AVC NOTEBOOK: ``BABY SHAQ'' COMES TO AVC HOLLAND JOINS MARAUDERS.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

Jonathan Holland came to Antelope Valley College as a 6-foot-9, 305- pound freshman basketball player with potential.

``The guys call him Baby Shaq,'' said AVC coach Newton Chelette.

Holland's in just his second year of organized ball and is expected to be a major contributor for the Marauders in 2002.

``Holland has come in here and worked hard and is down to about (285 pounds),'' Chelette said. ``He's worked on the fundamentals - footwork and quickness. He's also showing the ability to score. He gets better daily.''

Holland, Brandon Murray, Brian Waugh, Ollie Bradley and Mike Webb form what Chelette calls his best group of incoming freshmen in years. And that, along with eight returnees from a year ago, has Chelette optimistic heading into his 14th season with the program.

``The pool of talent we have is deep. And we have more weapons than in years past,'' Chelette said. ``It's early, but I'm very happy with what we have here. And there's no doubt about it, the competition and work ethic has been very good around here lately.''

--Melvin update: As a freshman, Sidney Melvin ranked among the basketball team's leaders in several offensive categories as he earned All-Foothill Conference honors. Chelette expects a similar output from Melvin, who's received recruiting interest from Utah State and Boise State, this season.

The 6-foot-3 guard and his teammates will get their first test of the summer this weekend in the Azusa Pacific tournament, followed by the San Francisco tournament in two weeks.

``We'll face some good competition, but at least this will give the guys a chance to see what it takes to make it at the next level,'' Chelette said.

--Tee time: AVC will field its first women's golf team this fall and it will compete in the Western State Conference.

Chelette will be the team's coach.

``I'm excited. We'll play some magnificent courses,'' Chelette said. ``I expect to have anywhere from 12 to 15 golfers on the team.''

--Cornerstone cornerback? After seeing limited time at College of the Canyons a season ago, football player Raymond Allston is making good on his opportunity in the defensive backfield.

According to coach Brent Carder, the Antelope Valley High graduate has been impressive during summer workouts and could possibly open the season as a starting cornerback.

``It looks like he's going to be a good, solid player,'' Carder said. ``He has good speed, good instincts and seems to have a good work ethic. Those are the qualities you look for in a good player.''

BOYS OF SUMMER

Several of the region's top football players are staying close to home with the hopes of making the Antelope Valley College football team in the fall. Here's a look at the top candidates, with comments from AVC coach Brent Carder:

Name School Pos. Comment

Isahak Esrallian Palmdale DL 6-foot-3 with a good work ethic

Reggie Frazier Lancaster RB Track and field standout as a senior

Dustin McBride Ventura CB Struggled with hamstring injury 

Carlos Nunez Antelope Valley K Consistent early on but has dropped off

Christian Watkins Desert RB Good size, 5-11, 200 pounds

Alex Williams Desert DL Recovering from injuries

Donald Womack Antelope Valley WR Has ability to make positive

contribution

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BOYS OF SUMMER (see text)