SGV/WHITTIER PREP SPORTS ZONE: BOYS BASKETALL TEAM PREVIEWS: Schurr, Glendora
Schurr appears to be the favorite to win the Almont; Glendora should be a main contender to win the Palomares.
Noah Loera - Schurr High School (X)
Schurr HS
Coach: Jason Chacon
Asst. Coaches: Edgar Loera, Gino Torres
2023-24 Schedule
PROJECTED GUARDS RETURNING
NOAH LOERA 12 6'2 185 G
JOSE PADILLA JR 10 5'8 135 G
GAEL VELASCO 12 5'5 130 G
FABIAN ESCAMILLA - SANCHEZ 12 6'0 160 G
PROJECTED FORWARDS RETURNING
KEVIN MONTES DE OCA 12 6'0 215 F
DANIEL JIMENEZ 12 5'10 225 F
PROJECTED CENTERS RETURNING
JOAQUIN MORALES 12 6'1 230 C
IKER RAMIREZ 12 6'0 245 C
TOP NEWCOMERS
ANDREW ORDUNEZ 12 5'9 140 G
SETH WHITE 10 6'4 245 C
DAVID OLMOS 11 5'8 145 G
Coach Chacon’s Comments: STRENGTHS - Size and depth should be positve factors for us this season. WEAKNESSES- A lot of new faces playing at this level and figuring out how to fit in to the culutre and be productive. LEAGUE- This years league looks to be compeitive as Keppel and San Gabriel return key players and young talent with previous varsity experience. Alhambra and Montebello lost a lot of seniors but will have their teams ready to compete.
CRYSTAL BALL: It was all about the green and gold last year as the Spartans easily crushed to an Almont League title. And they did it thanks to the contributions of Andrew Mata - one of the better guards/forwards in the Whittier area. Well, Mata is gone to graduation, but the Spartans appear poised to be the favorites to win the Almont League - again! Velasco, Loera and Escamilla-Sanchez are senior guards that figure to see a lot of time on the court. Size will be an issue as Morales is the tallest guy at 6-1. The nonleague schedule is perfect for this team to gel nicely once league season begins. It appears as if Keppel and San Gabriel are the favorites to knock off the Spartans from the top of the league standings, but make no mistake - these guys are still the favorites.
Glendora’s Colton Gray. (Photo: Carlos Montalbo)
Glendora HS
Coach: Gordon Hamlow
Asst. Coaches; Derek McGee, David Newark, Cliff Hamlow
2023-24 Schedule
RETURNING STARTER (Name/Pos./Ht./Yr./key stats/honors)
Colton Gray F 6’5 10 2nd All CIF, 1st All-League (15 PPG & 9.4 RPG)
Chris Lee G 6’2 11 1st All-League (10 PPG & 3.6 RPG)
Ian Wang G 5’10 11 Honorable Mention All-League (5 PPG)
Benji Holt G 6’1 11 Honorable Mention All-League (5 PPG & 2 APG)
OTHER RETURNING PLAYER
Elijah Regan G 6’0 12 2nd All-League (7 PPG & 2.5 RPG)
Max Hilgenfeldt G 6’0 10 Honorable Mention All-League (5 PPG)
Sebastian Demano G 5’9 10 (3.5 PPG)
Logan Green F 6’3 12 Injured in Dec. (2 PPG & 2 RPG)
Will Walker F 6’5 12 (2 PPG & 2.5 RPG)
TOP NEWCOMERS
Garrett Dykstra F 6’4 12 Injured in Sept. 2022-2023
Coach Hamlow’s Comments: “Strengths: Great shot selection; strong low post presence and tough defensive play will be the staple of this team. The Tartans believe they will be a strong contender in the Palomares League.
Weakness: A veteran group, the Tartans return 9 players with significant experience. We will have to make sure that our success as a Junior class doesn't allow us to become complacent as Seniors.
Goals: This season Glendora is prepared to apply a sound team concept. The Tartans will play aggressive defense including a solid full court press. The goal offensively is a balanced attack, featuring a combination of good outside shooting, dribble penetration, and low post scoring. Coupling this with a healthy transition game, Glendora expects to provide its fans with an exciting season.”
CRYSTAL BALL: It should be another fun year for those connected with Glendora basketball. Colton Gray is one the best big man you will see in the area and turned in a magnificent performance last year that earned him All-CIF honors. The law firm of Lee, Wong and Holt gives the Tartans great depth in the backcourt. Regan will only get better coming off a all-league effort in 2023. And don’t sleep on Dykstra - at 6-4, he’ll have a chip on his shoulder when he is on the court. This team appears to be the main contender to Colony for a Palomares League title and worth the price of admission to watch in person. FOLLOW!