Just Add Water

Santa Ana Valley Coach Rich Prospero was expecting a rebuilding year this season. Instead, the Falcons have become instant contenders.

First, former Mater Dei guard Olujimi Mann transferred in. Mann, a 6-4 point guard, saw considerable playing time for the Monarchs last season. But the tuition was too much for the family, which has a daughter in college. So it was off to public school for the O-Mann.

Prospero’s next find was Dion Smith, a 6-5 junior forward, who transferred from Tustin. Nothing flashy, but he’s a solid player.

Now comes Darnell Adamson, a 6-4 forward, from Santa Ana. He was a second-team All-Sunset League pick last season.

“How would you rank our recruiting class?” Prospero said.

Pretty good, some think. Santa Ana Valley has been invited to play in the Raleigh News and Observer tournament next season.

Nuts and Bolts

Prospero continues to prosper.

He cut a deal with a local auto shop. In exchange for an advertisement in the Falcon program, the coaching staff gets free tune-ups.

“Yeah, we have our own personal mechanic now,” Prospero said. “We call and he shows up. Of course, I think we now have 20 assistant coaches. Everyone wants to be on staff.”