GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW : City Section

Northern Conference

Belmont

* Coach: Carol Cracchiola, second year.

* 1993-94 Record: 14-6.

* Prediction: The Sentinels shared the conference title with Franklin and reached the City 4-A quarterfinals last season. Belmont could equal last season’s showing with the bulk of the team returning.

* Game not to miss: Marshall at Belmont, Jan 27.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Zakiyyah Johnson 5-11 C Jr. Blanca Monsivais 5-10 C Sr. Vilma Quevado 5-0 G Sr. Nancy Gracia 5-6 G Sr. Edith Bailon 5-6 F Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Kohun Dork 5-3 G Jr. Elia Cobian 5-5 G Sr. Herminia Oceguera 5-8 F Jr. Sandra Canote 5-8 F Jr.

Franklin

* Coach: Wayne Nagata, sixth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 13-5.

* Prediction: The Panthers won a share of the conference title last season and have qualified for the playoffs for the last six seasons. Franklin’spostseason run should continue with the addition of sophomore Janice Archilla who will be used in the post and on the wing.

* Game not to miss: Marshall at Franklin, Jan. 6.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Angie Barraza 5-7 F Sr. Stephanie Somo 5-2 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Janice Archilla 5-7 G So. Blanca Gonzalez 5-6 G Sr. Amy Yang 5-6 F Sr. Michelle Escalera 5-3 G Sr. Catharine Castro 5-2 G So. Nicole Gladden 5-8 C Jr.

Lincoln

* Coach: Doreen Williams, fourth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 9-6.

* Prediction: The Tigers will rely on team speed and pressure defense to make up for a lack of height under the basket.

* Game not to miss: Marshall at Lincoln, Jan. 4.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Martha Reyes 5-8 F Sr. Maria Donato 5-6 G Jr. Diana Quinones 6-2 G/F Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Melissa Zamora 5-6 G Jr. Sonya Reyes 5-6 G Jr. Brenda Ponce 5-8 F Fr.

Marshall

* Coach: Wendy Triplett, 10th year.

* 1993-94 Record: 20-6.

* Prediction: The Barristers finished third in the Northern Conference last year, but could take over the top spot. Marshall has one of the top backcourts with returning seniors off-guard Jamie Kogan, an outside shooting threat, and point guard Corey Kobata.

* Game not to miss: Belmont at Marshall, Dec. 9.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Jamie Kogan 5-6 G Sr. Corey Kobata 5-5 G Sr. Solette Kummer 6-0 C Sr. Eva Rodriguez 5-1 G Sr. Kelly Quesada 5-3 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Christine Bell 5-3 G Jr. Jamie Kuniyoshi 5-7 F Jr. Amy Au-Yueng 5-2 G Sr. Karina Vicuna 5-6 F Jr. Trelayne Maitre 5-6 F Sr.

Wilson

* Coach: Mike Guzman, first year.

* 1993-94 Record: 7-10.

* Prediction: The Mules’ offense will revolve around senior guard Donna Gordon. A three-year returning starter, Gordon is the team’s best ball-handler and outside shooter.

* Game not to miss: Franklin at Wilson, Jan. 20.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Rene Bayless 5-6 G Sr. Donna Gordon 5-6 G Sr. Tracy Tran 5-9 F Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Christine Duran 5-3 G Jr. Myra Garcia 5-5 G Jr. Brisa Romero 5-3 G Sr. Sylvia Gonzalez 5-9 F Jr.

Southeastern Conference

Bell

* Coach: Sallie Fujii, fourth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 11-12.

* Prediction: Juniors Alma Ruvalcaba and Sandra Munguia will lead a starting lineup of underclassmen. The fleet-footed Ruvalcaba is accurate from three-point range and Munguia can score from inside or outside the key. Karen Laramie, Ivonne Perez and Yvonne Serrano were elevated from last year’s junior varsity team.

* Game not to miss: Jefferson at Bell, Dec. 7.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Alma Ruvalcaba 5-2 G Jr. Sandra Munguia 5-5 F Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Sandra Laramie 5-8 C Jr. Erika Diaz 5-3 G Jr. Yvonne Serrano 5-4 G So. Ivonne Perez 5-6 F Jr. Claudia Villalobos 5-4 G Sr. Nancy Perez 5-3 G Sr. Myra Enciso 5-5 F Sr.

Fremont

* Coach: Mat Taylor, 10th year.

* 1993-94 Record: 16-11.

* Prediction: Aisha Savage, who averaged 14 points, is a returning all-league player. Florastine Hillis is the Pathfinders’ top defensive player.

* Game not to miss: South Gate at Fremont, Dec. 7.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Aisha Savage 5-9 G Sr. Florastine Hillis 5-8 F Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Migan Murray 5-6 G Jr. Keshay Scott 5-2 G So. Sharon Robinson 5-4 G Sr. Aida Villatoro 5-4 G Jr.

