PREP WEDNESDAY: 1993-94 BOYS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW : CIF STATE VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS : The Times’ Top 10

1. Mater Dei: The Monarchs have Miles Simon back, plus a slew of up-and-coming stars. Simon has signed with Arizona. A South Coast League title is a certainty and a Southern Section title is probable.

2. Los Alamitos: Coach Steve Brooks’ team has size and experience at the point guard spot. This could be his best team. Last season, the Griffins failed to win the Empire League title for the first time since 1989. They should return to the top this season.

3. Huntington Beach: The Oilers lost four starters from last season’s team that went 29-5. But with Tony Gonzalez to build around, they should be the team to beat in the Sunset League. The Oilers will start slow because most of the team is still playing football.

4. Capistrano Valley: With two Thorntons playing (Todd and Brad) and one coaching (Mark), the Cougars are the best bet to finish second to Mater Dei in the South Coast League. Plenty of talent coming in from the junior varsity team.

5. Esperanza: Empire League co-champions in 1992 and outright champions last season. The Aztecs will be strong again. Mark Thimgan returns and there is enough height to challenge Los Alamitos. Josh Greer (6-6) is one of the top sophomores in the county.

6. Magnolia: Frankie Henderson and Brandon Hearvey are back and should be even better. The Sentinels have size, speed and talent--all the ingredients necessary to make a big push in the playoffs.

7. Servite: The Friars will make some noise in the Sunset League. Mark Seaton (6-9) is the second-best big man in the league. Three other starters return. Add to that the Friars’ infamous pit, where they play home games--that’s seven league victories right there.

8. Santa Ana Valley: The Falcons went from having a rebuilding season to a championship season. Three transfers, most notably former Mater Dei guard Olujimi Mann, make them a force. We’re not just talking Century League title here, we’re talking section championship, provided everything gels.

9. Trabuco Hills: Can’t keep the Mustangs down. Every year they lose a lot to graduation and every year they seem to win or share the Pacific Coast League championship. The Mustangs have three starters back.

10. Tustin: The Tillers aren’t the biggest or the fastest or even the most talented team, but they have possibly the top point guard in the county in Doug Gottlieb and a bunch of guys who are solid. All they have to do is survive the always-vicious Sea View League.

Others: Century, Edison, La Habra, Katella, Marina, Orange, Pacifica, Santa Margarita, Troy.