TEAMS TO WATCH

* CHATSWORTH

1994-95: 20-5, West Valley League champion

Fluke Fluker took over in May, becoming the third coach in three seasons at Chatsworth. He inherits a team that lost to Fremont in the 4-A quarterfinals on a last-second basket. Three starters return from that team, including senior center Eddie Miller (6-8, 230) and point guard Jerome Joseph (6-0, 185), both all-state selections. Senior guard T.J. McCoy (6-3, 185), the third returning starter, suffered a broken foot in the preseason and will need time to regain form. Miller, one of the top post players in the region, averaged 17.5 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.9 blocked shots. Joseph averaged 19.7 points and five assists. The Chancellors received a blow two weeks ago when transfer Exavien Browdek (6-8, 230), Miller’s cousin, was declared academically ineligible.

* CLEVELAND

1994-95: 7-15, third in West Valley League

Don’t be fooled by the Cavaliers’ dismal record last season. Cleveland is loaded. Even if transfer Akua Floyd (6-8, 205) isn’t granted another year of eligibility, they will be tough to beat. Three starters return and the Cavaliers also have senior guard Tony Hoggatts (6-6, 170), a transfer who has been enrolled at several schools. Cleveland will start the tallest lineup in the region: The starters all are 6-3 or taller. And considering the junior varsity was 12-3 last season, there is more talent on the bench than some teams have starting. Cleveland played Simi Valley, Saugus, Crespi, Notre Dame, Montclair Prep and Faith Baptist over the summer and beat them all, Coach Kevin Crider said. Crider expects his team to shoot 50%, which would be a marked improvement on a 30% showing last season. The Cavaliers will find out early if they are for real. They are playing in the Thousand Oaks tournament next month.

* BIRMINGHAM

1994-95: 16-10, North Valley League champion

The Braves are young, inexperienced and unproven. But what Birmingham has in its favor is tremendous. His name is David Redmond and he has plenty of game to carry the team. Redmond, a 6-6, 210-pound junior, is the only returning starter. But coaches are predicting a 3-A championship appearance for the Braves. Guards Fahim Hassinkhail (5-7, 135) and Edward Maldur (5-10, 165) will work the backcourt while Ellis Richardson (6-3, 175) and Eric Velazquez (6-1, 170) help Redmond underneath. Velazquez is the only senior expected to start.

Other teams to watch: After the top three, it’s a crapshoot. Lots of teams with one or two experienced players and a gaggle of youth, such as Granada Hills, Kennedy, El Camino Real, North Hollywood, Poly and San Fernando. Then there’s Sylmar, which has four starters returning from a team that finished 2-19. Sylmar also has added four transfers. The most-interesting team might be Canoga Park, which won the Mid-Valley League title and finished 12-11 last season. Star player Ryan Sylva (17.3 points, 13.2 rebounds) has graduated, but two returning starters and two senior transfers from Cleveland should help the Hunters.