York boys basketball

York (6-5, 6-5)
 There's reason for more than just optimism. Nevermind that six players with experience are back on the hardwood this winter for York.
 Of the Falcons five league losses last season, four came from a pair of teams that are no longer in the same league.
 Translation.
 York believes it can compete for supremacy in the Pacific Coast Athletic League's Arroyo Division.
 "We're looking to improve on last year's season with focus on defense and rebounding," York coach Josh Leigh said. "These are traits of winning basketball teams."
 What has slowed the Falcons in the past is virtually no preseason games. Two of the last three years,  they didn't play their first game until their league opener.
 York will play one non-league game this year, meaning it will practice for eight weeks, preparing for league play.
"We have several returning players that have worked hard in the off-season to get better and prepare for this season," Leigh said.
 Among them is returning all-league guard Jerry Wu, who led the Falcons in several categories last year.
 Having seen significant time last season on the floor for York were Owen Yu and Kevin Wang, who found the court last winter as a sophomore.
 Leigh is also high on the return of Edwin Gao, Albert Mattei and Juan Galarza, providing York with more returning depth than in the past.
 There was no in between for York last year. Either it won games by 10 or more points or was beaten by 10 or more points.
 Of the teams rejoining them in the Arroyo Division, the Falcons were 5-1 against them last year in the old CAL. Two new programs have joined the league while Trinity is back.
 "We are building a team first atmosphere that we hope will translate to a more successful year in the win column," Leigh said.