Esperanza

Coach: Kurt Kersten (sixth year).

1996: 16-3, 9-1 in Sunset League; tied for the league title with Huntington Beach then lost in the Division I semifinals to North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake.

Key returners: Jon Alleman, 6-4, middle blocker, Sr.; Kyle Anderson, 6-3, middle blocker, Sr.; Justin Dalton, 5-9, setter, Sr.; Jason Dillard, 6-1, outside hitter, Sr.; Dan Harrington, 6-3, outside hitter, Sr.; Kris Welch, 6-3, opposite, Sr.; Chad Willardson, 6-5, middle blocker, Sr.

Key newcomers: Mark Cunningham, 5-9, setter, Jr.; Kevin Orriny, 5-11, outside hitter, Jr.; Justin Sudduth, 6-2, middle blocker, So.

Outlook: If a team ever had high expectations for a season, it’s Esperanza this season. And rightfully so. The Aztecs return all their starters from last season. They are intelligent and have lots of weapons. Dalton was selected the co-most valuable player of the league last season and Alleman and Harrington were first-team all-league selections. Alleman and Dalton have committed to Brigham Young and Anderson has committed to UC Irvine.