GOLDEN WEST LEAGUE

Ocean View: 13-16, 4-6 1997-98. Coach: Bill Seibert (third year, 38-21). The Seahawks will have a tough time filling the void left by Anna Lembke (Pepperdine), who almost single-handedly led Ocean View to two playoff upsets. Senior guard Kristin Mori (5-2) was a second-team all-league player. The only other returning starter is senior forward Ambre Washburn (5-9). Two other seniors, forwards Maggie Bruce (6-0) and Jasmine Leibel (6-1), provide a presence in the middle.

Rosary: 16-12, 6-4 in 1997-98. Coach: Rich Yoon (fifth year, 58-44). Graduated point guard Sarah Belavic made the UCLA squad as a walk-on. Rosary has four starters back from last year’s underachieving team, including guard Maggie Barnett (5-6, 12.7 points) and forward Romina Bollini (5-11, 14 points, nine rebounds). Two 5-7 starters, guard Jenise Karcher and forward Jennifer Farmer also return, along with two who should provide bench strength, sophomore Hayley Monroe (5-11) and junior center Bridget O’Connell (6-1). Point guard Gayle Sonoda (5-2), a sophomore transfer from Brea, should have a huge impact, freeing Barnett from having to bring the ball upcourt.

Saddleback: 7-19, 2-8 in 1997-98. Coach: Adriel Esparza (third year, 12-36). The Roadrunners haven’t won a league title since 1974 and aren’t considered the favorite by any means, but should have an impact on who does win it. Three of their four returning starters made the second-team all-league squad last season, point guard Prabjot Kaur (5-5, 10.7 points), guard Elisa Hernandez (5-4, 6.4 points) and junior center Denise de la Rosa (6-1, 10.4 points). Elidet Bravo (5-8, 6.7 rebounds) also returns.

Santa Ana: 2-22, 0-10 in 1997-98. Coach: Pete Rivas (first year). The Saints worked hard in the weight room during the off-season, hoping to make up for their lack of height with some increased athleticism. Junior forward Sonia Ruiz (5-8) and senior forward Maggie Ruelas (5-7) will hold court in the post. Ruiz and sophomore guard Maria Martinez (5-2) will be counted on to carry the scoring load, while Ruelas, one of two returning starters with junior guard Meribel Pineda (5-0) provides much-needed leadership.

Tustin: 22-5, 9-1 in 1997-98. Coach: Steve Dunmeyer (third year, 34-19). The Tillers made only one top-10 appearance last season, at No. 10 in the final poll. Seven players, including four starters, return from last year’s surprise team of the season. Seniors Brook Brown (6-0, 15.7 points, 15 rebounds) and Jessie Cooper (6-2, six points) give the Tillers a strong inside presence. Senior forwards Latoya Rucker (5-10) and Kim Houston (5-10) will be counted on for increased scoring in a new up-tempo running approach. Terrial Cole (5-5), a starter last season before leaving the team for personal reasons, will run the point. Le’Ciesha Vann (5-6), a junior guard, has good range, and Michelle Siazon (5-5) is a three-point threat.

Westminster: 23-6, 9-1 in 1997-98. Coach: Dick Katz (15th year, 160-202). The Lions won 62 games the last two summers, 23 last season; their five players (three starters) with at least two years varsity experience know how to win, even if they don’t always look good doing it. They’ll miss the toughness inside of Janet Glasby (Grand Canyon College), and though they don’t have much height, they are quicker than last year’s team. Third-year starter Tara Moore (5-9, 12 points) and junior guards Holly Armstrong (5-5) and Diana Hernandez (5-5), two-year starters, help make this the most versatile team Katz has had--six girls can shoot the three-pointer.