SUNSET LEAGUE

Edison

Coach: Dave White

1998-99 record: 24-6

League record: 10-0

Four of the top seven players return from last year’s league champion. All-county selection Michelle Zylstra (Sr., 6-1) is among the best post players in the county (13.3 points, 9.5 rebounds), with outstanding range, a deft touch, and a willingness to mix it up inside. Sophomore sisters Bianca and Racheal Ziemann are a pair of scrappy guards who combined for 9.5 points, four assists, four steals and three rebounds. Returning starter Ashleigh Noda, a 5-6 junior guard, averaged four points. Also back for Dave White (13th year, 249-85) are 5-5 senior guard Erin Ike (Sr., 5-5), forward Katy Monteleone (5-11) and guard Courtney Wexler (5-7).

Esperanza

Coach: Marc Hill

1998-99 record: 18-10

League record: 6-4

The Aztecs are young and talented. “We’re very physical and have excellent strength and rebounding,” said Marc Hill (18th year, 285-154). Sophomores who figure to start are guards Ashley Van Kurin and Tina Kalogeropoulos and forward Lindsay Helvey. Guard Alison Kauffman (Soph., 5-10) and forward Erica Byfield (Fr., 5-9) might also figure in the mix. Junior forwards Bethany Blair, a returning starter, and Laura Jacobsen are also back, as is the team’s leading scorer, senior forward Kristin Peters (11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds).

Fountain Valley

Coach: Carol Strausburg

1998-99 record: 7-19

League record: 2-8

Two starters return, post Laura Williams (Sr., 6-1) and guard Lauren Uchizono (Jr., 5-4). “We will be very challenged,” said Carol Strausburg (23rd year, 354-226). “I hope we can get into the top three spots in the league, but I might be dreaming because we have a big lack of experience.” Strausburg calls Edison, Esperanza and Marina the top three Sunset teams, but says not to count out Huntington Beach, which should make a resurgence this season.

Huntington Beach

Coach: Bill Thomson

1998-99 record: 17-10

League record: 4-6

Guard Amy Sanders (Soph., 5-10) was the first player off Mater Dei’s bench last season, and her transfer to Huntington Beach will have a big impact on the Oilers, a team that is no longer smaller than its opponents. Three Oiler starters return for Bill Thomson (fifth year, 57-50): forward Kelsey Ball (Soph., 6-0, 9.2 points, 8 rebounds), senior guard Christine Kimoto (Sr., 6 points, 4.3 assists) and forward Lauren Murray (Jr., 6-1, 3 points, 4 rebounds). Missing, however, is guard Ashley Curtis (Soph., 5-8), a top reserve last season who will instead play soccer.

Los Alamitos

Coach: Kevin Davis

1998-99 record: 6-19

League record: 0-10

Kevin Davis takes over for Mike Ford (nine years, 78-140). A promising crop of returning players will try to get the Griffins out of the league cellar. Center Michelle Asbill (Sr., 5-10) and guard Randi Pomeroy (Sr., 5-9) are returning starters. They’re joined by backups from last season, guard Acrivi Caromales (Sr., 5-5), post Lindsay Geoffroy (Jr., 6-6)--whose sister, Kristin Geoffroy, starred previously at Los Alamitos and went to Kansas--and post Melissa Stack (Sr., 5-9). A lack of speed could hurt the Griffins.

Marina

Coach: Butch Fredlow

1998-99 record: 25-4

League record: 8-2

Former boys’ assistant Butch Fredlow replaces highly successful Pete Bonny, who was fired. Amy Wheeler, a reserve last year, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee on opening day and is out for the season. Forward Nikki Lee (Sr., 6-0, 8.8 points, 6.3 rebounds) has a smooth baseline jump shot and should carry most of the scoring load. Last season’s top reserve, guard Miranda Emde (Sr., 5-10, 7.2 points, 3.5 rebounds), might have to play point guard. Also returning, but inexperienced, are seniors Alison Brennan, Winsome Jakins, Jun Okazoe and Mary Vaughn. The Vikings must utilize their experience and toughness to overcome lack of a true point guard.