GIRLS’ BASKETBALL ‘93-’94: CENTURY LEAGUE

SANTA ANA VALLEY

1992-93 RECORDS:

OVERALL: 9-14

LEAGUE: 5-5

COACH: Beth Lovett

RECORD AT SCHOOL: 87-81

RETURNING STARTERS YR. HGT. P Velina Gibson Jr. 5-6 G Ana Lopez Sr. 5-8 F Marie Pulu Sr. 5-10 F Monica Vasquez Sr. 5-6 F

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TOP RETURNER YR. HGT. P Liz Lara Jr. 5-4 G

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TOP NEWCOMERS YR. HGT. P Maria Avila So. 5-9 F Allison Napier Fr. 6-3 C Angie Wheeler So. 5-9 F

OUTLOOK

Lovett hopes for a more balanced shooting attack this year. Junior guard Gibson has some experience under her belt and her three-point shooting could be key. Pulu, who missed more than half the games last season because of an ankle problem, never fully reached her potential but still was a first-team all-league selection. She averaged 17 points and 14 rebounds and should improve this season. The Falcons lost 6-foot Norah Mariner, who transferred to El Modena, but they added 6-3 freshman Napier. “Height is going to help us this year,” Lovett said. “Hopefully we can overcome a lot of our problems now that we are taller.” Napier should see a lot of playing time this season, but Lovett doesn’t want to rush her. “She will fit well into the team. I expect her to play, but I also want to take her along slowly.” The Falcons play an aggressive full-court defense, led by Lara and Lopez, but the team has a problem with inconsistency. “Mental focus is our main problem,” Lovett said. “Even though these kids have been in my program for awhile, most of them are playing organized ball for the first time. That puts them years behind most of the other girls in the league.” Lovett expects good competition in the league. “The last game usually decides the whole thing,” she said.

SCHEDULE

December 1-3 at Century tournament; 6 at El Toro; 7 vs. Saddleback; 9-11 at Savanna tournament; 13-18 at Bolsa Grande tournament; 17 vs. Sonora.

January 6 vs. Canyon; 11 at El Modena; 13 at Foothill; 18 vs. Villa Park; 20 at Orange; 27 at Canyon.

February 1 vs. El Modena; 3 vs. Foothill; 8 at Villa Park; 10 vs. Orange.