OLYMPIC LEAGUE

Brethren Christian. 15-13, 6-4 in 1996-97. Coach: Doug Grove (first year). Kevin Thomas, a 6-6 senior center who averaged eight points and nine rebounds, was a second-team all-league selection last season. Also back is Justin Miller, a 6-4 senior forward, and Matt Chandler, a 6-0 senior guard. Several others are seeking starting roles. “We’re young and inexperienced. We’re not a proven team,” Grove said.

Calvary Chapel. 27-6, 10-0 in 1996-97. Coach: Craig Falconer (fourth year, 84-28). Second-team all-county guard Joe Ortiz (18 points avg.), who has committed to play at Westmont College, headlines what should be another explosive season for the Eagles, who advanced to Southern Section and Southern California regional finals last season. “We have three strong players returning,” Falconer said. Other starters back are 6-2 senior forward Garid Beeler (10 points avg.), a second-team all-league choice, and 6-5 junior forward Brett Young (eight points avg.). Guard Pat Dinnie, a 6-1 senior, will most likely join Ortiz in the backcourt. Tim Baker, a 6-2 senior forward and transfer from Capistrano Valley Christian, Torin Beeler, a 6-3 freshman center, and Jake Fabozzi, a 5-10 senior guard, are expected to play.

Ontario Christian. 8-16, 0-10 in 1996-97. Coach: Dave Smith (second year, 8-16). Smith doesn’t see his team being the cellar-dweller it was a year ago and will use a three-guard, up-tempo offense led by Bryan Vandervee, a 6-2 senior guard. There are several transfers, including Chino Ayala guard Rommel Agee, a 5-9 junior. Ryan Fuqua, a 5-9 sophomore, is expected to start. “I don’t think anyone will run the table like Calvary Chapel has in past years,” Smith said. “The league is very balanced.”

Orange Lutheran. 7-14, 3-7 in 1996-97. Coach: Shawn Cassidy (third year, 19-27). With four starters back, Cassidy predicts the league race is a toss-up. “Whoever wins the league may have as many as two losses,” he said. Forward Matt Erickson (6-4), guard Jeff Kerns (5-10) and forward Eric Lerch (6-2), are returning seniors. First-team all-league selection Jason Whieldon, a sophomore who averaged 13 points last season, is also back, along with 6-5 sophomore swingman Patrick Salyer, 6-5 junior forward Chad Kasha and 5-6 senior guard Kip Fox. Others vying for a spot are 6-2 sophomore guard Dustin Smith, juniors Brent Didion, a 5-11 guard, Matt Mueller, a 6-3 forward, Jeff Renevier, a 5-10 guard and Brian Willey, a 5-10 guard and senior Ty Clendenen, a 5-11 guard.

Cerritos Valley Christian. 10-15, 5-5 in 1996-97. Coach: Kris Korver (second year, 10-15). Three starters return, including all-league junior forward Erick Streelman and 6-7 senior forward Brandon Fopma. Three others stand 6 feet 5 or taller. “Calvary Chapel is the team to beat,” Korver, who calls his team a sleeper, said.

Whittier Christian. 12-14, 6-4 in 1996-97. Co-Coaches: Robert Avilas (third year) and Bob Brown (10th year, 135-103). John Stoa, a 6-4 all-league junior forward, led the league in scoring last season, averaging 20 points. He has drawn rave reviews from the league’s coaches. “John is getting better and more determined each year to improve his game. With two years left in high school he has a chance to break the school’s career scoring record held by Erik Martin.” Center Josh Stofle, a 6-5 senior, also returns. So does Paul Oronoz, a 6-2 guard who was a part-time starter last season. Juniors Matt Martinez, a 5-11 guard, and Josh Streeter, a 6-4 forward/center, are back. Sophomores Joshua Martinez, a 6-0 guard, and Steven Zieman, a 6-4 forward, are up off a frosh/soph team that went 21-1.