BASKETBALL LEAGUE PREVIEWS: TEAM BY TEAM : Girls Valley Pac-8 : MID-VALLEY LEAGUE 4-A

MONROE

1994-95: 14-9, 6-4

If three starters had not transferred over the summer, Monroe would be challenging for its second league title in four seasons. But no starters return, no player is taller than 5-9 and no player in the Monroe program has had more than two seasons of experience in organized basketball. But don’t underestimate the Vikings. Mirna Martinez (5-9) and Maria Montez (5-6) are each averaging 12 points.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD

1994-95: 20-3, 10-0

The Huskies don’t figure to lose again--if at all--until the postseason. They lost Anna Celaya to graduation but have plenty of talent. Best player is 5-10 senior Samantha Fargeon, who averaged 11.6 points and 12.7 rebounds and was an All-City selection last season.

SYLMAR

1994-95: 12-5, 7-3

The Spartans’ 1-5 start is a clear indication that they have little hope to challenge North Hollywood for the title, as they did last season. But the young, inexperienced squad should improve down the stretch and could be spoilers. Sylmar faces Van Nuys and Monroe in its final two league games.

VAN NUYS

1994-95: 6-13, 3-7

So what if the Wolves finished last in the league last season? That was then, this is now. All five starters return and if any team has a shot against North Hollywood, it is Van Nuys. But the Wolves will need to perfect their shooting skills because only one starter is taller than 5-6 and the team does not rebound well.

EAST VALLEY LEAGUE 3-A

CANOGA PARK

1994-95: 2-14, 1-9

First-year Coach Mark Nogy inherited a team that lacks discipline, experience and a will to win. But given time, he hopes to build a consistent winner, much the way second-year Coach Ralph Turner has done with the Canoga Park boys’ team. With no height and little speed, the Hunters will be hard pressed not to finish last in the league. They are 1-6, picking up a victory over Fremont by forfeit.

GRANT

1994-95: 13-11, 6-4

Grant has the personnel to repeat as league champion. The Lancers have gotten off to a 6-2 start, sparked by three returning starters who helped the team advance to the quarterfinal round of the playoffs last season. With 6-foot Nakeisha Perkins working inside and Poma Stevenson outside, Grant has the best one-two punch in the league.

POLY

1994-95: 14-10, 6-4

It’s rebuilding time again at Poly. The Parrots graduated four starters and have tried to fill the void with 5-11 Latoya Seeley and 5-6 Patti Sandoval (5-6), converted volleyball players who are playing organized basketball for the first time. Poly (6-6) will surprise some teams not paying attention.

RESEDA

1994-95: 1-11, 1-9

Reseda (2-4) has already doubled last season’s victory total. With 6-5 LaShonda Holland, the Regents figure to win a few more. Holland averaged 14.4 points and 10.3 rebounds last season. With only seven players, the Regents must avoid foul trouble.