Emery Eav

Laney Grider

Chloe Judd

Taylor Koebel

Morgan Mack

Elyse Mitchell

G/F

Jaelynn Taylor

Vanessa Zavala

2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

Hart Girls Are Ready to Retake the Crown By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer

art girls’ basketball is coming off a pivotal season for the program. Hart (21-8) had a long season that ended all the way in the state tournament. The Indians will be a different team this season as every other one is, but only Hart will be tasked with filling the shoes of a Foothill League Player of the Year. Kayla Hourigan led the team in scoring and boards last year but head coach Jerry Mike knows all about putting together a winning team. “We’re a little different style,” said Mike. “We’re more up-tempo and we want to use our speed, we’re pretty fast. I think this’ll be one of the faster teams I’ve had. Overall, we had a good summer and we’re doing some new things on offense. It’s been fun.” Hart will return All-CIF and The Master’s University commit, guard Laney Grider. Grider is coming off a near 12-point, 5-rebound and 4-assist average last season and was key for the Indians’ success. She also led the team in steals. Grider posted big numbers but with her team’s ball movement, she wouldn’t be surprised if the stats are a lot more even throughout the Hart box scores. “It feels like stats are also going to be spread out a lot more throughout the team, which is great,” said Grider. “It’s amazing and I think that most of our offense will come from our defense, which is also a great thing 20 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

for our team.” Alongside Griner will be sophomore guard Morgan Mack. Mack made an immediate impact on the team as a freshman and will look to post an even stronger sophomore season. “Morgan is a complete player,” said Mike. “She’s getting better all the time, has a really high IQ, for a 10th grader especially, and she’s strong.” Junior Arleigh Eav will command the point guard spot. Eav has impressed her head coach so far with improvements on defense and in her leadership. Senior Vanessa Zavala will start at the five spot for Hart. Zavala is a 6-foot, 1-inch big who can shoot from outside. Zavala will demand attention wherever she may be on the court, which should free up space for the Hart sharpshooters. Zavala believes the Indians’ chemistry is strong on and off the court. The team is always hanging out together outside of practice but several even play together in their offseason. “It’s amazing,” said Zavala. “We get along on the court but off the court, we hang out a lot. Not only do we play high school ball together, but also the majority of us play on the same travel team. So that’s like an advantage for us because we have more time to bond and learn each other’s skills.” The players have a great rapport with one another and have a great environment wherever they go. “Oh my God, they’re so much fun,” said Mack. “They’re my besties at school. We care about

each other so much. Off court, on the court, weight room, practice, it’s just a great environment but then we know how to be competitive at the same time.” Sophomore Janelle Boozer missed all of last season with an ACL injury but is looking like a big piece for the Indians. Senior Elyse Mitchell will also be a key returner to the team as she has made strides in her rebounding and her confidence. Andrea Aina, Lily Cornejo, Chloe Judd and Emery Eav could also play key roles for Hart as the four will likely come off the bench. Aina was one player Grider noted has impressed her this summer. The sophomore’s progression will likely catch other teams’ attention eventually as well. “She is a hustler,” said Grider. “She can rebound. She’s gotten so much better at shooting this year and she’s attacking the rim with a lot more confidence. As a freshman, it’s hard. So I think she’s going to come out of the gate and put up a lot of points for us.” The Indians have a deep team with a lot of talent but that means nothing without a strong defense. “We have an amazing defense,” said Zavala. “We have a few players like Arleigh Eav, who gets in a lot of people’s faces and takes the ball right out of their hands, making other teams mad. She’s probably one of my favorite players to watch on the team.” Hart will have plenty of strong defenders alongside their point guard. Opposing teams can expect See HART GIRLS, page 43 NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Hart Aiming to Jump Back into Playoffs By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

art boys’ basketball is coming off a difficult year plagued by injuries and players who missed time. The team is already not catching any breaks with the huge loss of their top player, Jacob Okonowski. Okonowski, a senior, likely tore his ACL recently and will miss his final year on the court for Hart. The team won’t make any excuses and is preparing to battle with their guy on the sidelines. Head coach Tom Kelly will enter his 23rd season as the Indians’ head coach with some promising talent on the roster. Senior Elias Bookhart will be one of Hart’s key players, bringing inside and outside scoring while playing hard defense against any sized opponent. Bookhart is excited for the year and sees tons of improvements from last year’s team. “Talking and communication is going to be a big improvement from last year,” said Bookhart. “Our chemistry is way stronger than last year’s chemistry. We’re able to trust each other on and off the court.” One player who missed the bulk of last year is Gabriel Stokes. The 6-foot, 6-inch senior forward has made some great strides since last year and will be a key factor for Hart. “We’re feeling good. We’re getting really good team chemistry,” said Stokes. “We’ve been on a run but we’ve had our ups and downs with people out, injured or sick but we’ve been on a good run.” Indians’ quarterback Tim Larkins will return to the team when football officially concludes. Larkins was a starting forward last season and should again have a big impact on the floor. Devon Strong and Joseph Montes were two standouts on JV last season and will likely play important roles on varsity. Bookhart and Stokes have liked how quickly the two have mixed into varsity and thinks they’re due for big seasons. “Devin’s on the smaller side but he comes in and he’s real shifty,” said Stokes. “He’s going to hit shots on people and they’re going to be really upset.” JD Lontok will be one of the team’s best on-ball defenders so we may see the senior locking up opposing NOVEMBER 4, 2022

team’s top players. “We lost Jacob so we don’t really have a guy,” said Kelly. “We have a bunch of guys. So, we don’t have an alpha right now but we just got a bunch of guys who compete every day, get out for it, so lineups could change.” Some of the players felt last year’s team was a tad one-dimensional on offense. The team enters the 2022-23 season with depth and more scoring options, which will free up more shots all around the court. “We’ve got a lot of shooting,” said Stokes. “We have more inside scoring than last year. Last year we were more of an outside scoring team but this year we can do it in and out.” No matter the roster or the scoring options, the goals never change. “Our goals never really change,” said Kelly. “This is my 23rd year and our goals have always been: win 20 games, win league and try and make a run in the playoffs. We’re not going to change our goals. We’re going to get out and compete.” See HART, page 42

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SAUGUS BOYS

2022 Schedule

The Coach

Paul Sutton Tip Off Classic

TBA

Valencia*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 2

West Ranch*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 6

at Hart*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 9

Golden Valley*

6:30 p.m.

Faith Baptist Tournament

TBA

at Sierra Canyon

TBA

The Classic at Damien

TBA

Jan. 6

at Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 10

Canyon*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 13

at Valencia*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 17

at West Ranch*

6:30 p.m.

Nov. 14-19 Nov. 29

Dec. 19-23 Head Coach Alfredo Manzano. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster #

Name

Year

Position

Dec. 23 Dec. 26-30

Adrian Salazar

Jack Nicholson

Jan. 20

Hart*

6:30 p.m.

Max Tengan

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

at Golden Valley*

Ryan Sanchez Burke Battistini

Jan. 31

Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Matt Correa

Feb. 2

at Canyon*

6:30 p.m.

Justin Perez

Christian Sickels

Lenox Lavalle

Alden Bagsik

Landen O’Brien

Peter Burton

Bryce Mejia

22 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

* Foothill League games

Editor’s note: Jersey numbers and positions unavailable as of press time.

