PREP BASKETBALL ‘92-’93: PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Hunt. Beach Claremont

1991-92 RECORDS OVERALL: 0-18 LEAGUE: 0-14

COACH: RECORD AT SCHOOL Mike Brunner: 0-0

RETURNING STARTERS YR. HGT. P Brett Hazan Jr. 5-9 G Steve Kimble So. 6-2 G

TOP RETURNERS: None

TOP NEWCOMERS YR. HGT. P Gavin Watson Jr. 6-4 C

OUTLOOK

Maybe somewhere along the line Brunner will ask himself, “What have I gotten myself into?” But for now, the rookie coach of the Cougars, who have relocated from Garden Grove to Huntington Beach, is optimistic and excited about taking over a program that went 0-for-the-season last year and finished last in the Express League. “I think that we should start to come together as a team after Christmas,” said Brunner, 21, a former point guard at Pacific Shores and now a social science major at La Verne. “The toughest part is earning the respect of my players because I look young. But as far as being able to teach them and coach them, I don’t foresee any problems.” The Cougars have only two returning starters and one senior, so Brunner has his work cut out for him. Kimble, who averaged 10 points last season, and Hazan, who averaged six points, will probably handle the backcourt duties. Watson, whose father George played in the NBA, gives the Cougars size up front. “He hasn’t stopped growing yet,” Brunner said of the junior. The coach said he is not anticipating any major turnabouts, but is hoping to lay a foundation that will make the team a contender next season. “I wouldn’t call it a rebuilding year,” Brunner said, “but we should be a lot better next season (1993-94).” Brunner said he plans to install a fast-paced offense and a pressure defense.