Garfield

* Coach: Coleen Ota, 18th year

* 1993-94 Record: 11-10.

* Prediction: The Bulldogs may be the team of the the future with sophomore Shaina Litvak freshmen Jennifer Bracamontes and Korina Chavez expected to play prominent roles.

* Game not to miss: Roosevelt at Garfield, Jan. 6.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Monica Abundis 5-5 G Sr. Maria Medina 5-5 G Sr. Miriam Gonzalez 5-6 F Jr. Charlene Duran 5-0 G Jr. Angela Cardenas 5-2 G Jr. Leticia Cruz 5-6 G/F Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Sandra Ramirez 5-4 G Sr. Yolanda Duran 5-7 F/C Jr. Shaina Litvak 5-3 G So. J. Bracamontes 5-4 G Fr. Korina Chavez 5-4 G Fr.

Huntington Park

* Coach: Laurie Woerfel, fourth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 3-17.

* Prediction: The leadership of third-year varsity starter Sandra Mendoza will help an otherwise young and inexperienced squad.

* Game not to miss: Huntington Park at Roosevelt, Jan. 11. Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Sandra Mendoza 5-8 F Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. G. Quintana 5-4 G Fr. Susanna Corrales 5-9 C So. Nicole Carrera 5-8 F So. Rosalina Flores 5-8 F Jr.

Jefferson

* Coach: Curtis Hughes, second year.

* 1993-94 Record: 19-8.

* Prediction: The Democrats reached the City 3-A semifinals last season and won the 3-A title in 1993. Jackie Leverett, a three-year starter, returns for final season after averaging 20 points a game. Grace Smart, a member of the 3-A title team, returns after transferring to Dorsey. Jefferson should contend for another title again this season.

* Game not to miss: Roosevelt at Jefferson, Jan. 30. Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Jackie Leverett 5-9 G Sr. Monique Edwards 6-0 C Sr. Ebony Robinson 5-7 G Jr. Lavonde Thompson 5-10 F Jr. Marshay Wallace 5-6 G So.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Grace Smart 5-7 G Sr. Tanya Thompson 6-0 F Fr. Jacquelina Gil 5-6 G Jr.

Jordan

* Coach: Roosevelt Wilson, 2nd year.

* 1993-94 Record: 1-10.

* Prediction: The Bulldogs will rely on the experience of forward-center Rosie Quintas and guard Eboni Taylor to help them contend in the tough Southeastern Conference.

* Game not to miss: Jefferson at Jordan, Jan. 4.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Rosie Quintas 5-8 F/C Sr. Eboni Taylor 5-6 G Jr.

Top Newcomers: None

Locke

* Coach: Lucious Franklin and Karen Anderson-Warren, fifth year.

* 1993-94 Record:6-11.

* Prediction: The improved Saints, who played well in the summer leagues, will get lots of scoring production from Donna Dumas, Shamika Higgins and Donnette Lloyd. A return to the playoffs is possible.

* Game not to miss: Jefferson at Locke, Jan. 11.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Donna Dumas 5-1 G Sr. Shamika Higgins 5-6 G/F Jr. Melissa Wilson 6-0 C Jr. Tanisha Hunter 6-0 F-C Jr. Donnette Lloyd 5-7 F Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Tamara Carter 5-11 F/C Sr.

Roosevelt

* Coach: Dora Perez, first year.

* 1993-94 Record: 21-2.

* Prediction: Roosevelt returns three starters from a team that won the Eastern League and reached the City Section 4-A finals. Zenobia Tyson-Hunt averaged 18 points, 15 rebounds and four blocked shots.

* Game not to miss: South Gate at Fremont, Dec. 2.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Zenobia Tyson-Hunt 6-4 C Sr. Edna Alvarez 5-5 G Sr. Jennifer Brambila 5-4 G Sr. Hilda Perales 5-7 F Sr. Mia Santoyo 5-10 F Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Dawn Pellerin 5-9 F Jr. Melissa Ramos 5-7 F Jr.

South Gate

* Coach: Sharon Robertson, 13th year.

* 1993-94 Record: 17-6.

* Prediction: The Rams have qualifed for the playoffs 10 of the past 12 years. Ruby Maciel is the only returning starter. South Gate’s fortunes will hinge upon how much the All-City 4-A forward can make up for the Rams’ inexperience.

* Game not to miss: Roosevelt at South Gate, Jan. 18.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Ruby Maciel 5-8 F Jr. Ethel Ochoa 5-4 G Sr. Melita Steward 5-7 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Ysenia Aguirre 5-3 G Jr. Karen Vizcarra 5-9 C So. Veronica Enriquez 5-8 F Jr. Darlene Kim 5-4 G Jr. Laura Avalos 5-5 G Jr. Veronica Vasquez 5-6 F So. Larissa Spratley 5-5 G Jr.

