REGION BASKETBALL NOTES: VIKINGS COACH TRIES TO INSTILL MORE EMOTION.

Byline: Scott Magoloff Daily News Staff Writer

There was a significant backlash from the Valencia High boys basketball team's 84-79 loss to Hollywood in Monday's opening round of the Valencia Winter Slam tournament.

``One of our guys took a charge and one kid clapped on the bench and one guy congratulated him on the court,'' Vikings coach Gary Spindt said. ``I think we need excitement when we do things well; emphasize the positive things that are going on.''

With the lack of emotion a major concern for Spindt, he had a team meeting on Tuesday and spoke of ``passion and emotion,'' he said. He also lamented about what he perceives to be the Vikings' lack of a home-court advantage.

``I don't think people are afraid to come here and play,'' Spindt said. ``We're a new school and I think you need pride and tradition before you develop a home-court advantage. That's the hardest thing I've tried to do.

``In other gyms, you're five or 10 points down as soon as you walk in. Here, you're even at 0-0.''

With these thoughts on Spindt's mind during Tuesday's tougher-than-usual practice, he said improvements - at least in emotion - were bountiful. The result from Wednesday's second-round game: Valencia 100, San Fernando 75.

Now that's how you establish home-court advantage.

Came with game: With four starters back, the Canyon High girls basketball team (7-2) was poised to make an improvement on last year. Then, Monroe transfer LaTricia Fleming showed up and brought with her the potential to lead the Cowboys into the postseason. And she has posted team highs in average points (17) and rebounds (more than 10) per game.

``She's a very unselfish player,'' Canyon coach Paul Broneer said. ``In fact, I have to threaten her that if she doesn't take 20 shots in a game, she has to run a suicide for every shot she takes less than 20.''

Fleming - who Broneer said could possibly play for a Division I university upon graduating from Canyon - is a 5-foot-11 junior who plays center, both forward positions, and can also run the point. She can also touch the rim.

Reinforcements: Fresh off the Hart High football team's Southern Section championship, Jon Lyon and Trevor Rich have provided added depth since joining the basketball team on Tuesday.

Already, Liam Waters (16.5 points per game) and Kelly Weldon (nearly two blocks per game) have helped lead the Indians to a 5-3 record with a game tonight against Monroe in the Bell-Jeff tournament. Even though he has only had them for one game, coach David Montgomery has enjoyed taking advantage of Lyon's and Rich's availability.

``It helps us keep guys fresh on the court,'' Montgomery said. ``They don't have to play more minutes than they can.''

The one football player Montgomery wishes he had the most is Jerry Owens, who broke his leg late in the football season.

``He's on the team, but he's in a cast,'' Montgomery said. ``His tennis shoe didn't fit over the cast or I'd have put him in.

``It's doubtful, but, in his heart, if it heals he hopes to be able to play a little bit. That would give us an added strength - he's the best basketball player in the school right now.''

On the mend: The Valencia High girls will play for third place in the El Dorado tournament by virtue of a 51-49 double-overtime win against Downey. Valerie Pena sent it into overtime with a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Pena has been coming up big lately, as Emilie Dearborn has missed the last six games since injuring her ankle against Chaminade.

``One nice thing is that Valerie has kind of emerged as a key part to our team,'' Valencia coach Greg Hayes said. ``When we get Emilie and her together, they're going to be an outstanding duo at guard.''

Dearborn is expected to return for the start of the Bell-Jeff tournament on Dec. 26.