IS IT HART'S TO WIN? INDIANS FACE TIGHT FOOTHILL RACE.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer

The story has played out exactly the same the past three years.

Some basketball team other than Hart is viewed as the team to beat in the Foothill League, then Hart goes out and wins the league title.

``It always seems to go the same way,'' Hart coach Tom Kelly said, laughing. ``Someone else is always the better team. But that's OK. We like the way things work out.''

The same scenario could play out again this year. Hart brings back a talented team lead by Ryan Wolfe and Ryan Russell, but even Kelly acknowledges Valencia and Saugus could win the title.

``I like both of those teams quite a bit,'' Kelly said.

Saugus, with the talented backcourt of Neil Diorio and Shant Bicakci, has a definite sense of urgency - this is the last chance for the Centurions' many seniors to win a league title.

``That concerns you right off the bat,'' said Valencia coach Rocket Collins. ``You know they want to end their careers on a high note.''

Valencia has size and strength. The Vikings field their biggest team in six years, and they'll be anchored in the middle by 6-foot-10 center Kevin Delange and 6-8 forward Donjay Kakonde.

Kakonde and Delange will make it difficult for opponents to attack Valencia inside.

``The hope is that they improve our defense,'' Collins said. ``Once you set a standard of defense, you can do so many things offensively. We want to be an aggressive, running team, but you can't do anything until you make some stops and rebound.''

The additions of Kakonde and Delange enables talented forward Chad Allen to move outside, where he can better utilize his quickness and shooting ability. In addition, David Horst will slide more to the outside.

The Vikings will use a 10- to 12-man rotation, with Brandon Bullough, Erick Sevilla, Jason Nicholson and James DeMonbrun seeing extensive action.

Hart, which usually has to wait until the second week of December before its roster is intact, catches a break because the Indians were ousted from the football playoffs last week. It means Wolfe and 6-5 newcomer Derrick Onwuachi should be with the team as early as this week.

``It's not how we wanted them to come back,'' Kelly said. ``We were rooting for them to win another championship.''

Canyon brings back just one starter from last year - 6-5 forward Kris Rincon - and will count on a talented group of players from its Foothill League junior varsity championship team to fill holes.

``We lack experience and leadership,'' Canyon coach Chad Phillips said. ``It's one of those years that will be determined by player development.''

Canyon will lean heavily on 6-5 forward Adam Terwall for size up front and 6-4 slasher D.J. Edwards for scoring and athletic ability. Edwards, a transfer from Hollywood, won't be eligible until league play begins after Christmas.

Vincent Bonsignore, [phone]

vincent.bonsignore(at)dailynews.com

TOP PLAYERS

Chad Allan, 6-3, F, Valencia

Neil Diorio, 6-0, G, Canyon

Ryan Wolfe, 6-2, G, Hart

Ryan Russell, 6-2, F, Hart

Kris Rincon, 6-5, F, Canyon

Shant Bicakci, 6-0, G, Saugus

3 TEAMS TO WATCH

--Valencia: Biggest team in the Foothill League.

--Hart: Always a threat.

--Saugus: Guards are key to winning.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, 2 boxes

Photo:

(1 -- 2) Hart's Ryan Wolf, left, and Saugus' Neil Diorio hope to help their teams overcome tough competition in the Foothill League basketball race.

David Crane/Staff Photographer

Box:

(1) TOP PLAYERS (see text)

(2) 3 TEAMS TO WATCH (see text)