DOWNEY - The Warren High School boys' basketball team has gotten off to a 2-0 start after defeating Downey Calvary Chapel 70-18 at Warren on Nov. 29 and Westminster 45-37 on Dec. 3 at Westminster.Warren finished last season with an overall record of 19-10 and a league record of 4-6. The Bears were eliminated in the second round of the C.I.F. Division I-A playoffs by Crescenta Valley 67-55. The Bears had a busy summer schedule. Warren played in a summer league that competed at Cerritos High School, Cal Poly Pomona and Azusa Pacific. Coach Ryan Hart hosted a summer basketball camp in June and July that was open to area youngsters and exposed many to what high school basketball was like. The Bears return several key players to their varsity team from last year. Two-time All-San Gabriel Valley League point guard Joseph Campos returns as do Michael Onyebalu, Miguel Munoz, John Ohakamnu, Lorel Johnson, Ife Kalejaiye and "Big Joe" Estrada. The Bears lost seniors John Elam and Alejandro Plaza to graduation. Coach Hart stated that losing those two seniors from last year's team was a big loss because they were "both team players and solid kids." Hart concluded by saying that "the San Gabriel Valley League will be wide open this year. Dominguez always has talent as does Gahr." Coach Hart also pointed out that Downey will be a team to watch because the Vikings are coached by Larry Shelton, still have co-league Most Valuable Player Dakari Archer and have a league champion junior varsity squad ready to step up from last year. Things will certainly be interesting in the S.G.V.L. this year.

********** Published: December 6, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 34