Coastal Conference

Los Angeles

* Coach: Loretta Hadley, second year.

* 1993-94 Record: 0-10.

* Prediction: The Romans could be one of the most improved teams in the Metro League. Karina Wells, Mary-Ann Rafois and Camilla Wright form a good scoring nucleus.

* Game not to miss: Hamilton at Los Angeles, Feb. 10.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Karina Wells 5-10 F Sr. Mary-Ann Rafois 5-0 G Sr. Camilla Wright 5-6 F Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Latisha Higgins 5-1 G Sr. Latoya Higgins 5-1 G Sr.

Manual Arts

* Coach:Andrea Anthony, first year.

* 1993-94 Record:12-5.

* Prediction:Under new coach Andrea Anthony, the Toilers should dominate the Coastal Conference as they have in the past. Martha Angol will have to take up the scoring slack left with the graduation of Ronneka Taylor. Leslie Espino is the team’s best defensive player.

* Game not to miss:Manual Arts at Crenshaw, Dec. 7.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Martha Angol 5-7 G Sr. Leslie Espino 5-8 F Sr. Flor Sandoval 5-7 G Sr. Angela Johnson 5-10 F Sr. Karina Benaviedes 5-8 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Shawnta Jones 5-9 F So. Stephanie Taylor 5-9 F So. Jovanae St. Cyr 5-10 C So.

Southern Pacific Conference

Crenshaw

* Coaches: Greg Cobbs, Major Dennis, Marion Flowers.

* 1993-94 Record: 22-6.

* Prediction: After winning two consecutive City Section 4-A titles, the Cougars return a strong lineup led by Kristi Lattin and Naila Mosley, who are among the top players in Los Angeles. Lattin was named to the West Coast All-American team after the BCI summer tournament in Phoenix. Watch Daniel Rainey to move into the starting lineup when conference play begins.

* Game not to miss: Washington at Crenshaw, Feb. 8.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Kristi Lattin 6-0 G Sr. Naila Moseley 6-0 F So. Bridgette Jemison 5-10 F Sr. Sommer Tillett 5-4 G Sr. Devon King 5-7 G Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Quiana Knox 5-11 G Jr. Daniel Rainey 5-7 G Fr. Kiesha Shephard 5-8 F So.

Dorsey

* Coach: Saundra Cox and Willie White, eighth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 6-9 in Southern Pacific Conference.

* Prediction: The Dons, who were moved to the Pacific League, will try to return to the playoffs with a talented group led by guard Marae Glenn, center Kelly Johnson and guard Francine Gonzalez.

* Game not to miss: Crenshaw at Dorsey, Jan. 11.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Kelly Johnson 6-2 C Jr. Marae Glenn 5-6 G Jr. Francine Gonzalez 5-5 G Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Lakeisha Coleman 5-9 F Jr. Jovan Ricketts 5-10 F Jr.

Washington

* Coach: Julie Rousseau, third year.

* 1993-94 Record: 18-7.

* Prediction: Washington has more depth than last season’s team that reached the semifinals of the City 4-A playoffs. The Generals have little drop-off from their first to second five players.

* Game not to miss: Crenshaw at Washington, Jan. 27.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Tina Greer 5-2 G Jr. Jackie Lauderdale 6-1 C Sr. Shimika Stringer 5-5 G Jr. Kanisha Best 5-11 F So. Shawnee Pickney 5-11 F So.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Courtneigh Burns 5-11 G/F So. Camille Norwood 5-6 G Fr. Laneishe Williams 6-0 C So. Trysta Wilson 5-7 G/F Jr. Bobbi Mullins 5-8 G/F So. Erika Martinez 5-6 G Jr. Lareishia Finley 6-2 C Jr.

Southern Section

Bell Gardens

* Coach: Carlos Zaragoza, third year.

* 1993-94 Record: 13-13.

* Prediction: Bell Gardens has its deepest team in years. Guards Adriana Villalobos and Maria Munoz are returning all-league players. The Lancers could challenge Schurr and San Gabriel for the Almont League title.

* Game not to miss: Schurr at Bell Gardens, Jan. 27.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Adriana Villalobos 5-5 G Sr. Susan Rendon 5-8 F Sr. Maria Munoz 5-3 G Sr. Raquel Becerra 5-5 G Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Maria Lemus 5-4 G Jr. Sandy Ochoa 5-7 F Jr. Diane Cordoso 5-7 F Jr. Lisa Valenzuela 5-9 F Jr.

Conaty/Loretto

* Coach: George Ratana, first year.

* 1993-94 Record: 0-8.

