PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Corona del Mar

Coach: Elbert Davis

1998-99 record: 8-18

League record: 0-10

The Sea Kings were happy to leave the Sea View League and the change of scenery makes them instant contenders for the league title. “If we come to play each night, I like our chances,” said Coach Elbert Davis (third year, 12-37). Three starters return: senior point guard Charlene Quon (12.5 points) and junior forwards Kristen McCoy (5-9) and Chris Eyre (6-0). Two sophomores--Courtney Kawata, a pure shooter who made seven three-point baskets in a game against El Toro last season, and forward Carrie Hawkins (5-10), who will be sidelined three to six weeks with a hip injury--also figure to make big contributions.

Costa Mesa

Coach: Jim Weeks

1998-99 record: 19-11

League record: 8-2

Costa Mesa is a preseason favorite to win the league with three starters returning to a team that reached the Division III-A semifinals. Forward Autumn Smith (Sr., 6-0) is back after averaging 11.7 points and 13.3 rebounds to earn first-team Division III honors. Two second-team selections also return: Senior guard Jenny Earnest (11.5 points, 8.0 rebounds) and junior point guard Nancy Hatsushi (8.0 points, 7.2 assists). “We should have more depth than last season,” said Coach Jim Weeks (eighth year, 110-81). Guard Leigh Marshall (Jr.), the junior varsity MVP, and forward Laura Muniz (Jr., 5-10) should step right into the starting lineup, and sophomore Christine Caron (5-11) provides additional size and outside shooting.

Estancia

Coach: Paul Kirby

1998-99 record: 17-9

League record: 6-4

Estancia has two starters back, forward Lauren Cassity (Sr., 5-8), a second-team all-league selection, and guard Lisa Hirata (Jr., 5-4). The Eagles are small--the tallest player is 5-10 sophomore Erika Avalos, co-MVP of last season’s JV team--but Coach Paul Kirby (fourth year, 41-37) hopes the Eagles will make up for that with quickness, depth and shooting. Sophomore guard Marie Rodriguez, the other MVP from the JV, adds quickness in the back court and Becky Lenhart (Sr.) and Zyuin Barrera (Jr.) are three-point threats. “We’re not very big,” Kirby said. “But we have nine to 10 players who can start. We should be right there.”

Laguna Beach

Coach: Michelle Miles

1998-99 record: 2-22

League record: 0-10

Coach Michelle Miles faces a big challenge in taking over for Mike Settipane (two years, 3-43). The Artists have only four league victories in the past seven seasons and are averaging fewer than five annually. Three starters return, point guard Maritza Morales (Jr.) and guards Kershona Mayo (Sr.) and Renee Ouimette (Sr.). Only four letter-winners return, so Laguna Beach lacks experience. The Artists aren’t big either. Freshman Leslie Schmalzried and junior Kelsey Offield are the tallest players at 5-11.

Northwood

Coach: Ryan Bettencourt

1998-99 record: 0-0

League record: 0-0

Ryan Bettencourt comes over after serving as an assistant at Ocean View last season. The TimberWolves, who have 14 players in the program, will play a lower-level schedule this season but will field a varsity team next season.

University

Coach: Bob Bernal

1998-99 record: 13-13

League record: 5-5

Inexperience is the active word for the Trojans, who have only two letter-winners returning. Peggie Wu, a 5-3 senior guard who was a second-team all-league selection, is the only returning starter, and 6-2 junior center Kirsten von Tungeln is the only other holdover. Still, Coach Bob Bernal (seventh year, 96-86) is optimistic his team will challenge for the league title. One key addition is Reagan Anders (Sr., 5-11), the player of the year in the Arrowhead League last season while playing for California School for the Deaf in Riversid