SGV/Whittier Prep Sports Zone Basketball Preview: La Mirada, Flintridge Prep

La Mirada is poised for another big year; Robert Cartwright takes over at Flintridge Prep

Julien Gomez is one the top area players returning for La Mirada in 2022-23. (Escarcega)

La Mirada HS

Coach: Randy Oronoz

2021-22 Record: 19-15

Assistant coach: David Martinez

Projected Guards Returning

Sean Cervantes 2023 5’9 145lbs, 2nd team all CIF, first team all-league

Athan Sierra 2023 6’2 160lbs, First team all-league 

Isaiah Valenzuela 6’2 170lbs

Julien Gomez 2025 6’3 175 lbs, First team all Cif, MVP of suburban league.

Morgan Smith 2025 6’3 160 lbs

Chris Perez 2025 5’9 145 lbs

Rene Arce 2023 6’1 150 lbs

Tristan Partida 2026 5’6 135 lbs

Drew Wilkins 2023 5’9 140lbs

Projected Forwards Returning

Anegi Castillo 2023 6’3 185lbs

Michael Torres 2024 6’4 170lbs

Chris Cuevas 2024 6’4 185lbs

Max Martinez 2023 6’2 180lbs

Comments from Coach Oronoz: We return a lot of fire power from last year’s team. With 8 returners we have a lot of experience in big games. The team ended on a 11-2 run, and we look to build from last year’s success. Our weakness is our size, losing some height from last year’s team has caused us to defend a little different but definitely like the pieces we have. Moving into the new Gateway league will be a fun challenge to face this year. Julien Gomez class of 2025 has had an amazing fall for us averaging 25 pts 12 rebounds a game vs elite competition. His growth from 17 pts a game last year has been a huge reason in why we have had a successful preseason. Sean Cervantes class of 2023 is what I’ve been saying as the best true point guard in the state. His evolution of his game as a leader and a shot maker has made the duo with him and Gomez such a tough 1 2 punch. Sean has recently received offers to play at the next level at Whittier college as well as Pacific college (OR). I look forward to his recruitment picking up more as the year goes on.

2022-23 Basketball Schedule: 2022-23 La Mirada Boys basketball schedule

Crystal Ball: You can circle this team as one of the early squads that could be at the top of the area basketball rankings when they are released next week. This team is very good and coming off a huge year in which they advanced to the finals before losing to San Juan Hills. Julien Gomez is the most fun player to watch in the area. He is a throwback to the past in which he can shoot, pass, defend and plays with relentless effort on both sides of the court. Sean Cervantes played a huge role for this team in the playoffs last year and those inside the program are extraordinarily pleased with his development in the offseason. Athen Sierra is another all-league player that returns to the lineup and the forwards that are projected to play give the Matadores much needed presence in the low post. La Mirada is in the new Gateway League, but we feel that they will be just fine and should be one of the major contenders for a league title. This is a very good team that will only get better as the season moves along.

(Photo: Flintridge Prep HS Athletics)

Flintridge Prep HS

Coach: Robert Cartwright

Assistant Coach: Rudy Bojorquez

Projected Guards Returning

Will Bigby: 11, PG

Caleb Bowne: 12, SG

Theo Kuo: 12, SG

Projected Forwards Returning

Geoffrey Stetson: 12, PF

Jack Jones: 12, PF

Andrew Jordan: 12, SF

Projected Centers Returning

Henry Morrison, 11

Chris Fung, 12

Top Newcomers

Marvin Furuta, 12, PG

Steven Ng, 11, SG

Comments from Coach Cartwright: We have a very experienced and deep team. We play extremely hard and will be a really tough defensive group. The Prep League should have multiple good/quality teams, but we believe that we will be able to compete with any of the teams we will play. We are extremely excited about the season ahead.

2022-23 Basketball Schedule: 2022-23 Flintridge Prep Boys Basketball Schedule

Crystal Ball: The Robert Cartwright era begins at Flintridge Prep with a squad that is very interesting. It is senior heavy and also heavy in varsity level play. Guard play will be the one thing that area insiders will be watching closely. Providence and Pasadena Poly figure to battle for the Prep League title, but don’t dismiss this team from entering the fray.