Boys hoops IX

Soledad
 Losing three all-leaguers means the Aztecs are retooling this winter with a cast of new characters trying to get the program back to the postseason for the first time since 2009.
 Heading that list is sharpshooting sophomore Mark Valladarez, who gives Soledad a presence on the perimeter.
 The Aztecs are going to have to outscore teams to be successful. They gave up nearly 70 points a game during the first two weeks of the preseason.
 Slow starts are nothing new for Soledad, who began last year 0-7 on the court before closing with an 8-8 finish.