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Coach

Saugus Interim Coach Megan Reck.

2022 Roster

Editor’s note: Schedule unavailable as of press time.

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Name

Year

Position

Cassady Freude

G/F

Samantha Cortez

Julie Phillips

Emily Kai

Nupur Prajapati

G/F

Shannen Wilson

G/F

EvaMarie Rios

Brianna Burroughs

F/C

Destiny Onovo

F/C

Kristen Kai

Natalie Weathers

F/C

Bryanna Fennessy

C 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

Saugus Boys Squad Features Many New Faces By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer

he Saugus boys’ basketball team had one of its best seasons in recent memory last year, winning its first playoff game in five years when the Centurions beat Cajon in the CIF-Southern Section Division 2AA first round and finishing second in the Foothill League. Now, the Centurions can’t wait to get back there and show that even with a new group, great things are still possible for Saugus. “We want to be the best, for sure,” Saugus senior Lenox Lavalle said. “We’re gonna try our hardest no matter what and there’s no doubt in our mind that we won’t win. It’s just up to how we play and how we execute.” Lavalle, one of three returners from last year’s varsity squad, has been tasked by Saugus head coach Alfredo Manzano, entering his sixth season as the head of the program, to not just lead the Centurions on the court, but also off the court. Manzano saw five All-Foothill League selections graduate from last year’s team, with 13 players in total gone. Manzano will also have junior Justin Perez and senior Adrian Salazar to help the new guys get up to speed. “To be quite honest, the three returners, I’m leaning on not so much on-the-court experience, but just the level and what is required to be at this level with us, because none of them really 24 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

got any minutes last year,” Manzano said. “But I am relying on them like, look, you’ve been here before, you’ve been in these practices, you know what is expected. And I expect you to start implementing that with all the new guys.” While the returning list of Saugus players is somewhat thin, Manzano does have the benefit of three transfers from Santa Clarita Christian who are all expected to play on the varsity team in seniors Max Tengan and Landon O’Brien, and junior Peter Burton. It’s a new experience for those three, and while Saugus is not the biggest team in the area – Lavalle is probably the tallest at 6 feet, 4 inches – Tengan has been impressed with how Manzano gets his players to buy into a system. “At first sight, we’re not the biggest team,” Tengan said, “but once I started playing with them a few games, I found out that Manzano implements these core values into the team. So, we’re the scrappiest team out there, hardest-working team out there. So, I think that’s why a lot of people like will count us out because we’re so small, but I think we’re gonna surprise a lot of people this season.” Those core values that Tengan talked about include many of the small details that can push a team over the top. Manzano likes his teams to play fast, play scrappy defense, fight for rebounds and loose balls and run out in transition. Manzano preaches those things because, as per usual, his team

lacks the height to power through teams. While Lavalle is the tallest of the bunch, his skillset, according to Manzano, makes him more of a guard. “Looking at other teams that have more size than us, but, you know, at the end of the day, it’s kind of just like heart, and we got to come out and just be able to box out and just play as we’re the same height as them,” Lavalle said. That doesn’t mean expectations are any lower. “Manzano holds us to a high standard to win,” Tengan said. “Winning is the No. 1 priority. He always expects the same no matter who’s on his team or how young his team is.” Saugus will be able to rely on 13-14 players, a good number of players for the high school level. But Manzano has yet to find his starting lineup, and he’s expecting that to continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. “We could probably talk about two or three guys in the starting lineup that we feel really comfortable with,” Manzano said. “But besides that, I wouldn’t say we’re set, like the remaining guys on the starting line.” Whoever gets in will have to fight their way in, quite literally based on what Manzano said. He wants his players to show that no matter who they’re up against, the Centurions won’t back down. “We got to do all the things that nobody wants to do,” Manzano said. “And that’s what we’ve been preaching all summer and going Continued on next page. NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Saugus Becomes Wildcard After Coach Resigns By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer

here will be a different look to Saugus girls’ basketball this season, as Megan Reck will take over as interim head coach following the resignation of former head coach Jason Conn, who had held the role for the past seven seasons. Reck will have some help in six returning varsity players, and her message to her team, which includes multiple freshmen, is to just have fun with it. “We’re just excited to move forward and have a great season,” Reck said. “That’s my priority right now, is just for the girls to have fun and keep moving in the right direction.” That direction is up, Reck hopes. The Centurions went 15-11 in the regular season last year, including 6-4 in Foothill League play, good for third place, only to lose in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3AA playoffs to Rolling Hills Prep. One of those returners, junior Continued from previous page

into fall and now practice. And not too many guys want to do that. So, the guys that do are probably going to get most of the minutes.” And once everyone knows their role, Lavalle thinks that the Centurions could find the right formula to success. “Once we’re all on the same page, that skill will start to kick in,” Lavalle said.  NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Destiny Onovo, feels that the team has jelled fairly well despite the mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen. “I think we all hit it off on a good spot,” Onovo said. “We’re all really good friends with each other. And so I think it’s helped build up a nice team bond.” Onovo, a second-team All-Foothill League selection last year as a sophomore, is one of the girls that Reck will be counting on to lead the program along with senior Kristen Kai, a first-team selection last year as a junior. “They know the program,” Reck said. “They know Saugus well, the style of basketball here on campus. So they very much have shown leadership qualities for our freshmen and the rest of the girls, and I believe they’re going to continue doing that.” Kai and Onovo are two known commodities in the Foothill League, though Reck has high hopes for the freshman class. “Our point guard Eva [Rios], she has outstanding fundamental skills,” Reck said. “So we’re looking forward to that, and she’s very good at leading the team and calling plays. We have some height, which is going to be good. Natalie [Weathers] and Shannon [Wilson], they bring some height, so we’re excited about that as well.” Reck is expecting her players to play with a certain style. That style may not always be pretty, but if the Centurions go out on the court and show that they are hungry to compete, then Reck will be happy. “I think we will always play

humbly, leave our hearts on the court,” Reck said. “We will always give it our all and that’s the style that I’m going for, is hard work and playing humbly.” With so many younger players and only a few players returning, one could assume that this would be classified as a rebuilding year for the Centurions. And while Reck did acknowledge that possibility, she also noted that she has high expectations and wants her players to compete. “I think it could be a combination of both,” Reck said. “We have high expectations for all the girls across the board. But we do have five freshmen that are going to help rebuild that program for when our seniors leave.” Onovo has helped in that regard, showing her teammates that basketball is fun, but sometimes a more serious nature is needed to get to a higher level. “While we’re having fun, I mean, you have to know that we have to be serious sometimes and that we have these things we have to do,” Onovo said. The Centurions will have a new look to them – both in terms of roster construction and who is leading them – but Onovo is confident going into the season. She knows how long she and her teammates have been working together and is expecting that work to turn into results. “We’ve been practicing for so long now, since even before the summer, so I think definitely a lot of hard work and I’m excited to see how that turns out during the season,” Onovo said.  2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

VALENCIA BOYS

The Coach

2022 Schedule Heritage Christian Varsity Tip-Off West Valley Thanksgiving Tip-Off

TBA

at Saugus*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 1

at Notre Dame

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 2

Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 6

West Ranch*

TBA

Dec. 9 Dec. 26-30 Jan. 3

at Canyon*

6:30 p.m.

