1988-89 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW : The Players : Katella’s Easterly Leads Another Talented Group

So who’s the best girls’ basketball player in Orange County?

Who can pass, and who can shoot?

Who can ‘bound and who can jump?

Ask and ye shall know.

Here’s a look at the top players in the county this season.

Starting with . . .

THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST

* Joni Easterly (6-feet, senior guard/forward), Katella--The premier player in Orange County, according to one coach.

“She’s a big, strong girl,” said Eric Bangs, Woodbridge coach. “She can handle the ball, and she goes inside. She’s one of those players who can do everything.”

A member of The Times’ All-County team as a junior last season, Easterly averaged 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds and led Katella to its second consecutive Empire League championship.

She already has signed a letter of intent to play next season at USC.

This season, Easterly will be the one to shine in Orange County.

PASSING FANCY

* Allison Krause (5-5, senior point guard), Marina--Hampered by an ankle injury late last season, her absence all but ruined Marina’s chances for a Sunset League championship. She moves the ball well and has good speed. But will it matter without the graduated Dawn Charroin and Liberty Brewster there to receive her passes?

* Aimee McDaniel (5-10, junior point guard), Brea-Olinda--The Times’ Player of the Year as a sophomore last season. She averaged 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

* Karie Yoshioka (5-3, junior point guard), El Toro--Another savvy sophomore last season, she directed the Chargers’ high-powered offense. She’ll be a key figure in getting the ball to their big scorers.

* Stacey Hisaka (5-7, senior point guard), Fountain Valley--Provided the leadership a junior-dominated team needed to win the Sunset League championship in a big upset last season.

THE SHOOTERS

* Kristen Bevis (5-8, senior forward), El Toro--Played a key role for the Chargers last season when stars Elaine Youngs and Andrea Young were sidelined with injuries. Filled in as the team’s best inside player during their absence. Her role should be expanded even more this season because Youngs (at UCLA) and Young (at Rice) have graduated.

* Tammy Blackburn (5-8, junior guard), Brea-Olinda--Overcame major back surgery to help the Wildcats into the 3-A quarterfinals last season. She teams with McDaniel to form the best backcourt in the county.

* Amy Jalewalia (6-0, junior forward/center/guard), La Quinta--Tough to pronounce, tougher to guard. And she’s only a junior. Jalewalia averaged 21.6 points and 8.2 rebounds in summer league play. She plays anywhere and everywhere for the Aztecs.

* Tina Ranker (5-8, senior guard), Mission Viejo--Was named first-team All-South Coast League last season and must fill in for the graduated Tricia Stringham, now at Hawaii. And it’s some void; Stringham led the team in points, rebounds and floor burns. And now it all falls to Ranker.

* Krisden Tanabe (5-10, senior forward), Edison--The Chargers, after a down season, likely will be back in the race for a Sunset League title. And Tanabe, who was an all-league selection as a junior, will be their leader.

CENTERS OF ATTENTION

* Holly Anderson (6-1, senior), Capistrano Valley--Was the first-team All-South Coast League center. A key to the Cougar offense. She can rebound with the best of them and has a good, medium-range jump shot, which makes her the best center in the county this season. If she has a good season, the Cougars could be tough to beat.

* Kristen McDonald (5-11, senior), Valencia--You have to be tough to be a 5-11 center these days, and McDonald is as scrappy as they come. She’s the key to a small Tiger team that could knock off Brea-Olinda for the Orange League title.

* Kelly O’Brien (6-0, senior), Mater Dei--An experienced, tough post player on a Monarch team that always seems to win the Angelus League title and is a factor in the playoffs. A 4-year starter, she’ll be counted on heavily to lead the Monarchs.

* Jennifer Rohrig (6-2, junior), Mission Viejo--She didn’t see much playing time last season, but Rohrig should play a key role in the Diablos’ chances for a repeat performance as South Coast League champions.

DOUBLE TROUBLE

* Monica Mayfield (6-1, senior forward), Saddleback.

* Melanie Mayfield (6-1, senior forward), Saddleback.

Yes, they are sisters. And yes, they’re going to be trouble for Saddleback opponents this season.

WORTH A LOOK

* Sharon Crouch (5-10, senior guard), Liberty Christian--Dominated the Academy League last season with an 18.2-point-per-game scoring average. She was All-Southern Section last season as a junior. This season, she ought to really clean up.

A FRESHMAN TO WATCH

* Jody Anton (5-8, forward), Brea-Olinda--Mark Trakh, Brea coach, said Anton could be the best player he has coached at the school. And, though that’s a season or two down the road, that’s saying something.

BEST OF THE REST

* Kami Bigler (5-7, senior guard), Fountain Valley.

* Sara Bone (5-11, junior forward), El Toro.

* Shelley Davis (5-9, senior forward/center), University.

* Shannon Morgan (5-9, senior guard), Mission Viejo.

* Michelle Reeves (5-8, senior guard), La Habra.

* Lisa Wehren (5-8, senior guard/forward), Woodbridge.

* Shelly Zierhut (5-11, senior forward/center), Capistrano Valley.