* Prediction: The Wildcats return all five starters plus impressive and big freshman. Erica Castenada, a 5-5 point guard, is a good outside shooter.

* Game not to miss: St. Matthias at Bishop Conaty/Loretto, Feb. 7.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Erica Castenada 5-5 G So. Jennifer Conterras 5-3 F Jr. Patty Martinez 5-5 G So. Sabrina Vargas 5-7 C Jr. Patty Limon 5-7 F So.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. La Greta Chung 5-6 F Fr. Elizabeth Barragan 5-3 G Fr.

Pilgrim

* Coach: Gene Hicks, third year.

* 1993-94 Record: 18-5.

* Prediction: The Patriots finished second in the Heritage League and reached the second round of the Southern Section Division V-A playoffs. Dawn Fields, a fourth-year starter, is one of five returning starters. She averaged 15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds a game.

* Game not to miss: Pilgrim at Ribet Academy, Jan. 20.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Dawn Fields 5-8 F Sr. Reiko Osaki 5-3 G Jr. Gina Nicholson 5-9 F Sr. Marcia Leatherwood 5-6 G So.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Brandi Brown 5-9 F Fr. Nancy Chu 5-5 G Fr.

Sacred Heart

* Coach: Ray Lopez, fourth year.

* 1993-94 Record: 10-8.

* Prediction: The Comets finished second in the Horizon League and expect another strong finish again this season. Patty Ortiz, who averaged 14 points a game, is a quick point guard who will run the Comets’ motion offense. Vanessa Wongyai averaged seven points and four rebounds a game.

* Game not to miss: Ramona Convent at Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jan. 31.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Patty Ortiz 5-3 G So. Vanessa Wongyai 5-7 G Jr. Ilene Perez 5-9 C Sr. Raquel Gutierrez 5-10 F Sr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Marisol Sotelo 5-6 F Fr. Evelyn Mcomie 5-10 C So.

St. Matthias

* Coach: Lisa Sinni, first year.

* 1993-94 Record: N/A.

* Prediction: The Victorians finished second in the Sunrise League last season and return three starters from that team. Elizabeth Diaz averaged 10 points a game and is strong inside player and rebounder. Leticia Tun, who is a good outside shooter, returns after spending one season at Pius X. The Victorians should contest Regina Caeli for the Sunrise title.

* Game not to miss: Regina Caeli at St. Matthias, Feb. 9.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Elizabeth Diaz 5-11 C Sr. Carolina Valle 5-4 G Jr. Janet Mora 5-6 F So. Christina Vasquez 5-6 F So.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Leticia Tun 5-4 G Jr. Alma De La Torre 5-11 F Sr. Martha Lima 5-4 G Fr. Karina Aguilar 5-6 F Fr.

St. Michael’s

* Coach: Shirley Cole, 1st year.

* 1993-94 Record: 1-6.

* Prediction: The Starlets are rebuilding after graduating six seniors. Point guard Trisha Hernandez, who averaged four points and three assists a game, will be running the offense. Naesha Conner, a 5-7 junior, will be the team’s primary scorer.

* Game not to miss: Regina Caeli at St. Michael’s, Jan. 7.

Top Returning Players

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Trisha Hernandez 5-1 G Jr. Naesha Conner 5-7 F Jr. Charmia Delerey 5-5 G So. Janae Oliver 6-1 C Jr. Donnetta Rankins 5-7 F Jr.

Top Newcomers

NAME HGT. POS. YR. Tiffany Cabral 5-3 F Fr.

Handicapping the Top 10

Ranking, conference and 1993-94 record:

1. Washington, Southern Pacific, 18-7

Comment: Could contend for State title

*

Ranking, conference and 1993-94 record:

2. Crenshaw, Southern Pacific, 22-6

Comment: May win third City 4-A title

*

Ranking, conference and 1993-94 record:

3. Roosevelt, Southeastern, 21-2

Comment: Perennial powerhouse

*

Ranking, conference and 1993-94 record:

4. South Gate, Southeastern, 17-6

Comment: Talented, but inexperienced

*

Ranking, conference and 1993-94 record:

5. Belmont, Northern, 14-6

Comment: Could go far in playoffs

*

Ranking, conference and 1993-94 record:

6. Fremont, Southeastern, 16-11

Comment: Best longshot pick

*

Ranking, conference and 1993-94 record:

7. Locke, Southeastern, 6-11

Comment: Talent is there for turnaround

*

Ranking, conference and 1993-94 record:

8. Marshall, Northern, 20-6

Comment: Has one of best backcourts

*

Ranking, conference and 1993-94 record:

9. Franklin, Northern, 13-5

Comment: A wealth of new players

*

Ranking, conference and 1993-94 record:

10. Jefferson, Southeastern, 19-8

Comment: Won 1993 City 3-A title