GARDEN GROVE LEAGUE

Bolsa Grande

Coach: Ed Eldridge

1998-99 record: 10-17

League record: 6-6

Under Coach Ed Eldridge (third year, 13-37), the Matadors made tremendous strides last season, qualifying for the playoffs after failing to win a league game in 1997-98. But they might take a step backward unless unproven players such as forward Crystal Hoskins (Fr., 5-7), guard Michelle Day (Soph., 5-3) and forward Linda Chau (Jr., 5-7) can contribute quickly. If not, the Matadors will have to rely on forward Debby Baeder (Sr., 5-8, 13 points, 7 rebounds), who is coming off foot injury, and guard Angela Diaz (Jr., 5-2, 6.6 points).

Garden Grove

Coach: Keith Clarkson

1998-99 record: 9-17

League record: 4-8

Coach Keith Clarkson (fifth year, 59-53) is optimistic of a playoff return after a one-year absence. He returns four senior starters, including leading scorer Gloria Rojas (5-8, 16.7 points) and leading rebounder Erin Deane (5-9, 8 rebounds). The Argonauts also return point guard Jill Nakogawa (5-8, 4.3 assists), who leads Garden Grove’s up-tempo game. If the fast-paced style is going to work, the bench--led by sophomore guard Kyung Cho (5-5) and junior center Melissa Steiner (6-0)--will have to contribute.

La Quinta

Coach: Holly Jefferson

1998-99 record: 5-7

League record: 7-17

The Aztecs and Coach Holly Jefferson (fourth year, 18-50) might be in for a long season. Only five letter-winners and one starter--guard/forward Lacee Keller (Sr., 5-7)--return to the team. Forward Jackie Nguyen (Jr., 5-8) is the Aztecs’ tallest player, and guards Hien Duong (Sr., 5-1) and Amy Otsuka (Soph., 5-1) are tiny compared to most guards.

Los Amigos

Coach: Ramon Aguirre

1998-99 record: 9-16

League record: 6-6

Ramon Aguirre, replacing John Keating (two years, 16-29), would be happy with a third consecutive 6-6 season in league. Senior guard Angela Yorba (knee) is out, leaving only one returning letter-winner, point guard Monica Curiel (Sr., 5-6). The 15 new players are accustomed to winning because they have won consecutive league titles at the freshman-sophomore and JV levels.

Pacifica

Coach: Garth Anderson

1998-99 record: 16-12

League record: 10-2

The Mariners have won five consecutive league titles and have reached the second round of the playoffs the past three seasons. Coach Garth Anderson’s second season should be no different. The Mariners return four starters, including point guard Diana Barreras (Sr., 18 points), the league’s MVP who placed among county statistical leaders in five categories. Guard Dominque Valencia (Sr., 5-7, 48.1% shooting) hopes to keep defenses honest and open up the inside for forwards Christine Tran (Sr., 5-8) and Karen Pawlowski (Jr., 5-9).

Rancho Alamitos

Coach: Vern Broadnax

1998-99 record: 2-20

League record: 0-11

Coach Vern Broadnax (third year, 13-34) is expecting a marked improvement from a dreadful season. The Vaqueros have some size in returning starter Janette Velasco, a 5-9 senior forward, and Staci Bradley, a 5-10 senior forward, and they return starting point guard Veronica Lira (5-3). Newcomers Jennifer Alaniz, a 5-7 junior forward, and Pauline Graf, a 5-7 junior guard, add depth and size.

Santiago

Coach: Ron Huesser

1998-99 record: 20-8

League record: 10-2

The Cavaliers shared the league title with Pacifica and should be in the thick of it again with four returning starters, including one of the league’s better players, shooting guard Stephanie Reupena (Jr., 5-7, 18.8 points). Also back are three-year starting forward Jasmine Buenrostro (Sr., 5-8, 6.7 points, 4.5 rebounds), center Nichole Dominick (Sr., 5-9, 5.2 rebounds) and guard Aide Lopez (Sr., 4.7 points). Coach Ron Huesser (132-133) is in his 11th season.