Success has been synonymous with the La Mirada basketball program in recent years, and new head coach Steve Schuster, 27, wants to keep it that way.

Schuster takes over the varsity head coaching position, after being the assistant for Larry Kaupang, who stepped down last after last season.

Kaupang coached varsity for four years after also previously coaching the freshmen and JV teams. He took over the top spot for Jack Dunbar in 06-07.

Often playing second fiddle to the football and baseball programs at La Mirada , Kaupang brought the basketball program to new heights, including playoff appearances in every year he coached, eliminating the days of half-empty bleachers.

Of course it helped that he had very talented teams, including Derrick Willliams. Williams is now starring for the University of Arizona and is considered one of the top sophomores in the nation.

"People expect a winning team here, and we are going to do our best to give them one," said Schuster, who graduated from Biola University in 2008 with a Physical Education Degree. He is currently working to receive a Masters in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia, this summer .

The Matadores have appeared in the CIF playoffs the last six seasons, including a semi-final appearance in 2008-09.

"Larry had me handle certain administration duties on the team, so I am familiar with a lot of things. The biggest difference now, is, I'm standing up, and not sitting down during the games," said Schuster.

The team looks new and different, with only four returnees after graduating six; of the four, two are juniors. "This is a young team, and I expect there to be ups and downs. This is a real exciting challenge," Schuster said, "We really have only one player returning from last year that played significant minutes".

A promising prospect on the varsity team for the Mats is freshmen Tyler Luatua who recently scored 12 points in a losing effort against Ayala in the final pre-league tune-up.

Tyler is the younger brother of senior Isaac, who also plays on the team. The elder Luatua is headed to Alabama next year on a football scholarship.

In regards to the Suburban League this year, Schuster said, "There doesn't seem to be a standout team. Four teams make the playoffs and we plan on being one of them."

UPDATE: La Mirada won on the road last night 53-51 against Norwalk, despite falling behind by seven in the second half.  The Mats (6-13, 1-2), next play host to Cerritos tomorrow night beginning at 6:00 pm.