GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE

Bolsa Grande. 11-15, 6-6 in 1995-96. Coach: Mike Anderson (first year). Prospects: Anderson was hired away from Santiago. The summer basketball program didn’t go too well and it will be rough sailing for a while. “The kids are looking for a new beginning and that is what we will give them,” Anderson said. Aubrey Dierhart and Duc Nguyen return. Nguyen averaged 16.7 points. Also back are guard Alonso Campos, Matt Mason, a 6-6 forward, and swingman Mike Severno. Newcomers include Jeff Aichelman, Lamar Holloway and Ryan Pham.

Garden Grove. 2-23, 0-12 1995-96. Coach: Dewey Van Cleave (13th year, 128-138). Prospects: Van Cleave rates his club a dark horse. “If we play defense, we can be competitive,” he said. Point guard Jose Gonzales, who averaged 10 points and seven rebounds, returns, as does 6-6 center Eric Kenneth and 6-2 forward Mitch Levassuer. Looking to get a starting spot are guards Josh Martinez and Jeff Pocoroba and forward Brian Carraby. Newcomers are Justin Clarkson, Antonio Herridia, Mac Kopec, Roland Quach and Alphonso Stovall.

La Quinta. 13-13, 7-5 in 1995-96. Coach: Craig Snider (second year, 12-13). Center Scott Ogilvie and point guard Dan Cotto return from a team that was much better than its record indicated. The Aztecs forfeited four games because of an ineligible player. Ogilvie averaged 13.4 points and 9.4 rebounds. Eric Mason, a 6-1 post, and Drew White, a 5-10 guard, should also have impact. Sophomore post Ben Fredrickson will most likely start. Guards Brian Cisneros, Hai Nguyen, Riorello Ramos and Nam Truong will battle for playing time, as will forward Amir Bonja. Injuries have slowed at least five players.

Los Amigos. 15-12, 7-5 in 1995-96. Coach: Don Grable (fourth year, 37-40). Prospects: Grable is carrying a roster of only nine players but says the Lobos have great team chemistry. John Elsaesser, a 6-6 senior center who averaged 10 points and five rebounds last season, will be looked to for leadership. He is a potential league most valuable player. Senior guard Michael Wahl is the other returning starter. Senior guards Kennedy Vu and Darryl Yip probably will start with 6-3 junior Gabriel Sagrero and 6-0 senior Shaun Tagatauli battling for another starting spot.

Pacifica. 11-17, 7-5 in 1995-96. Coach: Bob Becker (fourth year, 58-30). Prospects: The Mariners are a league favorite, although Becker’s vote is with La Quinta and Garden Grove. “I think every team in this league will be better than last year,” he said. Lack of height is a problem. Center Gary Wallace is 6-1 and no guards are over 6-0. They are Brian Barre, Jeff Davidson, Danny Dihn, Brad Mastros and Jeff Swan.

Rancho Alamitos. 12-14, 9-3 in 1995-96. Coach: Eric Hamamoto (eighth year, 89-82). Prospects: The Vaqueros’ shelf isn’t bare, but it’s close. No starters return, although 6-9 Zeke Silverman, 6-4 Hasheem Hicks and 6-2 Chris Torina give the team good height. Chino transfer Andre Dansby (6-2) and 6-1 Henry Huisar, up from the junior varsity, are also expected to see action. Hamamoto calls his team a spoiler. “We have a good work ethic and good attitudes,” he said.

Santiago. 12-12, 5-7 in 1995-96. Coach: Mike DaDeppo (first year). Prospects: The Cavaliers return three part-time players from last season: Senior swingman Oscar Beltran and senior forwards/centers Brian Hawkins and Ronnie Harrell. Others vying for starting roles are sophomore guard Jose Lizarrars, juniors Aris Lindo and Ben Tran and senior Matt Morehouse. “We are hopeful to find a spot somewhere in the pack,” DaDeppo said.

--Capsules by PAUL McLEOD