With several starters returning from a team that knocked St. Francis out of the playoffs last season, Westmont boys basketball coach Bill Gerth is hopeful about his team's prospects this season.

The Warriors (14-3, 4-0) are living up to the expectations, reeling off eight consecutive victories as they head into a pivotal Blossom Valley Athletic League Mount Hamilton Division game with visiting Oak Grove (11-2, 3-1) tonight.

The team has prospered since Gerth moved senior guard Chantz Staden (11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game) from shooting guard to the point. Michael Weimer, a 6-foot-5 forward, is averaging 17.4 points, nine rebounds and 2.4 blocks.

``Michael can shoot from the outside, and his play in the post is improving,'' Gerth said. ``Chantz is much more verbal. He's running the show and is like a general out there with his leadership.''

Senior guard Ryan Kanzaki (10.9 points per game) and Leland transfer Darrien Broadnax (7.1 rebounds per game) have added to the chemistry, Gerth said.

``The kids are pumped up to be playing Oak Grove for first place,'' Gerth said. ``Win or lose, it will be a fun game.''

WRESTLING: Fremont junior Boris Novachkov won the 103-pound title and the Firebirds finished fifth among 86 teams at the Five Counties Tournament. The Southern California event is considered the toughest regular-season tournament in the state.

Fremont's Filip Novachkov (119) suffered his first loss this season to a California wrestler when he lost in double-overtime to Caleb Flores of Northview (Covina) in the final. Teammate Greg Crane (160) was third.

Gilroy's four competitors earned medals with top-eight finishes, and the Mustangs placed 12th. Adin Dueñas took second at 135 pounds.

Mustangs sophomore Hunter Collins faced defending state champ Louis Bland of Central Catholic (Modesto) in the 171-pound final. Collins had Bland on his back in the second period and led late in the third before Bland scored a takedown.

Collins and Bland could meet at Gilroy's Mid-Cal Classic on Jan. 28.

SOCCER: The BVAL Mount Hamilton Division girls race got interesting Thursday when Leland beat Leigh, then ranked No. 2 in the Mercury News top 15. Sophomore midfielder Sara Chehrehsa scored three goals in the 3-2 victory.

Leland (3-1-2 in league) and Leigh (3-2-1) are looking up at Santa Teresa (4-1-1) and Pioneer (5-0-1) in the standings.

Pioneer beat Leigh 3-2 Jan. 10 as junior Stephanie Righetti had a goal and an assist.