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Pasadena Coach Tony Brooks is expecting a big year from the Bulldogs.

By Tim Peterson

Pacific League Basketball Preview

Projected order of finish:

1. Pasadena – Blair transfer Timmy Anderson provides a spark.
2. Arcadia – Owen Eteuati Edwards is set to have a big year.
3. Crescenta Valley – DoVall Boykins takes over as head coach.
4. Glendale – Nitros looking to knock off one of the big three.
5. Burbank – Coach Steve Eshelman is high on Jonathan Ong.
6. Hoover – Tornados need a couple more wins to make the playoffs.
7. Muir – New head coach Wendell Jackson looking to turn it around.
8. Burroughs – Bears looking to bounce back from tough year.

Pasadena – Head Coach: Tony Brooks

Last Year: 8-1 – 2nd in Pacific, 19-8 overall

Pasadena finished second in the Pacific last season, just one game behind Crescenta Valley. Senior Josh Irving, a 6’11” senior center returns with another year of experience under his belt. Irving, a Texas A&M commit, will be a force defensively as well as offensively. He will make life miserable for opponents trying to take the ball to the rim. Point guard Timmy Anderson, a transfer from Blair, will play a big part in getting Irving the ball and can score himself. Anderson averaged over 31 points per game last season. When he’s not hitting jump shots he may be throwing lobs to Irving.

“I may throw about a hundred”, Anderson said when asked how many he lobs he will toss up.

Troy Wilson, a senior, will also be a key part of Pasadena’s success as a returning starter. Pasadena has an experienced team with seven seniors on the roster.

The Bulldogs have a tough non-league schedule that begins in Peoria, Illinois on November 26. They open league play at Arcadia on December 10.

“This is one of the toughest schedules we have had in a long time,” said Pasadena Coach Tony Brooks.

Guard Timmy Anderson, a transfer from Blair, will give Pasadena a spark.

Arcadia – Head Coach: Nick Wallace

Last Year: 6-2 – 3rd in Pacific, 17-12 overall

Arcadia, after finishing in third place last year in the Pacific, returns five starters from last season. 6′ 8″ sophomore Owen Eteuati Edwards is returning as well as his brother Noa Eteuati Edwards – a 6’3″ guard. Nick Wallace Jr., head coach Nick Wallace’s son will also start at a guard position. Owen also plays baseball and pitched for the Dodgers scout team.

“I like baseball but basketball is my favorite sport. I call myself a basketball player that plays baseball.” he said.

The Apaches are expected to have a big year and compete at a high level and will have a shot at the league title. Wallace is happy with the progression of the team and the work they have put in during the summer.

Arcadia opens the season Wednesday November 19 at Bishop Amat.

Crescenta Valley – Head Coach: Dovall Boykins

Last Year: 8-0, 1st in Pacific, 18-9 overall

Arcadia Coach Nick Wallace will have the Apaches ready.

Coach Shawn Zargarian stepped down after last season and handed the reins to longtime assistant DoVall Boykins. It’s a smooth transition for the Falcons as Boykins has been a part of the Crescenta Valley staff for the past 18 years.

“I’m honored and grateful to continue coaching at Crescenta Valley High School. The experience I’ve gained in the program coaching alongside Coach Zargarian has prepared me for what’s ahead,” Boykins said at the time of his hiring.

The Falcons won the Pacific last year and are expected to be in the hunt again. They lost Vaughn Zargarian, who averaged over 35 points per game last year, to graduation, but should have enough returning to make some noise. Luke Derkalousdian and Edgar Tergalustian both are returning seniors and should play key part for CV.

With Pasadena and Arcadia improving it may be tough for the Falcons to crack the top two but with a smooth coaching transition they should be good for at least third.

Crescenta Valley opens the season November 25 against West Ranch.

Glendale – Head Coach – Art Samontina

Last Year: 5-3, 4th in Pacific, 17-10 overall

Glendale took fourth in the Pacific League last season and was only one game back of third place Arcadia. The Nitros did lose several players to graduation but are hoping they have other players to step up and lead the way. Mason Manolo who averaged over 13.7 points and over eight rebounds per game last season is back to lead the charge.

if Glendale can get a win over one of the top three the Nitros can finish in the top half of league. Glendale has a tough non-league schedule that includes San Marino, West Covina and Rowland. The Nitros tip off the season November 18 against San Fernando.

DoVall Boykins was promoted from assistant to head coach at Crescenta Valley.

Burbank – Head Coach: Steve Eshelman

Last Year: 4-4, 5th in Pacific, 21-8 overall

Burbank had a nice season last year finishing 21-8 overall. But in the tough Pacific League a 4-4 record was only good for fifth place. The Bulldogs are looking to move up this season. They will attempt to do that behind the leadership of Jonathan Ong. Last season Ong averaged 8.6 points per game from the point guard position while dishing out assists as well.

“He gives it all every game. Whether he played 30 seconds a game or 30 minutes he plays hard. He’s the type of player that every coach would want on his team”, said Burbank Coach Steve Eshelman.

Anthony Jawicke, who averaged 10 points and six rebounds returns as well to anchor the offensive attack.

Burbank begins the campaign November 25 against Bishop Amat.

Hoover – Head Coach: Ryan Barseghian

Last Year: 3-5, 6th in Pacific, 13-12 overall

“We may not be the fastest team, we may not be the biggest team and we may not be the best shooting team,” said Hoover Coach Ryan Barseghian. “But we are dogs.”

Last year the Tornados were just over .500 on the season but fell short in the Pacific finishing sixth. Point Guard Mark Khatchoyan and Justin Herrera both return from last year’s team as they try to turn things around.

The “Dogs” from Hoover will get it started November 17 at Workman. League play begins December 12 against Crescenta Valley.

Muir – Head Coach: Wendell Jackson

Last Year: 2-13, 7th in Pacific, 7-23 overall

Wendell Jackson, who was previously an assistant at Arcadia, has taken over as the head coach at Muir. The Mustangs will be trying to bounce back from a seventh-place finish in the Pacific. It may take a couple of years for Jackson to get the Stangs back on track and back in the league hunt.

Muir will begin the journey November 25 against Sylmar with league play starting December 14 at Pasadena.

Burroughs – Head Coach: Jason Weatherall

Last Year: 0-8, 8th in Pacific, 5-22 overall

Jason Weatherall has taken over as the new head coach at Burroughs. He’ll have his work cut out as the Bears try to get off the floor after a winless league season last year.

If Burroughs can get a win early in the schedule in league it may give them some momentum going forward and make things interesting. The Bears open the season against Pacifica Christian on November 21 with league play beginning December 12 at Pasadena.