PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Aliso Niguel: 14-12, 8-2 in 1997-98. Coach: Kristen Okura (first year). Okura, only the program’s second coach, comes from a strong background; she dealt largely with the Brea Olinda defense while an assistant there. She’s starting from the ground floor; the Wolverines have only one starter, senior guard Tara Mutukisna, back from last year’s co-champion. Mutukisna was a first-team all-league selection. Four others return from that team, senior post Erika Castro (5-11) and guard Kristin Mayeda (5-2) and junior guard/forward Nikia Hastie (5-9). Mary Griffin, a 6-0 junior center, could be important before the season’s over.

Costa Mesa: 13-15, 8-2 in 1997-98. Coach: Jim Weeks (seventh year, 91-70). Weeks coached the Mustangs until 1992, reaching the section semifinals his last three years (and the finals twice, winning once). Weeks has three returning starters, including all-league player Evelyn Powers, a 5-7 senior guard and three-year starter. Juniors Jennifer Earnest (5-9) and Autumn Smith (6-0) provide some experience in the post. Sophomore point guard Nancy Hatsushi and senior center Lianne Sasaki (5-8) hope to step into a starting role and complement the returners.

Estancia: 8-17, 4-6 in 1997-98. Coach: Paul Kirby (third year, 24-28). Francia Diaz (5-8, 10 points) and Lisa Steinfeld (5-7, 10 points), two senior forwards, are among seven players and four starters back this season. Steinfeld was a first-team performer, Diaz was named to the second team. Senior guard Eva Varma and junior forward Lauren Cassity (5-8) also return. The Eagles have some good shooters, but the problem is height: Jennifer Ollila, at 5-9, is their tallest player.

Laguna Beach: 1-21, 0-10 in 1997-98. Coach: Mike Settipane (second year, 1-21). One starter, Kershona Mayo, a 5-8 junior, is one of seven returning players, three of them seniors. Some aggressive young players, such as sophomores Kelsey Offield (5-10, forward) and Maritza Morales (5-3, guard), the most valuable player on the junior varsity, and freshman Sara Salem (5-11, forward) hope to move the Artists toward being competitive.

Laguna Hills: 7-15, 5-5 in 1997-98. Coach: Jim Martin (first year). The Hawks didn’t make the playoffs, but they came back from the dead the last week of the regular season, upsetting co-champions Aliso Niguel and Costa Mesa. Two of their best players are back, junior forwards Anne Bubriski (6-0, 10 points, 6.4 rebounds) and Shannon Owens (5-7, 11.5 points, 7.6 rebounds), a second-team all-league selection. Though inexperienced at guard--freshman Megan Aaker will start at point--the Hawks do have some talent to work with. The key might be rebounding because Alyssa Jones (2.8 rebounds) is the tallest player at 5-11, and Audra Mueller (two rebounds) is 5-9. Sophomores Courtney D’Allesandro (5-10) and Christianne Bengard (5-8) will be counted on to help in those areas.

University: 11-16, 5-5 in 1997-98. Coach: Bob Bernal (sixth year, 83-73). This group could end the program’s back-to-back losing seasons because of its height, quickness and experience. Three starters and seven players are back, and freshman forward Ngowari Benebo (5-7), a transfer from New York City, could make an impact. Returning starters are senior guard Fala Suiaunoa (5-8, 15 points, 4.7 rebounds), a first-team all-league player, Shiang-Eu Bai (five points, eight rebounds), a 6-0 junior forward second-teamer, and senior center Amy Schroeder (6-1, four points, five rebounds).