The Top 10

1. Santa Margarita. The Eagles’ program has become a finely tuned machine. With five starters returning, Santa Margarita is expected to breeze through the Sea View League and challenge for another Southern Section title.

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2. Ocean View. The Sea Hawks figure to return to their glory days of the ‘80s. Veteran Coach Jim Harrick’s team has speed, height and experience for the first time in at least a decade.

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3. Los Alamitos. Guard Ricardo Garibay is a three-point specialist and Matt Komer, last year’s co-Sunset League MVP, is a big-time 6-7 senior who is playing his final season of basketball before playing volleyball at UCLA. But can the Griffins survive pastthe playoff’s first round?

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4. Tustin. No starters are returning for the Tillers, but they were loaded anyway. In addition, they picked up three quality transfers. Coach Andy Ground is the perfect guy to get them to play well together.

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5. Sonora. If flashy, quick guards Jeffrey Berokoff and Marqui Worthy share the ball and a couple of younger players step up, the Raiders will top Troy and win another Freeway League title.

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6. Brea Olinda. Coach Gene Lloyd complains that everyone overlooks the Wildcats in the rankings. OK, Gene, here’s looking at you, as well as at senior Chris McMillian, among the county’s best guards.

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7. University. The Trojans return five starters, including hot-shooting, assist-a-minute guard Eric Palmer and the inside threat of 6-4 Larry Johnson. They have their best chance in years to reach the big time.

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8. Dana Hills. Veteran Coach Mark Thornton, in his second season after resigning at Capistrano Valley, wasn’t kidding when he said, “No longer will the Dolphins be an easy win for those teams that are in the upper level of Orange County basketball.” Three quality starters return, and look out for forward Tim McKee.

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9. Canyon. Esperanza transfer Andy Gaulden, 6-9, is one of eight solid players for Coach Rob Alexander to choose from. The Century League race should be a cakewalk for the Comanches.

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10. Mater Dei. If it’s a Top 10 poll, it has to include the Monarchs. No starters return, but Coach Gary McKnight’s team could be ranked a lot higher in the final poll.

On the bubble: Calvary Chapel, Estancia, Marina, Servite, Trabuco Hills, Troy.