The Classic at Damien

TBA

at Golden Valley*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

at Sierra Canyon

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 7

at Oak Hills

TBA

Jan. 10

Hart*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 13

Saugus*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 16

Alemany MLK Showcase

TBA

Jan. 17

at Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Nov. 14-19 Nov. 21-26 Nov. 29

Vikings Head Coach Bill Bedgood. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster

TBA

Name

Year

Position

Jayden Ares

Mikah Ballew

G/F

Bryce Bedgood

F/C

Kai Davies

Mason Grant

Adrian Jalbuena

Jan. 20

at West Ranch*

6:30 p.m.

Michael Kazaryants

G/F

Jan. 24

Canyon*

6:30 p.m.

Ryan Magier

Jacob Mazy

G/F

Jan. 27

Golden Valley*

6:30 p.m.

Jacob Michel-Zavala 11

at Hart*

6:30 p.m.

Maurice Pitts

Joe Pulaski

F/C

Tanner Stradley

AJ Wilkerson

26 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Feb. 3

* Foothill League games

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

GIRLS BASKETBALL

The Coach

2022 Schedule Nov. 15-18

Westlake Tournament

TBD

Nov. 21

at Stockdale

6:30 p.m.

Nov. 29

at Saugus*

5 p.m.

Dec. 2

Castaic*

5 p.m.

Dec. 6

West Ranch*

5 p.m.

Dec. 9

at Canyon*

5 p.m.

Dec. 16

at Camarillo

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 20

at Notre Dame

TBD

West Coast Jamboree

TBD

Jan. 3

at Golden Valley*

5 p.m.

Jan. 6

Mission Oak

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 10

Hart*

5 p.m.

Jan. 13

at Saugus*

5 p.m.

Jan. 17

at Castaic*

5 p.m.

Jan. 20

at West Ranch*

5 p.m.

Jan. 21

at Glendora

TBD

Jan. 24

Canyon*

5 p.m.

Jan. 27

Golden Valley*

5 p.m.

Dec. 28-30

Feb. 2

at Hart*

5 p.m.

* Foothill League games

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Valencia girls head coach Kevin Honaker.

2022 Roster #

Name

Year

Position

Alyssa Besina

G/F

Chelsea Besina

G/F

Alyssa Dawson

F/C

Calista Gotos

Cara McKell

Hailey McKell

F/C

Kaitlin McLaughlin

G/F

Peyton Motoyasu

Libertine Oxciano

Olivia Oxciano

Alyssa Reyes McCarthy

Lucy Smith

G/F

Ashley Wesiel

F/C

Jayla Wilcox

G/F9

2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

Valencia Girls Coming Strong Out of Rebuild By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

ikings girls’ basketball finished with just four wins in the Foothill League last year. It was the program’s first finish outside of the top two in 10 years. It was a quick development year for Valencia as the team feels ready to return to the top in the Santa Clarita Valley. Even in their off year, the Vikings managed to finish fourth in league. Head coach Kevin Honaker believes his team is ready to make the jump three spots up. The 2021-22 team featured a smaller rotation of players but now the Vikings have a deep roster filled with talent. Honaker now has a plethora of options on offense and defense with a much deeper and experienced team. “We were realistic last year and we wanted to just take it as a learning year and a development year,” said Honaker. “But this year, we are competing for a championship and it is going to be a fight with the same teams that have been there for the last 10 years really. It’s going to be tough but our expectation is a championship this year 100%.” Honaker will have strong leadership in the Valencia backcourt led by seniors Peyton Motoyasu and Chelsea Besina. Junior guard Libertine Oxciano will also have a strong impact for the Vikings. The three were all honored in last year’s All-League teams. “Last year we kind of had an entirely new team,” said Besina. “We got to play last season all together so I think we really built up our 28 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

chemistry. Our communication has gotten so much better and we have a lot of incoming freshmen that I think will really add to the team.” The team will also have some size to go along their guard play. Forwards like Hailey McKell, Alyssa Dawson and Ashley Weisel will provide a presence down low for Valencia. McKell’s younger sister, Cara McKell, is a freshman Honaker is expecting big things from. “We have a freshman that I think is a special player that I think will have an amazing career, Cara McKell,” said Honaker. “She has athleticism and skill. I do think she will be a top player in this league for a long time.” The freshman has felt immediately welcomed to the team and thinks the Valencia defense will be one of the team’s strongest areas. “We’ve been working on defense and overall communicating,” said Cara. “I feel like defense and pressing will really tie us together this year.” Fellow freshman Lucy Smith has also impressed her new teammates and could be another four-year weapon for the Vikings. “We’re going to be more creative,” said Honaker. “We’ll have the numbers to play full-court pressing the whole game. And it won’t just be the normal two to one, we’ll have the ability now to play some man and we’ll want to mix things up. I think that keeps everybody off balance. Everybody’s kind of known what we’re going to do. Now we can go back to keeping them on their toes.” “I think our mid-range shots,

being able to pass the ball and get down the court will be really good for us,” said Oxciano. Oxciano was the team’s sole first teamer last season as a sophomore. She was one of many players who is thrilled to have more bodies on the court, freeing the Vikings to full-court press and have more energy throughout games. The returners now have at least a full season on their resumes and are ready for the extensive Foothill League season. “Right away, competition and intensity, they’ve been there,” said Honaker. “They were young and now they’ve grown up and are getting more of that mentality to compete and have that desire to win, which is critical for us. I think what happened is the influx of new players that had some of that brought it out of the other girls that always probably had it and now they’re even better. So, I think that’s probably been the No. 1 thing, just that toughness and competitiveness and then No. 2, just basketball knowledge, their ability to play the game, they’ve grown and that’s something that’s really important and we do pretty complex stuff and now they’re able to do it.” The Vikings will be pressing all game and all season long. The group believes they have a great collective energy and can storm through the season. “I’m really excited,” said Oxciano. “I’m ready to compete. We weren’t really able to do that last year but this year we’ll be able to, which is something I’m really excited for.”  NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Valencia Embracing Underdog Role By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

he Vikings are an interesting team going into the 2022-23 season. The team retained nearly a majority of its 2021-22 roster that won just five games. Valencia has put last season long in the rear-view mirror and is ready to return to contending. The Vikings put together a strong summer and are now putting the pieces of a winning program back together. One of the biggest was the addition of senior Mikah Ballew. Valencia has been blessed to get a huge transfer in the senior guard. Ballew is a three-level scorer from Alemany who has helped the Vikings find points all over the court throughout their summer and fall. The 6-foot, 6-inch guard with a handful of NCAA Division 1 offers has been a spark plug for the team and has helped other players shine. “We’re super excited about what he brings to the table,” said Valencia head coach Bill Bedgood. “His addition has helped other guys flourish.” Ballew will start alongside fouryear varsity guard Kai Davis. The senior has been with the varsity team since the beginning and will now look to boost the program back on top in his final year. Davis is a strong two-way point guard who has become a more consistent scorer for the Vikings. His intense on-ball defense can lead to easy buckets and Bedgood believes he’s a better shooter than most people give him credit for. NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Down low, the team has junior Bryce Bedgood, who can do a little of everything at 6-feet, 8-inches tall. “Bryce is a good kid,” said Bill. “It’s always a challenge, coaching your own kid but he’s made it so easy for me.” Bryce will be integral for Valencia down low. The junior has the ability to clog the lane, block shots and guard multiple positions. Maurice Pitts will be another two-way standout for the Vikings. Pitts will often guard opposing top players. Jayden Ares will be one of the team’s sharpshooters from outside the arc. Jacob Michel-Zavala is a junior coming up from JV who is expected to make an immediate impact at the backup point guard role. Bill believes his team’s intensity and attitude is the biggest area of improvement for the squad. Last year the team was hit with adversities and roadblocks the entire season. The 2022-23 team has put together a strong work ethic and attitude toward the game that can

