EMPIRE LEAGUE

Century: 17-10, 7-3 in 1997-98. Coach: Jeff Watts (ninth year, 116-82). One of the county’s dominant post players, Aprile Powell (6-2), returns for her senior season. Powell has twice been a second-team selection on The Times Orange County team. She averaged 20.5 points and 15 rebounds a year ago, third in the county in both categories. Junior guards Adriana Mendez (four points) and Ana Villalovos (two points) must consistently get the ball to Powell. Two newcomers, Chalenda Van Buren and Elizabeth Mendoza, both 5-8 sophomores who are good athletes, must contribute for the Centurions to be successful.

Cypress: 10-14, 3-7 in 1997-98. Coach: Doug Mitchell (fourth year, 37-40). Senior Lyndsay Weaver (5-6, 10 points) and junior Michelle Mitchell (5-3) are good three-point shooters, and senior Kirsten Wong (5-4, four assists) returns to give them the ball. Weaver and Wong are three-year varsity players. Weaver was an all-league performer as a sophomore, but never fully recovered from a midseason ankle injury. The Centurions expect strong guard play and will exploit their quickness with a pressure defense, but could struggle inside unless someone emerges (no one is taller than 5-10).

El Dorado: 24-4, 10-0 in 1997-98. Coach: Wayne Carlson (third year, 40-14). That talented team last year was largely composed of seniors, and now the Golden Hawks have to start over with senior Cortney Smith (5-9, 5.5 points), a second-team all-league player, the only holdover from the starting lineup. Seniors Sidney Patten (6-0), Gina Loera (5-7) and junior Courtney Aberegg (5-5) didn’t see much playing time, but Sidney is sister of all-county player Stephanie Patten (the league MVP). Help could come from the underclass: sophomore Carly Wade (5-11) was the top scorer during the summer; sophomore Smadar Bezalel (5-5) is a quick point guard, and Melissa Jacob (5-9) could start as a freshman. Junior Kelly Ayer (5-11) and sophomore Corinne Barham (5-10) add some rebounding strength.

Katella: 3-18, 0-10 in 1997-98. Coach: Marshall Schuler (first year). Four starters are back, guards Sheri Troge and Lyndsey Schuler and forwards Nikki Kindstrand and Julie Hoces. They’re expected to exemplify team unity and leadership as Schuler tries implementing a long-term, fundamentally sound approach to the game.

Kennedy: 16-11, 4-6 in 1997-98. Coach: David Jankowski (first year). Kennedy’s chances of winning the wide-open league title were hurt when junior point guard Lauren Shinto (eight points, five assists) tore her anterior cruciate ligament; she’ll be out for the season and replaced by freshman Jessalynn Calumpong (5-0). Senior Allison Chow (5-3, eight points, five assists) and Cira Wright (10 points, five rebounds) return as starters. Senior forward Melanie Nakamura (5-10, five points, four rebounds) came off the bench. Sophomore Nicole Doi (5-6) should start at guard.

Loara: 16-10, 6-4 in 1997-98. Coach: Shelly Noble (third year, 28-24). The Saxons have the best returning tandem in senior guards Carrie Banister (5-8, 12.7 points, four assists) and Shawnna Walker (5-6, 12.8 points). Banister was a first-team all-league player and Walker a second-team choice. Four starters, including juniors Natalie Smeets (5-8, six points) and Sandra Sanchez (5-5, six points), return among eight lettermen who have a lot of experience together. They do lack height, Liz Perez (5-10) being the only player taller than 5-7.