L.B. Wilson Poised for More Success in Pool

Long Beach Wilson defeated Santa Ana Foothill in the Southern Section Division I final for the second year in a row last season and is a favorite to win its fourth title in five years.

Wilson is led by junior Tony Azevedo, one of the top high school players in the nation. Wilson, the only school from outside Orange County to win a large division title since 1972, will be challenged by Foothill and North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake among others.

Los Alamitos is considered a contender to retain its Division II title. Defending Division III champion La Canada will be challenged by neighbor La Crescenta Crescenta Valley and perennial contender Bell Gardens.

Santa Maria Righetti and defending champion Santa Barbara are among the favorites in Division IV. Mira Loma Jurupa Valley is the defending champion in Division V, Rowland Heights Rowland the defending champion in Division VI.

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL / Newport Harbor, Marina Come Highly Regarded

Newport Harbor, led by setter Jennifer Carey, and defending Division I state champion Huntington Beach Marina, paced by setter Ashley Phillips and outside hitter Chanda McLeod, are regarded as two of the top teams in the state.

Huntington Beach Ocean View is expected to repeat as Division III state champion.

Cerritos Valley Christian, with middle blockers Stacy Rouwenhorst and Jennifer Ryan; Torrance Bishop Montgomery, featuring middle blocker Katie Oslovsky; Manhattan Beach Mira Costa, led by setter Whitney Donahue, and Santa Barbara San Marcos are also considered among the state’s elite.

Defending champion Palisades and Granada Hills are expected to meet again in the City 4-A final.

Poly is the defending 3-A champion.