Hopes run high for local hoops teams

Edison, Ocean View have strong squads.Competition in the 2004-05 season got underway this week for the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at Edison and Ocean View.

Edison’s boys won the Sunset League championship a year ago, and coach Rich Boyce has plenty of returning talent to stake another claim. The girls’ team has plenty of balance and will be in the thick of the title chase.

At Ocean View, both teams are considered among the top two favorites to win the Golden West League title.

A capsule look at the four local teams:

GIRLS

Edison Chargers

League: Sunset

Head coach: Corey Kelly (fifth year)

2004-05 record: 19-9 overall; 6-4 league

2005 CIF playoff results: Advanced to quarterfinal round

Key returners: Wahine Kepilino, 5-8, guard, 11 ppg, second-team all-league, Jr.

Key losses: Rebecca Kepilino, league MVP, all-county, All-CIF

Key Newcomers: Kelly Peterson, 5-8, guard, Fr.; Mary Madden, 5-9, forward, Fr.

Team overview: “This year’s team is balanced with solid players and solid athletes,” Kelly said. “Hard work and toughness will help with the lack of size. The goal is to compete for a league championship in the tough Sunset League and advance to the playoffs.”

Next game: Now playing at Century Tournament

Ocean View Seahawks

League: Golden West

Head coach: Jim Harris (third year)

2004-05 record: 15-13 overall; 8-4 league (second)

2005 CIF playoff results: Lost to Morningside in second round.

Key Returners: D.J. Butler, 6-2, center, first-team all-league, Jr.; Erica Congelliere, 5-9, forward, second-team all-league, Soph.; Kelsey Harris, 5-9, guard, second-team all-league, Soph.; Kaitlin Potter, 6-0, forward, second-team all-league, Sr.; Josnique Thomas, 5-8, guard/forward, honorable mention all-league, Sr.; Clarissa Holz, 5-9, forward/guard, honorable mention all-league, Soph.

Key losses: Vanessa Alderfer, first-team all-league

Key Newcomers: Amy Williams, 5-7, guard, Soph.; Cristina Kuehn, 5-10, forward/center, Soph.; Ashley Dunn, 5-7, guard/forward, Jr.; Ashley Boucher, 5-4, guard, Jr.; LeAnne Pancoast, 5-6, forward, Jr.

Team overview: “We have good overall height and are still young but have experience,” Jim Harris said. “We have a dominant post player in D.J. Butler. Depth is a strength. We will be able to do much more than last year defensively and be a much-improved offensive team.”

Season opener: vs. Montclair Prep at Duarte Tournament Monday

BOYS

Edison Chargers

League: Sunset

Head coach: Rich Boyce (sixth year)

Coaching staff: Brendan Patch, Dave White, Ken Ammann, Carlos Beltran, Paul and Jeff Harrell

2004-05 record: 21-5 overall; 8-2 league (champion)

2005 CIF playoff results: Advanced to second round

Key returners: T.J. Lipold, league MVP; Thomas Marcin, all-league; Tim Golden; Derek Moriyama; Phil Darin; Denny Reed; Mike Doran.

Key losses: Jeff Golden, Joe Ziemann, Kevin Reed

Key newcomers: Corey and Eric Ferraro

Team overview: “This should be my best team in my six years at Edison,” Boyce said.

Next game: Monday at La Quinta Tournament

Ocean View Seahawks

League: Golden West

Co-head coaches: Jim Harris (28th year); Jimmy Harris (third year)

2004-05 record: 18-11 overall; 9-3 league (third)

2005 CIF playoff results: lost to Artesia in quarterfinals

Key Returners: Brad Sweezy, 6-7, forward, second-team all-league, Sr.; Wynton Johnson, 6-5, forward, honorable mention all-league, Sr.; Diego Delgado, 5-11, guard, honorable mention all-league, Sr.; Brandon Ishimoto, 5-9, guard, second-team all-league, Soph.; Casey Ngo, 6-2, guard, Sr.; Broxton Dawson, 6-5, center/forward, Sr.; Chris Horiuchi, 6-1, guard, Jr.

Key losses: John Greiner, second-team all-league

Key Newcomers: Takeshi Clifford, 6-5, guard/forward, Soph.; DiJon Horne, 6-2, guard, Jr.; J.B. Brown, 6-1, guard, Jr.; Belal Lababidi, 6-5, center/forward, Jr.; Andrew Joseph, 6-1, forward, Sr.; Chris Hickerson, 6-2, forward, Sr.; Mike Blythe, 6-8, center, Jr.

Team overview: “We are built for speed,” co-head coach Jim Harris said. “We will play at a high tempo both offensively and defensively. Quick guards and big men that can run the court. As we learn to play at this tempo, we will improve greatly. Developing quality depth will be crucial. Making rebounding the No. 1 priority will be essential.”

Next game: today, at Gahr Tournament20051201i9to7kkfMARK C. DUSTIN / INDEPENDENT(LA)Edison High’s T.J. Lipold, right, fights Laguna Beach’s Ivan Kovacevic for a rebound during a game Tuesday in Laguna Beach. 20051201i93y2ekfMARK C. DUSTIN / INDEPENDENT(LA)Edison’s Thomas Marcin puts up a shot against Laguna Beach’s Ivan Kovacevic in the third quarter of a game at Laguna Beach High School.