Harvard Makes Race Secondary

Who could dispute that the Mission League has been reduced this season to a race for second place?

Undoubtedly, the league’s--arguably the region’s--best basketball team is Harvard-Westlake High.

With 6-foot-11 juniors Jason and Jarron Collins leading the way, the Wolverines (29-3 last season) are expected to repeat as league champions, capable of repeating as Southern Section Division III-A champions and hoping to improve on last season’s semifinal loss in the State tournament.

Moreover, Harvard is off to an 11-2 start this season. And the Wolverines’ losses came against perennially strong teams in national tournaments in Florida and Delaware.

So, who’s No. 2?

Harvard’s opponents reject that question. No one is willing to settle for second.

“Our goal is to win the league,” said Alemany Coach Rob Webb, whose team is tagged for second in the opinion of most league coaches. “That’s our immediate goal. Our guys are hungry.”

Alemany lost to Harvard last season by margins of 15 and 11 points. But the Indians trailed by only seven points late in one contest. And their goal is to get even closer this season.

“As much as we have to match up with their size, they have to match up with our speed and quickness,” Webb said. “It will be a tough matchup for them, as well.”

The feeling is mutual at Notre Dame, which finished second last season, twice falling to Harvard.

“They’re a clear-cut favorite,” Notre Dame Coach Chris Perez said.

“They’re playing a level above everyone. But you can’t overlook anybody in this league.”

The Wolverines learned that last season when Crespi handed Harvard its lone league setback, 59-58.

How did Crespi do it?

“I don’t want to give away all my secrets,” Crespi Coach Pat Yerina said.

For Yerina, as well as for other coaches, the upset was encouraging.

“One thing we have on our side is that we beat them,” Yerina said. “This year, they’ll remember that. We’re going to be pumped up every time we play them. We think we can win every game.”

Chaminade held a fourth-quarter lead at Harvard last season only to lose by seven points.

“It was a frustrating feeling,” Chaminade Coach Jeff Young said. “But my philosophy is, they’ve been beaten by Crespi, and Crespi finished sixth.”

Harvard Coach Greg Hilliard concedes the Wolverines will be targeted, but he knows his team is the favorite.

“Everybody will be ready to play us,” Hilliard said. “But we will be ready, too.”

Around the League

ALEMANY

1994-95: 10-16, 4-8

The Indians are a consensus favorite to finish second, thanks to a speedy lineup. Senior swingman Adrian Pantoja (6-3), who averaged 19 points last season, is among the area’s best all-around players. Senior point guard Mario Thompson (5-9), an adroit ballhandler, averaged 11.2 points. Junior guard Jesus Castillon (6-4), who averaged 13.2 points last season, and senior forward Bobby Cromwell (6-4) are off to impressive starts. Senior guard Kris Kuhn (6-0) and sophomore guard Justin Savitt (5-11) are good shooters.

CHAMINADE

1994-95: 13-10, 5-7

The Eagles should improve if senior guard Torey Ellis (6-0) stays healthy. Ellis was plagued by a knee injury last season but still averaged 9.2 points. Senior forward Ash Safaei (6-3), who averaged 6.8 rebounds last season, is solid inside. Sophomore forward Scott Long (6-5) and sophomore guard Justin Stewart (6-2), who started last season, are developing rapidly. Senior guard Mark Delfin (5-8) moved into a starting role this season, and junior guard Brett Brownson (6-4) moved up from the junior varsity.

CRESPI

1994-95: 13-14, 4-8

The Celts are green. Senior guards Conor O’Neal (6 feet), a returning starter, and Brian Casella (5-10) are the only players with considerable varsity experience. Junior forwards Dennis Fox (6-4) and Ron Quarterman (6-3), who joined the varsity last season, already have become leaders. Junior center Ryan Hill (6-5), up from the junior varsity, is averaging seven rebounds per game. Senior guard Brett Kearns (6 feet) also is up from the junior varsity. Freshman point guard Kevin Howard (6-1) comes off the bench.

HARVARD-WESTLAKE

1994-95: 29-3, 11-1

Twins Jason and Jarron Collins, both 6-11 and among the top juniors in the nation, are enough to make the Wolverines favorites to repeat as league, if not Southern Section, champions. But an unsung supporting cast is formidable. Senior forward Alex Gelbard (6-4) and junior guard Ryan Smiley (6-4) have varsity experience. Junior guards Leo Da Costa (6-1) and Rico Cabrera (6-4) also are returning lettermen.

NOTRE DAME

1994-95: 21-7, 10-2

Senior forward Tim Anderson (6-6), a returning starter and the Knights’ inside force, will be relied upon heavily on a team that lacks size. Senior guard Ryan Bowne (6-1), the school’s quarterback, will play an increased role after averaging 9.6 points last season. Senior guard Brett Henry (6 feet) averaged 18 points a game and was most valuable player of the junior varsity. Henry scored 37 points last month against Palmdale. Junior point guard Joe Sison (5-8) and junior guard-forward Chris Forde (6-1) started on last season’s junior varsity. Sophomore forward John Murray, a 6-3 transfer from Pacific Hills, will play extensively.

ST. FRANCIS

1994-95: 10-12, 2-10

The Golden Knights could be in for a long season. Only senior forward James Alvarez (6 feet) has much varsity experience. No player is taller than 6-2. Senior guard Mike Silva (6 feet), a varsity reserve last season, moves into a starting role. Junior swingman Anthony Johnson (6-1) has been an early surprise, averaging 17 points. Junior guards Anton Cunningham (6 feet) and Joey Arreola (5-5), who will play point guard, are good shooters.