3 Sheldon Sacramento 29-5 3
The Huskies return a senior laden team that is experienced
and battle tested with Dakarai Allen, D'Erryl Williams II, Ryan Manning, Armani
Hampton, Jalen Hicks, and Chris Haney. Add on Franklin transfer Darin Johnson
in the new year when his transfer eligibility requirements are met and the
Huskies have one of the deeper rotations in Northern California. Allen,
Williams II, and Johnson are already Division I signees while the other seniors
are getting serious collegiate looks. However, the team lacks a true post
presence as small forward Ryan Manning handles most of the post duties. Despite
that, Sheldon presents matchup problems for opposing teams and are the
favorites for a section title and Open Division invite. They will travel plenty
early in the season for major tournaments including the inaugural Tarkanian Las
Vegas Invite, the ESPN Torrey Pines Classic in San Diego, and the All State
Sugarbowl in New Orleans. In addition, the Huskies have non-league games
against Archbishop Mitty, Bullard (Fresno), Deer Valley, and Salesian.
7 Newark
Memorial Newark 28-5 4
The Cougars return junior starters Joey Frenchwood and
Damien Banford to lead the team. The other probable starters include last
year's key reserve Sultan Siddiq, 6-foot-8 Matt Thomas, and senior transfer
Josef Zamora from Serra. The bench will depend on senior guard Dwight Wilson
and 6-foot-5 Chandler Rockwell inside. Newark Memorial will have tremendous
quickness at the guard positions with Frenchwood and Zamora, who are both great
on ball defenders that will put pressure on opposing ball handers. The Newark
size in the front court will create size advantages as well. Newark could hit
the 30 win mark but has winter tournaments in Gridley and the ESPN Torrey Pines
Classic in San Diego. The Gridley Invitational Basketball Tournament may result
in a matchup with Salesian. Big non-league games include Dublin in December and
Inglewood will make a trip up north to play Newark in December.
16 Castro Valley Castro Valley 22-8 17
Castro Valley welcomes in new coach Senque Carey, a former
Fresno State assistant coach. The early returns have been positive, which
should keep the Trojans among the better teams in the Bay Area. Last year's
team was supposed to be in a midst of rebuilding but leaned heavily on current
juniors Jalen McFerren and Derrick Clayton. McFerren is a crafty point guard
while Clayton is a versatile wing. Nate Moore is another point guard to add
depth while Andrew Garcia will be called upon in the post. The team strength
will be its tenacious defense while depth may still be a question for the
Trojans.
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