help the group jump back up in the standings. Valencia can get back to winning games but will have to deal with their biggest rival gaining a ton of attention and hype. West Ranch is without a doubt the team to beat entering the season but the Vikings wouldn’t mind flying under the radar. “I like being considered the underdog,” said Bryce. “You look at West Ranch and they’ve got all these weapons. But with our teamwork we’ve got some weapons, too. I love being the underdog and going out and proving people wrong. So, I’m very excited to play them.” Valencia had an amazing summer to say the least. They won a handful of tournaments, including Section 7, which features some of the best programs in the country. “This summer we’ve been working on defensive intensity,” said Bryce. “To compete with high-level teams, we’ll have to be more aggressive on defense and See VALENCIA, page 43

2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

WEST RANCH BOYS

2022 Schedule

The Coach

Paul Sutton Tipoff Classic

TBA

Canyon*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 2

at Saugus*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 6

at Valencia*

6:30 p.m.

Dec. 17-26

at San Ysidro Tournament

TBA

Jan. 3

Hart* 6:30 p.m.

TBA

Jan. 6

Golden Valley*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 7

Etiwanda

7 p.m.

Jan. 10

at Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 13

at Canyon*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 14

Grant

6:00

Jan. 17

Saugus*

6:30 p.m.

Jan. 20

Valencia*

6:30 p.m.

Nov. 14-16 Nov. 29

West Ranch Wildcats Head Coach Jeff Bryant III. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster #

Name

Year

Position

Jan. 27

at Hart*

6:30 p.m.

Carson Yahata

Jan. 28

Nike Extravaganza

TBA

Jaiyon Gardner

Jaqari Miles

G/F

Jan. 31

at Golden Valley*

6:30 p.m.

Isaiah Fields

Feb. 3

Castaic*

6:30 p.m.

Darrell Moris

James Evans

David Coniglio

Andrew Meadow

Prince Oknonkwo

Aidan Banayo

Zach Bauman

Jazz Gardner

30 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

* Foothill League games

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

GIRLS BASKETBALL

2022 Schedule

The Coach

Nov. 14

at Village Christian

TBA

Nov. 16

at Notre Dame

TBA

Nov. 18

at Lakeview Charter

TBA

Nov. 29

Canyon*

5 p.m.

Dec. 2

Saugus*

5 p.m.

Dec. 6

at Valencia*

TBA

Tournament of Champions

TBA

Marina Tourney

TBA

Hart*

5 p.m.

Jan. 6

Golden Valley*

5 p.m.

Jan. 10

at Castaic*

5 p.m.

Jan 13

at Canyon*

5 p.m.

Jan. 17

at Saugus*

5 p.m.

Name

Jan. 20

Valencia*

5 p.m.

Nadia Bernard

C/F

Jan. 27

at Hart*

5 p.m.

Mikayla Friend

Jan. 30

Trinity

TBA

Maia Garrison

Jan. 31

at Golden Valley*

5 p.m.

Savannah Gatewood

Abigail Lin

Feb. 2

Castaic*

5 p.m.

Audrey Lynch

Genoveva Miron

Dec. 19-21 Dec. 27-30 Jan. 3

* Foothill League games

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Head coach Daisy Cardenas. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster Year

Position

Aubrey Molina

Tyler Molina

Serena Sandhu

C/F

Alissa Saradin

Aishwarya Sudan

Alanna Topete

2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

West Ranch Boys Looking to Add a Ring By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

The Wildcats have their eyes set on big things and may have another roster equipped for a long playoff run. It’ll all start in Foothill League play, where West Ranch hasn’t lost a game in nearly three years. They enter the season on a 24-game winning streak in league action. The Cats returned their three leading scores from last year and added a ton of depth to the already loaded roster. Reigning Foothill League Player of the Year Andrew Meadow led the Wildcats last year with 19.9 points and 7.2 rebounds a night. This year, Meadow will spend less time on the block, be able to move around more freely and won’t be stuck guarding the opposing biggest player the whole game. Three-time Hacienda League Player of the Year Jazz “Big” Gardner joins West Ranch for his senior season. The 7-footer will take Meadow’s responsibility in the paint, moving him to his natural position on the wing and give the Cats another huge advantage on the court. Gardner finished his junior season with a 19.2-12.9-2.8 average along with 3.5 blocks a game with the Los Altos Conquerors. “The community and school love Jazz,” said head coach Jeff Bryant. “He’s a big gentle giant. He does everything the right way. The team loves him and that’s why he’s going to college.” Bryant praised his center’s off-the-court presence of always talking to West Ranch teachers 32 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

and staff as well as being close to a 4.0 student. Gardner transferred in a package deal as his younger brother Jaiyon and father Jelani will have roles on the team and coaching staff. The Gardner brothers are a few of a bigger transfer class for West Ranch. It did take some time to acclimate to one another but the team believes it has something special. “We had to adjust to each other but we’re getting there,” said Meadow. “Each day we have a better practice and we’re building on it. Everyday keeps building us and we’re going to have a good season.” Junior James Evans is also poised for a big season. Evans has been a force in the Foothill League since his freshman year. The 6-foot, 6-inch forward is coming off a 16.6 and 6.3 season while leading the team in steals. Evans is excited for his teammates to share in the scoring and add another defensive presence. “Isaiah Fields is going to surprise people this year,” said Evans. “He’s a high-flyer and can shoot. He can really do it all. And Darrell Morris, one of our scrappy guards, he’s a lockdown defender.” Morris is an intense on-ball defender who will pick up ball handlers at 94 feet and give opposing guards little to no breathing room. At the shooting guard spot, the team returns another 16-point average scorer in senior Jaqari Miles. The senior believes his defense will be the biggest area of improvement from the 2021-22

league championship team. “I feel like our defense got a lot better,” said Miles. “[Our fullcourt press] will never change. We’ll always press.” The team will have sharp outside shooting from Zach Bauman and David Coniglio. For the first time in Bryant’s tenure, he’ll have a senior-heavy team. The team has exited the playoffs earlier than they expected in each of the last two seasons. Now with a ton of experience, Bryant believes his team can finally get over the hump in the postseason. “I think that’s our biggest strength right now, our senior experience,” said Bryant. “We’ve been here before. We’re very senior-heavy and those seniors are guys that have been in the playoffs. I’m hoping that’s going to be our strength and hopefully get us over the hump.” The team knows what’s at stake and the players are handling their academics as well as Byrant could hope for. The head coach believes he has at least five seniors who could go on to play college basketball and wants his players to strive on and off the court to be ready. “Our motto is, ‘Be a champion in the classroom,’” said Bryant. “Our new principal [Robert Fisher] definitely supports our basketball program but we understand that academics come first. It’s definitely a goal to finish the school year with a 3.5 GPA or above as a team.” The goals on the court remain the same. Win league, win CIF and win state.  NOVEMBER 4, 2022

