SoCalHoops Tournament News

Anaheim Convention Center Tournament:
Aliso Niguel Team Preview--(Dec. 10, 2002)

Aliso Niguel will play Mission Viejo in the first round of the 2002 Anaheim Convention Center Tournament on Wednesday, December 18 at 8:00 p.m. at the Convention Center.  Here's what the O.C. Register had to say about Aliso Niguel in their preseason preview article which appeared in the Register this week and which is still available in their online sports section:

Wolverines boys looking for confidence
The boys basketball team is optimistic after a good summer.

LARRY SHIELD
The Aliso Viejo News

Last year was a tough season in terms of wins and losses for Aliso Niguel’s boys varsity basketball team. But this is a brand new season and the Wolverines have a wealth of talent in hopes of making the CIF playoffs.

“We did well in the summer league and won a lot of games,” said Aliso Niguel coach Paul Wachenheim. “I was really pleased with our growth and development. It’s important for us to develop some confidence.”

Leading the offense is sophomore 5-foot-10 point guard Terence Green. Two other starting guards are 6-2 Louis Tejanca and Xavier Gardner. Mike Lowell will see time at both guard and forward. Austin Schwab, 6-6, will play the low post.

“I’d like to be able to play about eight to 10 players per game, but they all have to buy into the system and give their all on defense,” said Wachenheim. “I see using six to eight players at most, depending on how tough the competition is.”

For the first time in school-history all three levels won Sea View League titles in boys basketball last season. Some of those players such as guard/forward and junior varsity MVP Bobback Tehrani will be counted on for contributions. John Wise, a 6-6 forward, Nathan Peele, a 6-6 forward/center, Sam Shahparniaa 6-3 center/forward and Khatsu, a 6-6 shooting guard, will have chances to help out on varsity.

Based on the Wolverines style of aggressive defense and trapping at half court, Wachenheim will need to go to his bench at times.

“Hopefully our bench will be able to relieve our starting five,” said Wachenheim. “Conditioning for our starters will be an important factor.”

The Wolverines have worked on conditioning through 3-on-3, 2-on-2 and 1-on-1 drills along with jumping rope, sprinting and doing sit-ups and pull-ups in practices. Most of the drills are linked to the sport of basketball.

On defense Wachenheim will have the boys play a hard man-to-man, then trap and mix it up with some zone. With a tough Sea View League the boys will have to improve on their trapping defense to stay competitive.

Woodbridge with its talent and athleticism will be the perennial favorites to win the league. The second through sixth spots will be up for grabs, said Wachenheim.

Aliso Niguel has a shot to do well this season, but must keep focused on its mission statement to: “instruct its young men in the fundamentals of our sport and life through a commitment to honesty, compassion and selflessness.”

“We’re working hard to win with honor,” said Wachenheim. “Last year we grew a lot as people and as coaches. In high school it’s about developing life through basketball.”

Both captains Gardner and Stefan Payne want to have a fun experience this season, said Wachenheim. They want to fill the stands at ANHS, qualify for CIF and host a playoff game. In addition to winning a league title they’d like to put Aliso Niguel on the map in boysbasketball.

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