The Matadores open league play January 8^th in Lakewood against Mayfair High School.

Along with Lauderdale and Bolado, rounding out the starting five for coach Jones are returners Vittorio Reynoso-Avila (soph.) and forward Dezmon Murphy (jr.). Murphy looks bigger, stronger and focused in preseason.

Senior forward James Eubanks may seem some starts and sophomore guard Anthony Newman is also expected to get significant playing time and a few starts sprinkled in as well after leading the Matadore freshman team in scoring last season.

If there is a concern on the team it may be the inexperienced pine, “The bench may become a factor at times whether it’s an injury or foul trouble,” said Jones, “They need to continue to develop and provide energy and prove they can take care of the ball in pressure situations.”

Players expected to make significant contributions are seniors Bryson Laverde and Jacob Ortiz; juniors Diego Bardales, Kai Labasan, Jacob Marcano and Cole Sanders along with sophomore Justin Trias.

December is tournament month for the Matadores as they gear up for league play.

The Mats will be competing in the Buena Park Tournament December 2nd through the 7^th and the North Orange County Tournament December 17^th through the 21^st. They wrap up tournament play at the Torrey Pines Holiday Classic in San Diego December 26^th through the 30^th.

There are also two non-league games scheduled for the Matadores in December, December 11^th at Brea Olinda and the final tune-up before league play, January 3^rd at Sonora.

MATADORES OPEN CAMPAIGN WITH BIG WIN OVER SANTA FE

The Matadores opened the 2013-14 season with a resounding victory over Santa Fe, 66-36 Monday night in the opening round of the tournament at Buena Park High School.

Kendall Lauderdale led all scorers with 23 followed by Vittorio Reynoso-Avila putting in 16.

The next game is against Kennedy High this afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

UPDATE: The Matadores beat Kennedy 73-32 last night, Anthony Newman led all scorers with 21, Lucio Bolado had 7 assists and four steals. Mats will play La Habra in the semis of the Coyote Classic tomorrow at 5:00 p.m.