1995-96 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW : ORANGE LEAGUE

Anaheim: 3-17, 0-10 in 1994-95. Coach: Ricky Jackson (first year). Prospects: The Colonists have two starters back from last year’s team, but not much else. Depth is a problem, but at least they have forward/guard Stephanie Durrett returning. Durrett (5-11 1/2) averaged 14.3 points and 11.6 rebounds; she was an all-league selection despite her team’s record. Durrett is joined by point guard Sheree Cook (4.0 points). Big contributions will be needed from sophomore Brenda Arreola and juniors Yadira Moreno and Tee Coleman for Anaheim to make some noise in the league race.

Brea Olinda: 30-3, 10-0 in 1994-95. Coach: Jeff Sink (second year, 30-3). Prospects: The Ladycats are expected to win their 14th consecutive league title, and for good reason. They have seven players back from last year’s team. Although only two starters return, junior point guard Jennifer Saari (9.8 points, 3.9 assists, 46.9% from field) and guard Marissa Bradley (nine points), the team’s defensive stopper. Saari is the leading returning three-point shooter in the county (44.4%), and Bradley had the fifth-best shooting percentage in the county (57.1%). Brea will be hurt by Kiyoko Miller’s transfer to Cerritos Valley Christian; Miller (12.6 points, 3.8 assists) was a Times’ All-County first team performer. However, guard Janelle Ralph, junior forwards Stephanie Wettlin (5-11, 4.6 points) and Rochelle Anthony (5-10, 6.3 points), and sophomore Catherine Solorio (5-7) got their share of playing time last year. Anthony’s a relentless rebounder. Sophomore forward Sarah Middlebrooke (5-11) is coming off a knee injury that kept her out most of the year. This team is actually pointed toward next year; they may not win 30, but they could still win 25.

Magnolia: 17-8, 6-4 in 1994-95. Coach: Doug Romeo (seventh year, 70-70). Prospects: The Sentinels have one of the county’s best players in forward Andrea Picchi (5-11, 15.1 points, 15 rebounds, 49.1% from the field), a four-year starter. Picchi will shoulder much of the burden for the Sentinels, whom Romeo said will put an entirely new group of teammates around her for the third season in a row. She will be asked to play every position at one time or another. Amber Pickett, who shot 38.3% from the three-point line while averaging 6.6 points, will have to pick up some slack, along with junior center Stacy Tewell (6-0, 7.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 49.1% from the field).

Savanna: 6-16, 2-8 in 1994-95. Coach: Teisha Clark (first year). Prospects: The Rebels have no standouts among the six returning players, but one is junior guard Shannon Pendergraft, who shot 33% from the three-point arc last year.

Valencia: 8-16, 6-4 in 1994-95. Coach: Mike Arias (first year). Prospects: Two starters, guard Belinda Lee and forward Shelly Gamba (5-8, 10 points), return. The Tigers have four players 5-11 or taller, including junior Roxanna Stumps (6-2, 3.0 points, 5.0 rebounds), who should develop as a primary inside threat along with junior Allison Jacobs (6-1, 13.5 points on the JV team).

Western: 12-10, 6-4 in 1994-95. Coach: Michael Mercer (second year, 12-10). Prospects: The Pioneers finished in a three-way tie for second place last year with Magnolia and Valencia, but lost to Troy in the first round, 70-47. They should have every opportunity to return with junior guard/forward Adrienne Ratajczak (5-9, 14.6 points, 8.6 rebounds) again in the lineup. Ratajczak is joined by Western’s best defender, Nancy Herrera (5-8, 8 points, 4 rebounds) and sophomore Brandie Mercer (5-7 1/2, 7 points, 6 rebounds).