Southern Section Basketball Capsules : DESERT-INYO LEAGUE

Paraclete

COACH: Andy Gavel, 9th season

LAST SEASON: 10-14; 5th in league, 2-8

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Forward Shawn Preasmyer (6-foot-5) averaged 12 points, 11 rebounds and 5.5 blocks a game as a junior and was selected to the All-Desert-Inyo (Large) League second-team. Preasmyer is the Spirits’ most dominating player, according to Gavel, and has improved his inside game. Senior point guard Larry King (5-9), the team’s top outside shooting threat, and junior off-guard Jose Perez also return. Top newcomers include juniors Jason Curtis (6-3) and Tony Pappa (6-2). Paraclete will play an up-tempo game and will rely heavily on its bench. Reserves Justin Curry (6-0), Mark Miller (6-0) and Paul Dattilo (6-0) will be given significant playing time.

OUTLOOK: Gavel believes that Paraclete is much improved. “We’ll be better because we’re more experienced,” he said. “I’d like to think that our starting five will match up with anybody in the league and in the 2-A (Division). The biggest question mark is our bench and how deep we can go. The kids have to be able to play consistent quality minutes.”