2011-2012 harbor college men's basketball season preview

 Outlook

 

The 2011-2012 men's basketball season begins with high expectations and an opportunity to repeat as league champions. After last season's South Coast Conference Championship and a strong run in the state playoffs, the bar is set high for a team ranked 12th in the first preseason poll. Although last season's championship hopes were ended by a tough road loss, four key players moved on to the next level, including Kevin Dawson (San Diego Christian), Sheldon Allen (Cal State Dominguez Hills), Sebastian Lyons (Ecclesia College) and Marlin Ramos (Ecclesia College).

 

The 2011-2012 team will be highlighted by seven returning sophomores and two transfers, giving the team nine total sophomore student-athletes. These nine players provide great team chemistry and leadership to the program. This chemistry will be tested early with tough opening home games against Moorpark College and Orange Coast College before heading to the Oxnard Tournament for Thanksgiving. The responsibility for leading this year's group will be shared by returning All-Conference sophomores Jason Daley, Dennis Hardwell and Marquel Jones.

 

 

Backcourt Players

 

The key to any successful team begins at the point guard position, as the Seahawks have two great ones to choose from. Tyler Nelson (Bishop Montgomery HS) returns this season after sitting out last season with Harbor. The returning redshirt sophomore will provide the team with good decision-making and contribute on both ends with his exceptional strength and athleticism. In addition to Nelson, incoming freshman guard Vinay Parmar (Torrance HS) joins the Seahawks and will give the team great distribution in the backcourt, along with the ability to make shots.

 

Joining the point guards in the backcourt will be three scorers in returning redshirt sophomores Jason Daley (Rolling Holls Prep HS), Marquel Jones (Lawndale HS) and redshirt freshman Matt Morris (Gardena HS). Daley returns this year after an All-Conference performance last season, bringing clutch play and stretching the defense. Jones was a standout player last season and will provide playmaking ability, while putting constant pressure on defenses. Morris returns after a redshirt season last year and is ready to contribute in the backcourt with his defense and scoring ability.

 

 

Frontcourt Players

 

The forward position will be led by returning All-Conference redshirt sophomore Dennis Hardwell (Carson HS). Hardwell led the team in rebounding last season and averaged a double-double in South Coast Conference play. In his second year with the Seahawks, Hardwell will continue to provide leadership and scoring ability to the program.

 

Joining Hardwell at the forward position will be redshirt sophomore Bola Egbeyemi (Carson HS), redshirt sophomore Morrie Hyman (Redondo Union HS), sophomore transfer Brandon Hrboka (San Pedro HS), freshman Kyle Reid (Bishop Montgomery HS) and freshman Sheldon Blevins (Serra HS). Egbeyemi and Hyman, who both sat out last season due to injury, will provide versatility to the forward position. Hrboka, who played last season at Cal State East Bay, is expected to be a major contributor with his ability to create mismatches and shoot the ball.

 

The two freshmen - Reid and Blevins - will be expected to contribute right away after leading their high school teams last season in a tough Del Rey League.

 

At center this season, Harbor will lean on 6-5 redshirt sophomore Jamal Washington (Verbum Dei HS). Washington is a transfer from Compton College who will provide rebounding and scoring ability from the inside. Joining Washington at center is sophomore Tevin Rollins (St. John Bosco HS). Rollins is a returner from last season and again will be asked to bring toughness and play-making ability from his position.

 

 

Overall

 

The 2011-2012 season is looking bright for the Seahawks as they embark on their journey towards another successful season under Head Coach Tony Carter-Loza. The schedule will be difficult with games against numerous teams ranked in the state's preseason poll, but Coach Carter-Loza believes his team is up for the challenge.

 

Coach Carter-Loza: "I believe this year's team has the depth and talent to repeat as league champs and make another run in the state playoffs. We have set specific goals we are striving to reach and I continue to be pleased with the dedication and effort of my players."