Previews of Southeast / Long Beach Teams : SUBURBAN LEAGUE

Norwalk is favored among league coaches.

1. NORWALK--The Lancers have never won a Southern Section playoff game, and Coach Bob Douglas’ goal is to change that. Returning are all-league Cory Jennings, a 6-4 forward, and Jimmy Buentello, a 5-10 guard. Buentello averaged 23 points a game last season while Jennings averaged 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Lancers were 12-9 and tied Artesia for second place.

2. ARTESIA--The Pioneers are the choice for runner-up. Returning for Coach Gordon Ackerman are Tony Farmer, a 6-6 center/forward; Chandel White, a 6-2 forward, and Jack Wood, a 6-2 forward. “We can become a contender if we become more aggressive on defense and on the boards,” Ackerman said. Top newcomers include Domonique Street, a 6-1 senior transfer; Mark King, a 6-3 junior swingman, and Damon Davis, a 5-7 junior guard.

3. BELLFLOWER--The league’s coaches are fairly sure of this pick because Bellflower Coach Rich Weiman has Reggie Kennedy, who averaged 20 points and 14 rebounds last year. Also back are Chuck Taylor, a 6-1 senior forward, and Marlow Bates, a 6-0 point guard. The Bucs were 11-10 last season.

4. MAYFAIR--By pulling a couple of upsets, the Monsoons could pick up a playoff berth as a third-place team. But Coach Jim Crockett has to be aware of La Mirada. Mayfair returns Bob Partin, a 6-1 forward, and David Hess, a 6-5 center. Partin averaged 20 points a game and Hess averaged nine rebounds. “This team should have more speed and quickness,” Crockett said. Top newcomers include transfer Ray Dover from New York and Bill Peterford, Sheldon Watkins and Mike Cuevas, all up from the JV team.

5. LA MIRADA--It’s what Coach Roger Williams calls a loaded question. Each of the past four seasons Williams has been asked to predict how his team will do and each time he has said it would win the league title. And each year the other coaches agreed. But the Matadors never did win a title. This season Williams has refused to go out on a limb, and maybe for good reason. He has a tall but inexperienced club.

6. GLENN--Even Coach Russ Wise agrees with this prediction. He say the league is more balanced than in recent years and that means the Eagles are in trouble. Glenn returns five players and has two off the JV team that Wise is counting on. “Our team is small; our tallest starter will be 6-1 or 6-2,” he said.