West Ranch Girls Ready to Join Contention By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

t’s been 13 years since the Wildcats have come close to the top of the Foothill League but the team may finally be on the rise. Last year, West Ranch managed to sneak into the postseason and won its first playoff game in 12 years. The Wildcats will feature head coach Daisy Cardenas in her first year as a head coach. Cardenas is a former standout at Canyon and is the first local rival to pop up from the Jessica Haayer coaching tree. The former Canyon and Whittier College shooting guard has enjoyed her short time as a head coach. Cardenas has a ton of insight to offer her team on defensive pressure and shooting mechanics. The team didn’t get a summer season but still feel they’re jelling with some new players and their new head coach. West Ranch will feature a true big in Long Beach State-bound Nadia Bernard. The 6-foot, 3-inch center is the focal point of her team with point guard Alana Topete. The two have been playing together for a few years pre-dating high school and are ready for big years. “We definitely have a pretty nice point guard,” said Bernard. “We have a post, myself. I feel like that’s our advantage over a lot of other teams in this league. We also have a lot of girls that want to work hard and play defense.” Cardenas has been pushing NOVEMBER 4, 2022

defensive intensity into her new squad, a different style than some of the girls are used to at West Ranch. “We’ve definitely been working on improving our defense,” said Topete. “On offense, we’re moving the ball around more and getting everyone involved.” The Wildcats have plenty of options with scoring the ball but with Bernard’s presence in the paint, the bulk of the West Ranch points may come down low. Don’t count out outside shooting from the Cats as the team will have a handful of sharpshooters led by junior Aubrey Molina. The shooting guard will be a knockdown option and likely get plenty of good looks this year on kickouts from the inside attack. Molina believes the team chemistry has them ahead of schedule with a brand-new coach. “Our chemistry has really bonded us,” said Molina. “We’re doing well with our new coach, new adjustments, new style of play and new program.” Two new additions to the team will also likely have a big impact to the Cats’ offense. Sophomore Aishwayra Sudan will also be a threat to shoot inside and outside. Cardenas is hoping Sudan and Molina’s range will help spread the floor, clearing some breathing room for Bernard and vice versa. Freshman Maia Garrison may also be a name to keep an eye on. Garrison’s defense has quickly impressed Cardenas, which may lead the freshman into a big role on the gritty Wildcat defense. Lastly, returning senior Genovi-

va Miron will also be a big plus on defense. Miron will also likely tally up some solid points on offense but be another two-way force for West Ranch. The group is working hard but still is having a blast being back together in the gym. “It’s really fun, we’re a really funny group,” said Molina. “Lots of jokes going on. It’s a really positive environment and we’re all doing really well in it.” Cardenas has played for nearly half of her opposing coaches in the Foothill League. The first-year head coach is looking forward to putting together game plans against some of the coaches who shaped her basketball mind. “I’m really excited,” said Cardenas. “I think seeing everybody in the Foothill League is going to be kind of crazy for me, especially because I played for a few of the coaches.” Cardenas’ youth playing career included playing for Kevin Honaker, Haayer and Jerry Mike. Now she’ll aim to beat them at their own game. “One thing I’m hoping to see is more competitiveness,” said Cardenas. “You don’t understand when your time is done until it’s actually done. So, I think just having them understand that, be competitive and take everything into consideration that it might be their last game. To always give 100% I think that’s been something that I’ve preached to them a lot.” West Ranch has a mountain to climb but the team’s hard work and chemistry may make it a smooth ascent.  2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

TRINITY BOYS 2022 Schedule

The Coach

Nov. 14

at Frazier Mountain

4 p.m.

Nov. 17

Gorman Learning Charter

6 p.m.

Nov. 19

at Relands

6 p.m.

Nov. 22

at Hueneme

7 p.m.

Nov. 28

Beacon Hill

7 p.m.

Nov. 30

4 p.m.

Dec. 5

Redlands Adventist Academy at Palmdale Aerospace Academy* at Gorman Learning Charter

Dec. 6

St. Monica*

7 p.m.

Dec. 8

at Vasquez*

7 p.m.

Dec. 13

at Lancaster Baptist*

7 p.m.

Dec. 16

Grace Brethren

7 p.m.

Dec. 30

SCCS (at Masters)*

6 p.m.

Jan. 3

Faith Baptist*

7 p.m.

Jan. 5

at SCCS*

7 p.m.

Jan. 9

Valley Torah*

7 p.m.

Jan. 10

at Desert Christian*

7 p.m.

Jan. 11

at Valley Torah*

7 p.m.

Jan. 12

Lancaster Baptist*

7 p.m.

Dec. 1

Trinity Head Coach Daniel Hebert. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster #

Name

7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Year

Position

Bram Yoo

Gabe Chavez

Jan. 17

7 p.m.

Cai Margrave

Palmdale Aerospace Academy*

Lucas Spring

Jan. 24

Vasquez*

7 p.m.

Conrad Alderson

Jan. 25

at St. Monica*

7 p.m.

Noah Sandoval

Jan. 31

Desert Christian*

7 p.m.

Noah McWilliams

Cade Frazier

Feb. 2

at Faith Baptist*

12 p.m.

Patrick Cherry

* Heritage League games

Editor’s note: Jersey numbers unavailable as of press time.

34 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

GIRLS BASKETBALL

2022 Schedule

The Coach

Nov. 14

Kennedy

5:30 p.m.

Nov. 22

at Pilibos

4 p.m.

Nov. 28

at Burbank

7 p.m.

Nov. 30

at Shalhevet

5 p.m.

Dec. 5-9

Burroughs Tournament

TBA

Dec. 13

at Crossroads

TBA

Dec. 15

Simi Valley

TBA

Dec. 19

Agoura

7 p.m.

Burroughs Tournament

TBA

Jan. 3

Cleveland

TBA

Jan. 5

at Santa Clarita Christian

TBA

Jan. 12

Lancaster Baptist

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 17

The Pamdale Aerospace Academy

TBA

Jan. 21

at Oakwood

7 p.m.

Jan. 24

Vasquez

5:30 p.m.

Jan. 25

at St. Monica Acaademy

TBA

Jan. 30

West Ranch

5 p.m.

Jan. 31

Desert Cristian

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 26-30

Feb. 2

at Faith Baptist

Head Coach James De Monbrun

TBA

Editor’s note: Jersey numbers unavailable as of press time.

