PREP BASKETBALL ‘91-’92 / CENTURY LEAGUE

SANTA ANA VALLEY 1990-91 RECORDS OVERALL: 7-15 LEAGUE: 3-7 COACH: Beth Lovett RECORD AT SCHOOL: 66-57

RETURNING STARTERS YR. HGT. P Susie Guerrero Jr. 5-4 G Marie Pulu So. 5-9 F Tracey Thomas Sr. 5-8 F

TOP RETURNERS YR. HGT. P Gloria Alvarado Sr. 5-5 G Gabriella Rumps Jr. 5-8 F

TOP NEWCOMERS YR. HGT. P Maria Garcia So. 5-6 G Ana Lopez So. 5-8 F Melanie Beranek So. 5-10 C

OUTLOOK Lovett thinks Santa Ana Valley is better than a long-shot to win the league title. Last year she nursed the underclassmen through her worst season at Santa Ana Valley so the Falcons would be ready this year. “I am really excited about this team,” Lovett said. “This year’s team is better than the squad I had two years ago when we finished as runner-up to Foothill.” Heading the list of returners is Thomas, Santa Ana Valley’s most valuable player from last season, Thomas averaged 10 points and eight rebounds per game while earning second-team all-league honors as a junior. Also returning is Pulu, who averaged 10 pints and six rebounds per game. Santa Ana Valley might be vulnerable inside with no one taller than the 5-10 Beranek, so the Falcons will rely on their quickness by playing pressure man-to-man defense and a fast-break offense. Guerrero, who averaged eight points per game last year, will run the offense. Lovett also hopes Guerrero will provide Santa Ana Valley with some outside scoring. Garcia, who was the MVP on the freshman-sophomore team last year, also joins the varsity.