Boys basketball team-by-team preview

The 2014-15 boys basketball season has begun, and the coverage area for the West Orange Times & Observer is loaded with talented players, dynamic teams and experienced coaches. To help our readers get up to speed in time for some of the exciting winter tournaments and showcases that await us in the coming days and weeks, we have put together a need-to-know collection of information on all eight varsity programs we cover.

Central Florida Christian Academy

Coach: Jonathan McClintock (first year)

Current record: 3-0

2013-14 record: 1-24

Key returner: John DaQuila

Promising newcomers: Dante Treacy, Jerred Treacy, Ajay Green, Visual Russell

Can’t miss game: at Foundation Academy — 5:30 p.m., Jan. 5

Coach says: “This year will hinge upon how quickly young and inexperienced kids can learn a new offensive and defensive system.”

Our take: McClintock already appears to have the Eagles on the right track with three early wins with the big question being how far CFCA can progress before district tourney time.

Twitter: @cfcaeaglepride (all-sports account)

Dr. Phillips 

Coach: Anthony Long (13th year)

Current record: 2-0

2013-14 record: 20-9

Key returners: Jonathan Laurent, Chaundee Brown, David Stephen

Talented newcomers: Malik William, Jaquarius Bargnare

Can’t miss game: at Evans — 6 p.m., Jan. 13

Coach says: “With five returning starters and two transfers to bolster the team, we have a strong squad. We need everyone to work together and develop an unselfish chemistry with so many good players.”

Our take: With the length and versatility of the athletes at coach Anthony Long’s disposal, Dr. Phillips figures to be one of the elite teams in Central Florida — and the state.

Twitter: @DP_Boys_Hoops and @PantherZone (all-sports account)

Foundation Academy

Coach: Al Peterson

Current record: 1-2

2013-14 record: 21-8

Key returners: Taylor Trudeau, Adam Starks

Can’t miss game: vs. Orlando Christian Prep — 5:30 p.m., Dec. 9

Our take: Foundation advanced to the regional final in 2013-14 and will look to build upon that success this winter.

Twitter: @thefalions (school-wide, all-sports account)

Legacy Charter

Coach: Matthew Post (second year)

Current record: 0-2

2013-14 record: 12-10

Key returners: Michael Toomer, Dillan Hudson, Kole Enright

Talented newcomer: Adam Puebla

Can’t miss game: vs. CFCA — 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2

Coach says: “We graduated all five starters from last year. We have also lost three varsity players (two starters) for the season to knee injuries that happened in the fall. With these two things combined, our inexperience will play a key role, and our outcome will be determined on how the boys respond.”

Our take: The Eagles will face some adversity early in the season as they look to get their legs under them, with senior Michael Toomer playing a key role.

Twitter: @LegacyEagles (all-sports account)

Ocoee

Coach: Rob Gordon (fourth year)

Current record: 3-0

2013-14 record: 14-12

Key returners: Grant Riller, Vaughn McCall

Talented newcomer: Elie Cadet

Can’t miss game: at Evans — 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12

Coach says: “We will rely heavily on guards Grant Riller and Vaughn McCall as well as solid contributions from several other players.”

Our take: The Knights have the potential to be very good with one of the area’s best — and perhaps most underrated — players in senior Grant Riller. Vaughn McCall is also a dynamic player and a young cast hopes to improve around them.

Twitter: @Ocoeehoops and @OcoeeAthletics (all-sports account)

Olympia

Coach: Matt Wheeler (first year)

Current record: 1-2

2013-14 record: 12-15

Key returners: Scott Barbour, Ricardo Etienne

Talented newcomers: Carl Cooper, Dejaun Lockett

Can’t miss game: vs. Apopka — 7:30 p.m., Jan. 16

Coach says: “(Our goal is) continued improvement and development of young players.”

Our take: The Titans may take some lumps early but have some impressive young prospects who could make them a team to be reckoned with later in the season.

Twitter: @OHSSportsTeams (all-sports account)

West Orange

Coach: Eric Jones (10th year)

Current record: 2-1

2013-14 record: 11-16

Key returner: Jeremiah Thornton

Talented newcomer: Quinton Forrest

Can’t miss game: vs. Ocoee — 7:30 p.m., Dec. 17

Our take: The Warriors added Quinton Forrest from Windermere Prep and the talented guard/forward should pair nicely with Jeremiah Thornton. West Orange boasts experienced, physical players who should make the team capable on any given night.

Twitter: @WestOrange_OCPS (school-wide, all-sports account)

Windermere Prep

Coach: Ben Wilson (sixth year)

Current record: 2-2

2013-14 record: 20-8

Key returners: Michael Stones, Parker Davis, Matt Hein 

Talented newcomers: Corbin Merritt, Xion Golding

Can’t miss game of the year: vs. Oviedo — 4 p.m., Jan. 10 (game at Orlando Christian Prep’s Showdown in O-Town event)

Coach says: “We have an extremely difficult schedule. We are returning four starters, have four seniors, a very talented junior point guard in Parker Davis and two very good sophomores in 6-foot-9 Corbin Merritt and 6-foot-3 combo-guard Xion Golding. We have lots of experience with some great young talent. This is a team that will look to be in the shuffle deep into playoffs.”

Our take: The Lakers are loaded with talent and experience, and with the schedule that coach Ben Wilson has put together, they should be plenty battle-tested when district tournament time rolls around.

Twitter: @Lakershoops_wps and @WPS_Athletics (all-sports account)