Outlook: A mad scramble at the top, with Near North, Austin and deposed Red West participant Crane contending for top spot. Near North returns four key players and has good balance and chemistry though they lack size.
Top players: Near North F Ralph Williams, 6-3, sr., G Bobby Love, 6-1, sr., G Kenneth Swayze, 6-0, sr.; Crane G-F Marcellus Patton, 6-4, sr.; Austin G Andre Walker, 6-0, sr., G-F Andre Sutton, 6-2, sr.; Wells G Anthony Moore, 6-1, sr.
Quotable: Near North coach Marvin Williams: “We’ll be the top contender in the section, along with Austin and Crane. The players in this section don’t get the exposure, but they can play. They deserve the attention.”
Key games: Austin at Near North, Jan. 11; Crane at Near North, Jan. 23.
Defending champion: Near North
Predicted finish: Near North, Crane, Austin, Collins, Wells, Flower, Cregier, Spaulding