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

2022 Roster #

Name

Year

Position

Olivia Leathers

Malia Duarte

Ella Stepan

Emma Carver

Lily Caddow

Daisy Sachoff

Maria Cherry

Jianna Valestin

Emma Schaaf

Iris Weber

Olivia Parrinello

Gianna Duarte

2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

Trinity Boys Ready to Make Another Run By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

he Knights are looking to build off their strong (26-5, 12-0) 2021-22 season. The team graduated a ton of its talent but believes the pieces are still in place for another big run. Trinity is looking for its seventh straight trip to the postseason as a program. The seven-year run includes a trip to a CIF championship game just three years ago. Head coach Daniel Hebert will enter his third year with the team and will hope to add to the playoff appearance streak. Hebert’s leaders this year will be senior Bram Yoo and junior Lucas Spring. The head coach believes both of his star players are viewed around the league merely as shooters. He is excited for the two to show they can be three-level scorers and surprise some opponents across the Heritage League. “They’re great, great shooters,” said Hebert. “They can score from anywhere on the court. The last two years they just haven’t had to do that. They’ve just played the role as a shooter because we had such elite ball handlers that could just open things up for them. But now they’re going to be asked to do a lot more. And I know they’re excited for that opportunity.” Trinity has more than just strong guard play. Numerous members of the team have been playing together for years and believe their chemistry and hard work will be vital. “I think our chemistry, our grit, 36 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Bram Yoo. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

our determination, really help us play well on the court,” said Yoo. “We’re not always the biggest or the strongest team. But the effort that we put in day in and day out on and off the court, I think, more than makes up for it.” Since the team graduated so much leadership and size, Spring is excited to see his new team’s backcourt develop into something special. “We have a lot of skilled players this year,” said Spring. “We have a lot of quick guards so that’s something new. We’ve got some shooters too so I think we’re looking pretty solid.” In the mix of a team mostly led by upperclassmen, the Knights are excited for freshman Patrick Cherry’s potential impact on the team.

Yoo also believes Gabe Chavez and Cai Margrave could have big years for the Knights. The two are senior guards who were on varsity last season but, just like Yoo, will have bigger roles. Junior Conrad Alderson has been working with Spring throughout the summer. Alderson’s progression has impressed Spring over the last few months. Defensively, the team will adjust to not being as big and mix up defensive schemes. “We have some surprises this year defensively,” said Hebert. “So, I don’t want to say too much on that but we’re excited. We definitely have some surprises that we’re looking forward to utilizing since we’re not as big as we were.” On top of winning all they can, the Knights will have the usual pair of games with Santa Clarita Christian. Trinity’s Division 1 crosstown rival has had a chokehold on the Heritage League for years. The Knights’ last previous league title was seven years ago. Trinity has a solid chance of getting back on top in the Heritage League. The leadership and playmaking of Yoo and Spring will keep the Knights in most games. It’ll be up to Hebert and the rest of the team to push the team into the win column. Time will fill in the blanks for the Knights but the team is set on making a run for their eighth straight playoff berth. “I just want to see everyone showing up, everyone coming to practice and going as hard as they can,” said Spring. “We have a lot of new guys in other sports so if they can show commitment when the season comes, we’ll be great.”  NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Trinity Enters Season as League Champs By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer

rinity girls’ basketball has something on nearly every team in California. The team will enter the year as Heritage League champs before even stepping on the court. The Knights’ chokehold on the league has been on full display for a few years. The league has decided to forfeit the title to Trinity and play just one game against the Knights. This in no way means Trinity believes it’s coasting to another CIF or state title. Head coach James De Monbrun returns as the head coach, bringing his attention to detail and intense defense to another Trinity team. The head coach and several members of the team have a few years of CIF experience on their resumes. That experience will be crucial for the Knights come February. “There’s nothing like the playoffs,” said De Monbrun. “I think this team, more than anything, is looking forward to creating their own identity. We graduated two college basketball players. Our team this year will have a different personality. I think our girls are most excited about leaving their mark, however far in the postseason that is.” It all starts at the point guard position where Trinity will feature four-year varsity guard Lily Caddow. The senior point guard is one of the Knights’ veterans and has 16 games of playoff experience going into her senior season. Caddow also brings strong leadership, tight defense and sharpshooting to the group. NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Junior Emma Schaaf will return for her second year and look to push the Knights back into CIF glory. “We had a really good playoff run last year and I’m excited to push ourselves to get just as far or farther this year,” said Schaaf. Schaaf is a tall forward with a great outside shot. Schaaf ’s scoring all around will be huge in making up the points lost from graduating All-CIF guard Kelly Lotz. Trinity can also expect a bump in scoring from Olivia Leathers, Ella Stepan and Iris Weber. Senior Malia Duarte may also see a rise in her points average. Duarte is a strong defensive presence for the Knights and has shown big results when covering opposing teams’ top players. Weber is one of several Knights who have put in a ton of work in the offseason and Schaaf believes that work will lead to Weber surprising some people. “The offense we run is built to find the open man,” said De Monbrun. “All of our girls have to be prepared to score when the opportunity finds them.”

Trinity has plenty of players capable of high-level basketball. The rotations could change frequently as the head coach believes in all of his players. “Coaches never truly know how deep of a team they’re going to be,” said De Monbrun. “Everyone on our varsity team is capable of playing and contributing. How much they play is really up to them. It comes down to what they’re able to produce to help our team win. I’m confident in putting every single one of them on the court.” The Knights will be full-court pressing throughout every game trying to take any advantage they can. “Our team this year should have a balance of back and front-court production,” said De Monbrun. “We will hang our hat on the defensive end of the floor.” The early crowning of the Knights freed up tons of space on the schedule and the head coach jumped on the chance to play some stiff competition. “Being crowned league champions before the season is strange, See TRINITY, page 43

2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

SCCS BOYS

2022 Schedule

The Coach

Head Coach Thomas Lowerey. PHOTOS BY CHRIS TORRES / THE SIGNAL

2022 Roster #

Name

Nov. 14

Magnolia Science

4 p.m.

Nov. 17

at Nordhoff

TBA

Nov. 18

at Sage Hill

7:30 p.m.

Nov. 29

St. Monica*

7 p.m.

Dec. 1

at Vasquez*

TBA

Dec. 6

Desert Christian*

7 p.m.

Dec. 8

at Lancaster Baptist*

TBA

at Aerospace*

TBA

Dec. 13 Dec. 19-22 Dec. 26

Faith Baptist Tournament

TBA

at Valley Torah*

7 p.m.

Dec. 29

Valley Torah

7 p.m.

Dec. 30

Trinity*

7 p.m.

Jan. 3

Palmdale Academy*

7 p.m.

Year

Position

Rylan Starr

Jan. 5

Trinity

7 p.m.

Cy Mitchell

Jan. 10

at Faith Baptist

6:30 p.m.

Evan OK

Joe Flanary

Jan. 12

Aerospace

7 p.m.

Nolan Broyles

Jan. 17

Vasquez

7 p.m.

Landon Hermanson

Jan. 19

7 p.m.

Emmanuel Yarborough

Jan. 24

Will Allen

at Desert Christian Lancaster Baptist

Noah Phillips

Jan. 26

at St. Monica

TBD

Jan. 31

Faith Baptist

7 p.m.

Editor’s note: Jersey numbers unavailable as of press time.

38 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

7 p.m.

* Heritage League games

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

GIRLS BASKETBALL

2022 Schedule Nov. 24

Valley Torah*

TBD

Nov. 28

Milken Community

6 p.m.

Nov. 29

St. Monica*

3:30 p.m.

Dec. 1

at Vasquez*

TBD

Dec. 6

Desert Christian*

3:30 p.m.

Dec. 8

at Lancaster Baptist*

3:30 p.m.

Dec. 13

at Aerospace*

3:30 p.m.

