North County boys basketball

North County (19-6, 12-0)
 With the Condors moving into the Gabilan Division this year, no one is expecting them to duplicate last year's magical run, in which they recorded the programs first ever undefeated league season.
 That does not mean expectations haven't risen on the Castroville campus, even if it still plays on the only non-wood floor in the section.
 North County has welcomed the move and accepted the challenge. It just didn't learn how to win last year. It gained confidence in running off a school record 14 straight wins.
 It does not hurt having four-year starting guard Jordan Graves back in the fold. The reigning Pacific Division Most Valuable Player averaged nearly 20 points a game last year.
 In each of Graves' first three seasons, the Condors have improved in the win column. Last year's title was the programs first in 11 years, and just the second in the school's 38 year history.
 Yet, the 6-foot-1 Graves - one of the top returning players in the county this season - won't be asked to put the team on his back.
 North County's surge to the top last season coincided with 6-foot-3 Jermey Heitzman coming up as a sophomore and providing a presence in the paint with multiple double-doubles.
 You have to be aware of Heitzman, as well as sharpshooter Abraham Calderon, who led the team in 3-point goals last season.
 While the Condors aren't a big unit, they can be a physical team as Jeremy Samples will muscle up opponents inside on defense, despite being an undersized 6-foot forward.
 Samples quietly averaged six points and six rebounds a game last year. His role will increase as one of the senior leaders.
 North County's offensive numbers soared in the postseason, averaging 84.5 points a game. But this was a defense that held 13 teams under 50 points last year.