AT A GLANCE

The Proven: There won’t be a third consecutive Southern Section Division III-A championship for Chaminade. That division has been disbanded because of too few teams, forcing the Eagles to move to the powerful Division III-AA that includes Bishop Montgomery, San Dimas, Compton Centennial and Crespi. Chaminade needs a supporting cast to aid 6-9 junior Scott Borchart, but 6-4 Tito Hill, a transfer from Florida, guards Ryan Arceo and Erik Johnson and improving 6-7 sophomore Jonathan Todd are capable players. Borchart, a two-time All-Southern Section honoree, is stronger and better than ever. . . . Oxnard made an impressive showing in the Watts Summer Games and is loaded with tough, quick players. Nicholas Carter, a 6-6 junior, and 6-1 guard Matthew Merricks, a college pitching prospect, lead a team that has been strengthened by members of a 19-3 junior varsity. Keep an eye on underrated 6-1 senior forward Ricky Hernandez, a rebounding machine. . . . Cleveland has the most talent of local City Section teams, led by 6-5 junior Anthony Davis, a transfer from Locke. But the Cavaliers must show they have the chemistry and team work. . . . Crespi could go 10-deep, but the player who creates the most excitement is junior guard Andrew Moore, a prolific three-point threat. A healthy Pat Casella at point guard is crucial. . . . No team enjoyed a better summer or fall than North Hollywood, even though six of its top players are juniors. The Huskies have a team GPA of 3.5, play well together and are unselfish. Point guard Dominic Johnson and Gus Ruiz, a transfer from Reseda, lead a team that shouldn’t be underestimated. . . . Littlerock was 20-6 a year ago and returns the best player in the Golden League, 6-4 Gene Myvett. Add 6-6 Brandon White, a top rebounder, and the Lobos look like the favorites for the league title. . . . Three starters return for Crescenta Valley--6-6 rebounder extraordinaire James Jenkins, 6-foot sophomore point guard Chris Tarne and 6-4 student body president Jeff Myers. A 20-victory season looks more than probable. . . . Harvard-Westlake would rather play in a 6-4 and under league but can run and gun behind guard Russell Lakey.

The Promising: For Newbury Park to become Simi Valley’s prime challenger in the Marmonte League, 6-3 junior guard Aaron Bobik must be healthy. Bobik missed last season recovering from a broken wrist and has worked hard to get back into shape. Ryan Wire, a 6-2 guard, is much improved for the Panthers. . . . Moorpark has guard Todd Tomlinson, who could be one of the region’s leading scorers. Keep track of 6-2 freshman Daniel Bednar, the son of Coach Tim Bednar. . . . Agoura can be a surprise team behind 6-4 junior forward Adam Allegro and senior guard Adam Sacks. . . . Canoga Park won only four games last season, but the Hunters should be much improved. Jammie Harris, a 6-6 senior, and Cecil Brown, a 6-3 junior transfer from Taft, are potential All-City players. Sophomore Leon Usher, a transfer from Belize, is a promising point guard. . . . Campbell Hall returns 6-8 Jesse Foster and 6-2 Hassan Bassiri from a 20-10 team and has added two of the region’s best freshmen--guards Robert Locke and Derrick Williams. . . . Six top players have transferred from Taft over the last two seasons, but the Toreadors could be a West Valley title threat behind 6-2 Ronald Gray and 6-8 Gregg Guenther, a transfer from Crespi. Mike Gledhill, the 6-6 City player of the year in volleyball, and 6-1 freshman Steve Smith also will provide a boost. . . . Talented guard Etienne Emanuel is back for Nordhoff, which should win the Frontier League. . . . Chatsworth has two transfers from Taft, guard Shayne Berry and forward Thaddis Bosley, and returns 6-6 Ronald Ruffin and 6-6 Adam Drell. . . . At some point in January, a young Sylmar team will start attracting attention. Guard John Valdez and 6-5 forward George O’Garro, both juniors, are future stars. . . . Montclair Prep, 6-17 last season, could return to its winning ways behind 6-8 senior Josiah Johnson and 6-3 junior point guard Tony McFadden.

Fast fact: One of Simi Valley’s key reserves is 6-4 junior guard Jered Weaver, brother of Jeff Weaver, who pitches for the Detroit Tigers.