2009 All-Area Boys’ Basketball ?Player of the Year:

“We had recognized that he had the knee injury when he came to us,” Zargarian said. “It did take a little time for him to adjust to what we liked to do on offense and defense.

“Once he got back into playing shape, you could see him becoming like a natural fit. He’s become the complete package in that he can play with his back to and away from the basket.”

Powdrill finished with 42 blocks, en route to earning all-league first-team accolades.

Crescenta Valley senior guard Narbeh Ebrahimian, who averaged 14.7 points and a team-best 5.4 assists per game this season, said Powdrill proved to be one of the key members of the lineup that could get the Falcons a big basket late in a contest.

“He was another one of our go-to guys, and he was very consistent,” said Ebrahimian, who earned All-Area and all-league second-team honors. “He can turn around and shoot over people.

“He made my job easier, and we were happy that he came here.”

Powdrill scored 21 points for Crescenta Valley in a 57-55 first-round home playoff loss to Capistrano Valley. While the Falcons fell a bit short, it might have laid the groundwork on what Powdrill might be able to bring to the program next season.

Should he become completely healthy in time for next season, the Falcons might be in a position to challenge for the league championship and go farther in the playoffs. Those are things on Powdrill’s checklist.

“My knee feels a lot better, and it’s getting there,” said Powdrill, who missed a pair of league games to rest the knee. “I think that I can get even better because I’ll have more knowledge of the game and athleticism.

“I think we are coming off a great season. We had our share of tough losses, including the playoff game. We want to be able to regroup for next year.”