The Top 10

1. Brea Olinda. Lindsey Davidson is the only returning starter but Chelsea Trotter (6 feet 2) and Kate Ides (6-1 1/2) provide the height the Ladycats lacked in the past, making them more multidimensional than in recent years.

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2. San Clemente. The Tritons were already one of the county’s best teams with its returning players, including post Colleen Turnbull and point guard Kelley Kruger. But when three-point threat Debby Caine arrived, it confirmed them as No. 2.

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3. Esperanza. Five starters return, including all-county center Leah Combs. But the key to winning in girls’ basketball is guard play, and Esperanza’s Heidi Hill and Kim Omer fit the bill.

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4. Capistrano Valley. Two solid transfers, including University’s Monique Mathews, join a strong nucleus that would have been the basis for a top 10 team anyway.

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5. Marina. Marina has an all-county point guard in Natalie Nakase, and if Chanda McLeod improves the way she did last season, the Vikings have the inside game it needs for another terrific season.

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6. Mater Dei For the first time in several years, the Monarchs go into the season without someone who should be able to carry the scoring load, as did Melody Peterson and Leticia Oseguera. But the Monarchs have the depth and size to be good again.

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7. El Toro. The Chargers will get their points from sophomore Giuliana Mendiola, the county scoring leader, but their fate in the playoffs may well rest with her teammates and their ability to finish.

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8. Troy. The Warriors have 11 players and five starters back from last year’s 22-4 team, and freshman Veronica Johns could prevent defenses from clamping down on Heidi Hardeman. Or make them pay for it.

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9. El Dorado. The Golden Hawks won 14 of their last 18, with losses to Division II-A champion Brea Olinda, state champion Laguna Hills, and Century (twice). They were tied with Laguna Hills with one minute left in the third quarter.

10. Villa Park. With 6-3 transfer Bianca Larson from Mater Dei handling the post and guard Missy Bynon regaining the touch she had as a freshman, the Spartans have the inside-outside threat to be dangerous.

Others: Brethren Christian, Calvary Chapel, Rosary, Santa Margarita, Westminster.