Local basketball teams, including eighth-ranked La Jolla Country Day, Bishop’s, and La Jolla, are already finding their “identity” as the young season moves through the holiday tournament season. Below is an outlook for the local teams, plus a few of their upcoming opponents. LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY
Last year: 22-11 overall, 8-4 Coastal Conference (second to Foothills Christian).
Something new: Freshman twins James and John Hapgood, 6 feet tall.
Team motto or word: “Attack everything: on offense, defense, even water break and putting on your shoes.”
Coach’s insight incorporated into his program: Coach Ryan Meier: “Relationships. This year, more than any other year, we’re stressing relationships as a team. We think that will do more than anything else to make us successful.”
Key players: Three senior captains: Ryan Langborg, 6 feet 4 inches tall guard; Jayson Taylor, 6 feet 10 inches tall center; Ray Lu, 5 feet 9 inches tall guard. Plus Sam Coleman, a 6 feet 3 inches tall junior forward. BISHOP’S
Last year: 17-11 overall, 5-7 Coastal Conference.
Something new: A new attack.
Team motto or word: “Focus on each of our roles. Control what kind of teammate we are.”
Coach’s insight incorporated into his program: Coach Nick Levine: “I’ve learned that you develop a relationship with each player, motivate each one to develop them as people and to make it a great experience for them overall.”
Key players: Christian Rose, 6 feet 6 inches tall senior. Zach White, point guard. Anthony Wood, 5 feet 10 inches tall junior guard. LA JOLLA
Last year: 12-15 overall, 5-7 Western League.
Something new: Jett Wilson, a 5 feet 10 inches tall senior guard from Mira Mesa. He brings “intensity,” in Coach Paul Baranowski’s words.
Coach’s philosophy: Team play within the offense and defense.
This season’s approach: Forward Evan Brown and guards Gabe and Diego Solis are recovering from broken collarbones sustained in football. Be patient. Take what the season gives you.
Key players: Nick Hulquist, 6 feet 4 inches tall senior guard. Behzad Hashemi, 5 feet 11 inches tall senior guard. CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC
Last year: 13-14 overall, 7-5 Western League. Lost in the Division 1 quarterfinals.
Something new: “Not really – one senior, like last year: A.J. Maisano, 6 feet tall guard.”
Team motto or word: Coach Will Cunningham: “Just be hungry. That’s going to be reflected in our play and in our style.”
Coach’s insight incorporated into his program: “Treat people the way you want to be treated. You’re a quote-unquote varsity player. People make you out to be more than you are. Be humble. Treat people with respect.” SANTA FE CHRISTIAN
Last year: CIF Division 1 champs. 20-12 overall, 7-5 Coastal Conference (third behind Foothills Christian and La Jolla Country Day).
Something new: 6 feet 2 inches tall senior guard Chase Pagon, a transfer from Virginia.
Team motto or word: “Level 6.” Six levels of core values that build on each level: attitude, commitment, work ethic, accountability, trust, love. Based on a Christian worldview.
Coach’s insight incorporated into his program: “We’re going to go to Uganda this coming summer and build two basketball courts. Mission trips taught me to how to use my passion to honor the Lord.”
Key players: Sophomore Trevan Martin, sixth man last year, and 6 feet 5 inches tall senior Griffin Morris. MISSION BAY
Last year: Open Division champions; lost in the state playoffs. Western League champs. 27-6 overall, 11-1 Western League.
Something new: “Nothing,” says Coach Marshawn Cherry. “We have everyone back, including all five starters.”
Team motto or word: “Family. We’re a family. We do everything as a family.”
Coach’s insight incorporated into his program: “Be a student athlete, not an athletic student. A student athlete takes care of their grades. An athletic student plays sports and lets the grades fall where they will.”
Key players: Four four-year starting seniors: Rejean (Boogie) Ellis, 6 feet 2 inches tall guard, CIF Player of the Year. Jamaryee Norton, 6 feet 2 inches tall. Ronnie Latting, 6 feet 7 inches tall. Andrea Scott, 6 feet 1 inch tall.