CENTURY LEAGUE

Canyon

Coach: Pat Christian

1998-99 record: 23-6

League record: 8-2

Two starters from last season’s Division II-AA semifinalist return to the lineup, but Coach Nelson Herrera (six years, 107-51) is gone. One of those starters is Pat Christian’s daughter, guard/forward Trish Christian (Sr., 10 points). The other is forward/center Beth Harold (Sr., 5-8). They should provide strong leadership for the Comanches, who don’t have a lot of players with big-game experience. Center Kari Thompson (Sr., 6-0), forward Heather Canada (Soph., 5-8) and guards Marcella Serrano (Jr.) and Taryn Ito (Sr.) also return.

El Modena

Coach: John Cahill

1998-99 record: 10-14

League record: 4-6

Coach John Cahill (10th year, 104-96) has had his team in the playoffs seven of the last nine seasons, and hopes to continue that trend with three returning starters: post Stacey Rutter (Sr., 5-10) and junior guards Lindsey Galasso and Cammie Danciu . Someone must step up to fill the scoring void left by graduated Valerie Matweeff (15.6 points). Andrea Levinson (Jr., 5-9) joins Rutter in the post, and Christy Dummitt (5-9) and Julie Brown (5-6), both seniors, play the wing. Norrelle Dickson (5-9), a freshman, is a defensive whiz.

Foothill

Coach: Ty Watkins

1998-99 record: 28-5

League record: 10-0

Coach Ty Watkins (sixth year, 81-51) has all the elements to get back to the section title game. Kristen Mann (Jr., 6-1, 15.1 points, 9.6 rebounds) was a Times’ Orange County first-team performer. Quick and athletic in the post, she is a nice complement to bruising Chavaughn Brown (Sr., 6-2, 11.7 points, 11 rebounds). Brown recently signed with Idaho. The two other returning starters are only juniors, guard Kelsi Sousa (5-10, 8.7 points) and the very quick Jacky Williams (4.7 points). Guard/forward Emily Beaubelle (Jr., 5-10, 3.5 points, 3.2 rebounds), the first player off the bench, figures to join the starting lineup, and Lauren Biedebach (6-2), up from the JV, provides some relief in the post. Despite an explosive offense and stifling defense, a tough schedule will test Foothill’s mettle--and its depth.

Orange

Coach: Alicia Seevers

1998-99 record: 10-16

League record: 1-9

The Panthers, since going 0-23 in 1995-96, have won at least nine games every season under Coach Alicia Seevers (fourth year, 31-40). Randi Perry (Sr., 16.2 points) anchors the post. Three juniors return to the starting lineup, guard Elizabeth Ngayan and forwards Monica Velasquez (5-10) and Michelle Turner (5-8). The speedy Panthers need someone to step up at point guard.

Santa Ana Valley

Coach: Nicole Quinn

1998-99 record: 10-15

League record: 2-8

Lionel Horn (three years, 23-54) coached the Falcons to their most successful season in years, and there’s a chance to build on that right now. Nicole Quinn inherits four returning starters from that team, including guard Lisa Sanchez (Sr., 10 points, four assists) and center Carina Martinez (Jr., 6-0, 12.9 rebounds). Sophomore guard Ashley Hebert also returns. There probably won’t be a quicker team in the league. Starting forward Crystal Davis (Jr., 5-11, 8.9 rebounds) and senior lettermen Jamila Jones (forward, 5-9) and Jayette Hightower (guard, 3.8 assists) were on the school’s Division II section champion 400 relay team. Sophomore point guard Monique Cruz (knee) sat out last season.

Villa Park

Coach: Joni Davis

1998-99 record: 14-14

League record: 5-5

Coach Joni Davis, in her second season, has nine seniors (but only two starters) returning, so the Spartans must take advantage of their maturity to improve on last season. Kelly Shimizu (Jr.) is the Spartans’ best outside threat, and also distributes the ball well, and Marisa Watanabe (Sr.) has the ability to create. Villa Park needs a go-to scorer, and Lauren Yadon (Soph., 6-1) is likely to emerge.