Dec. 22

Legacy College Prep

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 29

at Coastal Union

TBD

Jan. 5

Trinity*

3:30 p.m.

Jan. 10

at Faith Baptist*

3:30 p.m.

Jan. 12

Aerospace*

3:30 p.m.

Jan. 17

Vasquez*

3:30 p.m.

Jan. 19

at Desert Christian*

3:30 p.m.

Jan. 24

Lancaster Baptist*

Jan. 26

at St. Monica*

Jan. 31

Faith Baptist*

The Coach

SCCS Girls Head Coach Larry Sulham.

Name

Year

Position

Sabrina Banke

Savannah Banke

G/F

3:30 p.m.

Alexiss Byrd

3:30 p.m.

Maya Denison

Evie Frields

G/F

Rebecca Frields

G/F

Emerson Funk

Maggie Michilin

Maddie Page

G/F

Rebekah Wilson

G/F

Reese Woodward

G/F

* Heritage League games

Editor’s note: Jersey numbers unavailable as of press time.

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

2022 Roster

2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

Girls’ Basketball Returns to SCCS By Tyler Wainfeld Signal Sports Writer

fter a one-year hiatus, girls’ basketball is back at Santa Clarita Christian. Head coach Larry Sulham is thrilled to be back in action and get the program in full swing. The head coach is a mentee of the late, great John Wooden, giving the start-up team a brilliant basketball coach. Sulham’s first practice with the team was Oct. 24 but the actuality of fielding a team was still up in the air. Only two girls were signed up to participate but to Sulham’s surprise, about a dozen girls showed up to join the team. “It’s been discouraging trying to find girls to play,” said Sulham. “I’ve been trying to do this since last November and even up until like this week we weren’t certain about having enough girls. So to see this number of girls actually show up is really encouraging. And they look to me like they want to play the game here.” Some of the girls are bringing in playing experience while others may enter the season as novices. However, all the girls are athletes with competitive spirits, in which Sulham sees endless potential. “I don’t have point guards, shooting guards. I have girls with different skills,” said Sulham. “We’ve got to be able to combine those and get the best that we can get out of it. And so I look a lot for just moving that ball down the court, getting spread out and then attacking and then hitting the open person.” 40 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Juniors Evie Frields and Sabrina Banke will be some of the team’s leaders on the court alongside SCCS’ only senior Reese Woodward. “I think that Sabrina is gonna be one of our best,” said Woodward. “I’ll probably just be out there for defense.” Banke and Frields have quite a few years of playing experience already. The pair’s chemistry will provide an example for the team learning how to win. The Cards are in the right mindset already of a team rebuilding its program. They possess the mentality of having fun no matter what while competing. “I think we’re probably going to be pretty good,” said Banke. “We just need to have a good mindset for it.” Sulham will welcome assistant coaches Amber Lockhart, Christina Patterson and Jennifer Canning to the bench as well. The former players have a ton of insight that their head coach believes will be valuable for the girls. The team has a handful of outside shooters but will likely find the bulk of its scoring within 10 feet of the hoop. The head coach will want his offense fast and moving the ball as much as possible as they look for the best shot. On the defensive side, Sulham sees a ton of upside in his young and athletic team. “What I like about them is there’s some aggressive girls that I think I can teach to play really hard defense,” said Sulham. “I like to play pressure defense. That’s what we played before.”

Expect plenty of full-court and halfcourt pressure as Sulham will mix up looks throughout the season. The leaders of the team will be tasked with leading and bringing together the mostly underclassmen team but they seem to be ahead of schedule. “In basketball you do become a really big family. Not just a team but a family,” said Banke. “So I think he’s just really pushing to get girls out and to encourage them.” One of the girls encouraged to join was freshman Rebecca Frields. The young guard has felt welcomed by the team and will likely be an impact player in her first year of high school. More than anything, Frields has her priorities straight. “It’s not about winning,” said Frields. “It’s about having fun and spending your high school years in a good environment.” Frields is one seven freshmen looking to make an impact for the Cardinals. Maggie Michilin is another freshman who believes in the team’s camaraderie and defense. “A lot of the girls are very competitive so they will do a lot to win,” said Michilin. “Our defense [will stand out] because we’re aggressive.” SCCS will reenter the Heritage League, long locked down by the school’s crosstown rival Trinity. The Cards may not be aiming for CIF championships, league titles and tournaments this season, but the program is well on its way to returning to the height of SCCS girls’ basketball.  NOVEMBER 4, 2022

New-Look SCCS Ready to Play By Justin Vigil-Zuniga Signal Sports Writer

anta Clarita Christian boys’ basketball may look a lot different this year but there will be no rebranding. Head coach Thomas Lowerey will still have his group of young men ready to compete and play up to the SCCS standards that the school has built over the last two decades. Longtime coach James Mosley left the position this spring for another local up and coming Christian school. The open coaching position also cleared the roster as several players transferred out of SCCS to play for various schools. The team still retained a core of talented players ready to compete. Lowerey brings plenty of years of experience to his young Cardinal team. The first-year Cardinal head coach has been an assistant in the SCCS program as well as an assistant for The Master’s University men’s basketball team. “They’re here for the school and to represent the school,” said Lowerey. “They love the [high] level. They want to get better and that’s really my goal. My goal is to help these young men grow up and in that same time, play basketball.” One of the Cardinals’ top returners is junior Ryland Starr. The guard is one of the team’s best sharpshooters with range and shouldn’t be left open anywhere in the halfcourt. Starr has remained loyal to the school but has also found a great admiration for his new head coach. “He’s one of the best men I know,” said Starr. “I think that’s really important and not only does he know basketball but he’s a great guy. NOVEMBER 4, 2022

He was in the Marines. He’s a hard worker.” Fellow returner Sy Mitchell has also established a great rapport with his new head coach. Lowerey knows his team can shoot the ball among the best of teams but wants his team to find a defensive groove, too. “Coach Lowerey always talks about how we’re going to identify ourselves,” said Mitchell. “He said he wants us to identify ourselves as a defensive team. We want to be identified as a defensive team. So, I think mainly we’re going to have to make sure we get there because we have the talent to score.” Mitchell is only a sophomore but will be asked a lot from the team. Lowerey recognized his young guard will be asked to play a new position while needing to provide more on the offensive side of the court. Mitchell, a great ball handler and shooter, has shown few setbacks on his way into the season. The Cards typically put together a gritty and seasoned team but will roster just one senior this year. Manny Yarborough will be the lone graduating Cardinal by the end of the year. Yarborough brings strong ball-handling skills as well as great inside and outside scoring. The senior has taken a back seat to other key players in previous years, but Lowerey has made it clear that Yarborough is in the driver’s seat now. The team won’t be as big as some of their star-studded teams of the past but the Cards have a few bigs rostered. Will Allen and Landon Hermanson present some size down low for SCCS. The two will be tasked with anchoring the middle of

the floor while the numerous quick and crafty guards fight through screens and guard the perimeter. It’s been an up and down summer for the team. The offensive output has shown little hiccups but the team wishes to see its defense improve before the season starts. For Lowerey, as long as his players are in the gym and classroom giving their all, he’ll be content. “If they are out there giving me their best, who am I not to appreciate that?” said Lowerey. “Now I can always push for more but I just want their best. Once I see their best, I’ll know how far I can push it. But until they give me their best, I’m still waiting.” The team will also work to improve its physicality. “I think that if we get in shape [we’ll be fine],” said Starr. “We can shoot the ball well, and I think Coach wants us to move the ball and play unselfish and I think that’s important.” SCCS will feature some younger players but Mitchell has already seen flashes of greatness. “A lot of the guys have great potential,” he said. “They just need to put in the work. Once they put in the work, I think they’ll have a fantastic year.” The Cardinals may also have a new sense of camaraderie. “I’m just excited for my friends,” said Starr. “The years before, I didn’t have very many friends on the team and it was just a lot of people from different places and it was just more basketball focused. I love basketball, obviously but I’m glad that we have people on the team that I want to hang out with outside of the team. We have good guys on the team.”  2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

