GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW : A State Title for Washington? : Coach says her player depth gives the Generals the equivalent of ‘two starting-five teams.’ But first they must get past Crenshaw, Carson and Roosevelt.

Julie Rousseau learned what it takes to win a City Section girls’ basketball title as an assistant to former Coach Phil Chase during Washington High’s 4-A title reign between 1989-92.

Rousseau, in her third year as head coach at Washington, believes the Generals have the potential this season to make a run for the City title--and a state championship.

“This is the best team I have ever had,” Rousseau, 29, said. “I’m sure they could give the Washington alumni a run for their money. But my ultimate goal is to do something that hasn’t been done at this school before. And that’s to bring home a state championship.”

That’s saying a lot. The Generals were 105-17 and won 65 consecutive games against City competition during their championship run but never made it past the Southern California Regional final.

The balance of power in the City will likely lie in the rugged Southern Pacific Conference. Three of last year’s 4-A semifinal teams were from the conference, which has produced the last six 4-A champion teams as well as 1993 3-A champion Banning.

Although Washington has a talented team, the Generals can expect plenty of competition from Crenshaw, the two-time defending City 4-A champion, which shared the Southern League title with Washington and Carson, all with 8-2 records.

Crenshaw (22-6) returns All-City forward Kristi Lattin, a 6-foot senior, along with sophomore center Naila Mosely (6-0), junior Devon King (5-5) and senior Bridgette Jemison (5-10). Carson, a 4-A semifinalist, is bolstered by the addition of senior Shannon Burton, a 5-7 transfer from Crenshaw.

Roosevelt (21-2), winner of four of the last six Southeastern Conference titles, is also a force. The Roughriders, who are led by the senior trio of center Zenobia Tyson Hunt (6-2) and 5-7 guards Jennifer Brambila and Edna Alvarez, took Crenshaw to two overtimes in last year’s City final.

South Gate has arguably the City’s best player in junior Ruby Maciel, who can single-handedly carry an inexperienced Rams far into the playoffs.

“Washington has a lot of new players and has a lot of size for a City team,” Crenshaw co-coach Greg Cobbs said. “All the competition in our conference tends to make us a better team in the long run. But people don’t realize we have four returning starters and two championship banners. The title is ours until someone takes it from us.”

Last season, Crenshaw lost twice to Washington--its only losses against City competition.

All-City guard Tina Greer (5-2), who averaged 12.7 points, four assists and 5.7 steals, and center Jackie Lauderdale are back from that 18-7 Washington team, which reached the 4-A semifinals. Junior guard Shimika Stringer (5-6) and sophomore forwards Shawnee Pickney (5-11) and Kanisha Best (5-8) also return.

Washington’s newcomers, however, include five transfers who have stirred Rousseau’s optimism.

Trysta Wilson, a 5-7 junior guard, was a member of the Mohicans’ 3-A champion last season. Sophomore center Laneishe Williams (6-0) and forward Courtneigh Burns (5-11) are from Muir. Guard Erika Martinez (5-7) and center Lareishia Finley (6-2), both juniors, are transfers from Serra and Fontana.

“We had some really nice talent returning, but this team is so well-rounded and deep that we literally have two starting-five teams,” Rousseau said.

Washington won’t have to wait long to test its strength.

The Generals open the season Saturday against Belmont in the 14-team Washington tournament. Crenshaw, Kennedy, Dorsey, Los Alamitos, Venice, South Gate, Huntington Park and Marshall are among the teams who will compete.

On Dec. 7, Washington plays Lynwood, last year’s State Division I runner-up, which has a 62-2 record over two seasons. The home game will be a rematch of this summer’s Watts Summer Games final won by Lynwood.

From there, it’s off to the prestigious Tournament of Champions in Santa Barbara, which features many of the top teams on the West coast, before starting Southern Pacific Conference play in January.

Top Players to Watch

Tina Greer

School: Washington

Height: 5-2

Position: Guard

‘93-94 Performance: The junior was named to the All-City team after helping the Generals to the 4-A semifinals. Averaged 12.7 points, four assists and 5.7 steals. She was named most valuale player of the Washington tournament after scored 30 points in the final to lead the Generals to their second championship in three years.

Buzz for ‘94-’95: Will be the catalyist in the Generals’ drive for their five City title in seven years.

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Kristi Lattin

School: Crenshaw

Height: 5-7

Position: Guard-forward

‘93-94 Performance: The 6-0 senior averaged 20.1 points and seven rebounds. She scored 18 points and had four three-point baskets in the City 4-A final to help the Cougars to their second consecutive title.

Buzz for ‘94-’95: A three-year starter, the versatile Lattin is equally effective playing at the post or on the wing. Was impressive during summer league play.

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Jackie Leverett

School: Jefferson

Height: 5-9

Position: Guard

‘93-94 Performance: An All-City 3-A selection, Leverett averaged 19 points and nine rebounds. She also led the Democrats in blocked shots at 5.5 per game.

Buzz for ‘94-’95: A three-year starter, Leverett was a member of the Democrats’ 1992 City champion team and last year’s semifinalist team. The senior will be looked to for scoring, ball-handling and rebounding this season.

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Ruby Maciel

School: South Gate

Height: 5-9

Position: Forward

‘93-94 Performance: The junior averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds, scoring in double figures in 22 of 23 games, to earn All-City honors.

Buzz for ‘94-’95: An all-around player, Maciel is a good ball-handler and rebounder and can shoot from the outside. The Rams’ hopes for a fourth-consecutive berth in the City 4-A quarterfinals will ride on Maciel.

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Naila Moseley

School: Crenshaw

Height: 6-0

Position: Center

‘93-94 Performance: Was the only freshman starter on Crenshaw’s City 4-A champion team last season. Averaged 14 points.

Buzz for ‘94-’95: The sophomore is considered a Division I college prospect. Good post player and rebounder. Hard to stop inside the key.

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Aisha Savage

School: Fremont

Height: 5-9

Position: Guard

‘93-94 Performance: Averaged 14 points and was selected to the All-Eastern League team.

Buzz for ‘94-’95: The senior possesses outstanding quickness. She has shown steady improvement over the off-season to become one of the City’s top guards.

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Zenobia Tyson Hunt

School: Roosevelt

Height: 6-3

Position: Center

‘93-94 Performance: The senior had 23 points and 21 rebounds in last year’s City 4-A final. Averaged 16 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks to lead the Roughriders to their fourth Southeastern Conference title in six seasons.

Buzz for ‘94-’95: Hunt established herself as one of the City’s premier post players last season. An additional year of experience will solidify the Roughriders’ prospects for returning to the 4-A championship.

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Adriana Villalobos

School: Bell Gardens

Height: 5-5

Position: Guard

‘93-94 Performance: The senior averaged seven points a game and was named to the All-Almont League team.

Buzz for ‘94-’95: The off-guard is the Lancers’ top defensive player and outside shooter. Has improved quickness.