BVAL Basketball Preview
By Chris Jackson
Big 3 Teams:
1. Freedom
Another season brings new excitement with the returning stars on the Falcons. Center Kendall McIntosh gives them a huge advantage when it comes to play near the rim, and only a junior, McIntosh will continue improving and give Freedom even more advantages next season. McIntosh makes his presence known primarily known through rebounding, giving opponents no room and absolutely no opportunities to pick up boards. However, two seniors are the essential pieces to their succes in guards Rodney Pope and forward Elliott Smith. Pope has become a valuable scorer on many occasions, and Emith has been off to a terrific start, showing with a 19-point performance against a Monte Vista team that averaged allowing just 44 points per game. At 6'5", Smith holds offers from Cal State Fullerton, Northern Colorado, Pacific, San Jose State and UC Santa Barbara. The Falcons' toughest tests in league play will come against the Brentwood schools in Heritage and Liberty, who are both of to considerable starts. The tough preseason schedule gives them an advantage and experience against the best of the best, and they've already faced tough tests in Salesian (58-60), Monte Vista (54-71), Montgomery (64-49), Serra-Gardena (57-71) and Campolindo (61-66).
2. heritage
Led by the talents of forward Shon Briggs, Heritage isn't a team to take lightly. Briggs goes off in bunches, especially when he scored 18 points in the fourth quarter in a loss to Antelope in the Dublin Tournament back in December. His aggression attacking the hoop not only helps him score, but gives him more chances to do so when he draws fouls repeatedly. 5'4" sophomore guard Marcus Wallace shouldn't be taken lightly either despite the smaller frame. Wallace has made himself known as a scorer, and has acres of range for a guard. Aaron Berry is another piece that has indicated the Patriots success, and although his name doesn't get mentioned often due to the star of Shon Briggs, keep an eye on Berry throughout the season. While this has been an inconsistent start for Heritage, expect for things to pick back up, and compete for a league title.
3. Liberty
Following a disappointing 2012-2013 campaign where the Lions failed to qualify for the playoffs, this year's squad has what it takes to qualify for a spot, and is already well above pace to do so. Losing scorer Brandon White hasn't cost them much, and junior forward Logan Rodgers has been off to a tremendous start as both a scoring threat inside and rebounder, especially with his 27-point, 17-rebound performance in a 61-44 victory over Elk Grove. Heritage and Freedom will be its toughest tests in BVAL, but Liberty shouldn't be ruled out of those games, especially with the improvements they've made as the season's gone on.
Projected Final League Standings
1. Freedom
2. Heritage
3. Liberty
4. Pittsburg
5. Deer Valley
6. Antioch
2. Heritage
3. Liberty
4. Pittsburg
5. Deer Valley
6. Antioch
5 Players to Watch For
NameShon Briggs
Elliott Smith Kendall McIntosh Rodney Pope Logan Rodgers |
SchoolHeritage
Freedom Freedom Freedom Liberty |
PositionForward
Forward Center Guard Forward |
YearSenior
Senior Junior Senior Junior |
