ORANGE LEAGUE

Anaheim: 7-16, 4-6 in 1997-98. Coach: James Steen (first year). The Colonists, 1-20 two years ago, could make a run at the playoffs. Four starters are back, including senior guard Darlene Tu’ua, who averaged 12 points, six assists and three steals last season. She’s joined by two seniors, center Vicky Trujillo (5-9) and guard Erica Nunez (5-6), and junior forward Yuri Alvarado (5-11).

Brea Olinda: 33-1, 10-0 in 1997-98. Coach: Jeff Sink (fifth year, 119-12). The Ladycats have won 16 consecutive Orange League titles and should add another this season with one of their best teams. They return their three most critical starters, senior guard Lindsey Davidson (6-0), senior forward Kate Ides (6-2) and junior forward Chelsea Trotter (6-3). Davidson, the defensive leader who averaged 13.4 points and 5.5 assists, has signed with George Washington. Trotter (15.8 points, nine rebounds) is among the most highly sought-after juniors in the nation. Both were first team all-county players, with Davidson making the all-state team, and Trotter being named Division II state player of the year. Trotter (64.3%), Ides (63.3%, nine points, six rebounds) and Davidson (61.4%) were among the top five shooters in the county. As if that isn’t enough, Jeri Costello (seven points, five rebounds) and point guard Jeri Armendariz lead five girls who had appreciable playing time last season. Senior Cory Wink (5-7), junior forward Jill Trader (6-1) and sophomore guard Jackie Lord (5-6) also played a great deal. Freshman guard Daveri Bonnewitz (5-8) and junior post player Lissa Lawrence (6-3) could be regulars in the lineup. The Ladycats have won 10 consecutive Southern Section titles and are the defending state Division II champion.

Magnolia: 9-15, 2-8 in 1997-98. Coach: Marian Mendoza (third year, 12-35). Only one starter, junior guard Armida Galvez (5-5), returns. She is a three-year starter and will be complemented by two seniors, forward Kristen Risberg (5-8) and guard Santa Pizarroz (5-6), as the Sentinels try to break into the league’s upper half.

Savanna: 8-18, 4-6 in 1997-98. Coach: Mike Willey (third year, 17-34). Though they lack size and experience, the Rebels will try to make up for it with quickness and athleticism, especially from the team’s outstanding track athletes, sisters Quiana and Renita Starr. Senior Quiana (5-4, 7.2 points) is a returning starter with senior Clorinda Dorame (5-3, six points), who also excels in track. Renita Starr is a junior.

Valencia: 14-15, 7-3 in 1997-98. Coach: Chris Cox (second year, 13-6). Cox took over in midseason, and the change seemed to agree with the Tigers, who won two playoff games before losing to top-seeded La Puente Bishop Amat. Monika Jackley (14.9 points, 9.7 rebounds), Kelly McKibben (9.8 points, 9.8 rebounds) and Sara Ludwig (7.5 points, 3.8 assists) return to the starting lineup. Additional help could come from senior Marcia McGill (6-3), freshman shooter Paris Allen (5-8) and junior varsity MVP Susie Cox, who averaged 15.8 points last season.

Western: 5-17, 3-7 in 1997-98. Coach: DeVon English (second year, 5-17). Senior Lia Eleopoulous (5-6), an all-league guard, returns along with junior guard Angel Davis and senior letterman Christine Trujillo (5-9). Senior Marcia Sanchez (6-0) and junior Deanna Parker (5-9), a transfer from Woodbridge, will provide additional size and defensive help.