PREP BASKETBALL ‘92-’93: FREEWAY LEAGUE

Sonora

1991-92 RECORDS OVERALL: 15-11 LEAGUE: 6-4

COACH: RECORD AT SCHOOL

Mike Murphy: 20-28

RETURNING STARTERS YR. HGT. P Chris Campbell Sr. 6-7 C Peter Lythgoe Sr. 6-4 F Chris St. Clair Sr. 6-0 G

TOP RETURNERS YR. HGT. P Ish Alammo Jr. 6-2 F Chad Fister Soph. 6-2 F Noel Ish Jr. 5-8 G Rick Sa Jr. 5-8 G

TOP NEWCOMERS YR. HGT. P Sergio Hernandez Soph. 5-10 G Craig Clark Soph. 6-10 C

OUTLOOK

Sonora improved from five victories in Murphy’s first season to 15 last year and should win 20 games this year with a tall and talented team that everyone is picking to win the league title. Even Murphy is on the bandwagon, saying, “I really like our chances this year.” And why not? St. Clair is a three-time all-league selection who will be the best player in North County. He averaged 21.4 points, 4.9 assists and made 79% of his free throws last season. Campbell won’t attract a crowd inside because opponents will have to respect St. Clair’s outside shooting. “Chris is the most improved player in our program,” Murphy said. Murphy also thinks scouts will be lining up to watch Clark before he’s finished. “He hadn’t played until last season, so he’s still learning the game,” Murphy said. “He’s just gotten to the point where he catches the ball consistently. His size makes him a factor defensively. In two years, everybody is going to be looking at him.” Sonora was eliminated by Newport Harbor in the qualifying round last season and St. Clair is hoping to reach to the quarterfinals this year. Sonora hasn’t won the league championship since former star center Eric Samuelson’s junior year in 1981-82.