CASTAIC

Continued from page 13 shooters from outside the arc. Another spark plug is junior Tashaun Barron. The junior guard adds excellent hands and intense on-ball defense to the team. “Our team takes pride in our defense,” said Barron. “Our coach pushes to give 110% on defense all the time and if it’s not there, he makes sure we get there.” The team technically got its first Foothill League win through a forfeit but will look for some wins on the court this year. Castaic has embraced the underdog role as the seventh member of the top-heavy Foothill League. “I like being the underdog,” said Butler. “Keep looking at the MaxPreps from last year and you’re

HART

Continued from page 21 Kelly also believes his team has better camaraderie than some of his other teams. The head coach knows this will be vital to his team’s success. “They’re like a pack of wolves and the chemistry is awesome,” said Kelly. “When you see that, that gives you a better chance on the floor because they’ll play hard for each other. The off-the-court activities are just as important.” Hart isn’t a small team by any means but with opposing teams getting larger and larger, Kelly recognizes the challenges his team will be ready to face. “We’ll shoot the ball well, and I think we’re going to be a good halfcourt defensive team,” said Kelly. “We’re not as big as some of the other teams. We’re not small but 42 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

going to be pleasantly surprised at the end of the game when you play us.” Butler still addressed the most important goal for his team: success in the classroom. “If we’re not going to be the best scorers or have the best record, let’s lead the league in GPA and graduate everybody,” said Butler. “That’s the greatest statistics you could have as a person trying to get to college. They want to make CIF playoffs and I want that for them. But more than anything else I want to make sure all my kids graduate and go to college.” The Coyotes understand the path ahead of them will be challenging and filled with adversity. The team remains confident and will consistently put in the work until the last whistle of the season. we’re not big. So, I think if we can switch up some things on defense and then rebound the ball, we should be able to score well. We just got to get stops and get rebounds.” A winning season would mean the most to Hart, which has hit speed bump after speed bump in the past few seasons. The group is athletic, can drive, shoot, handle the ball and pass. The absence of Okonowski will be felt early in the year but the team will adapt. The Indians’ ball movement and defense will be the biggest factors for success. The team isn’t overwhelmed by anyone in the Foothill League and is ready to compete for a league title. “Everybody’s beatable on every night,” said Kelly. “It’s going to make it fun. Everybody’s going to have to bring their best effort every game.” 

Butler’s CAB mentality will keep the team grinding toward the top of the Foothill League. He is confident their basketball IQ and play on the court will be able to keep them in games with any opponent. The team has had a strong summer and fall exhibition. They’ll look forward to seeing that pay dividends in the winter. “I think collectively we’re in a great position to compete with anybody,” said Butler. “They shoot well, run well and they work hard.” The team will feature seniors for the first time as Castaic will have its first graduating class in 2023. The Coyotes embark on year two with coach No. 2 in November. “We’re definitely going to put the team on the map,” said Barron. “This is just the beginning, page one.” 

Continued from page 17 teams can put it together as long as you have that love, that passion, that hard work and effort.” Hall has also been able to bring in junior Adonijah Currie, a fifth-place medalist in the 200-meter dash for Golden Valley’s track team in the spring, to bring more dynamism to the team. Add in a renewed work ethic, and Taufaasau can’t wait to see where things land for the Grizzlies. “The work ethic, I wasn’t here last year, but it’s a lot different from what I’ve heard,” Taufaasau said. “And I just think we’re gonna be a whole different team this year. I’m excited. It’s gonna be the worst surprise anyone’s ever seen.”  NOVEMBER 4, 2022

TRINITY

Continued from page 37 but it was the right decision for our team and our league,” said De Monbrun. “I’m grateful that we all are able to use those open slots to schedule games for our teams that will be mutually beneficial.” Some of those games may even be local. De Monbrun, a former Valencia Viking, knows all about the Foothill League and the level of competition entailed. “I love the Foothill League,” said De Monbrun. “I was part of it for a long time. I really do consider each coach in that league a friend. I have great relationships with them and they’ve been a great resource for us. This year we have a scrimmage set up with Valencia and a regular season game with West Ranch. I have a couple game openings, so I may have to make a few more phone calls.” The Knights are poised for another big season. They were turned away in the CIF Division 3A semifinals and sent home in the state Division 4 semifinals. Trinity lost to the eventual runner up in each tournament but is ready to push further this season. Trinity has since moved into Division 3AA and will again play tougher postseason opponents than the year before. Winning aside, the head coach hopes to see his team continuously improve and work hard all season. The wins and losses won’t matter as much as the growth of the players, but there’s sure to be plenty of winning at Trinity Classical Academy. “Our goal always is to get better every day,” said De Monbrun. “If our kids show up with a great attitude, and they give their best effort, we will do that.”  NOVEMBER 4, 2022

PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

VALENCIA

Continued from page 29 defensive rebounding.” The goals remain the same regardless of what teams lay in their way. The Vikings will be aiming for their first league title in three years. “Our goal as a unit is we want to win the Foothill League,” said Davis. “We also want to make a long run in CIF and hopefully we can play in state.” The depth will play a big role in a grueling marathon of a season if the team wishes to play from

HART GIRLS

Continued from page 20 the usual full-court press but with the Indians’ speed, they’re due to force some quick turnovers. Mike hasn’t laid out any goals or expectations for his team just yet, but one thing is definitely on the coach’s and most of the players’ minds. “I think we have a really well-rounded team,” said Arleigh. “I think we have a lot of speed, too. I think we all want it all this year. We just want to win league.” The team came up just a smidge short of a Foothill League title last

November into late February. Coach Bedgood has a team ready to win but still wants to see them keep moving the ball around as much they can. That ball movement was one of the biggest reasons for their success over the summer and will be vital in a tough Foothill League. “I think this team can be as successful as any other Valencia team of the past,” said Bill. “I fully expect us to compete for a league, CIF and state championship. Our expectations are higher than they’ve ever been at Valencia.”  year but lost out to Canyon. The Indians know the league runs through the Cowboys and will be ready on Jan. 6 for their home matchup with Canyon. Hart may finally have the pieces in play to win their first Foothill League championship in 16 years. The season is right around the corner and the Indians are ready to go. “I’m so excited,” said Zavala. “I talk about it in our group chat every day reminding them that the season is coming up. We’re going to get far this season. We’re going to win; first place.”  2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW |

44 | 2022 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Basketball Preview 2022

Articles inside

West Ranch

Santa Clarita Christian School

Hart

Saugus

Canyon

Castaic

Trinity Classical Academy