Pacific Coast League

Corona del Mar

Coach: Paul Orris

1999-2000 record: 23-8

League record: 6-2

This appears to be a rebuilding year for the defending league champions. Senior guard Eric Snell is the only returning starter, and last season he didn’t exactly put up huge numbers. Charlie Alshuler, a 6-3 senior forward, and Idean Shahangian, a 6-0 senior guard, are the other returning players.

Costa Mesa

Coach: Bob Serven

1999-2000 record: 17-10

League record: 3-5

The Mustangs have two returning part-time starters with so-so credentials, so it may take a breakthrough year by a couple of reserves or newcomers to win league. The returning starters are Steven Whittaker, a 6-0 senior guard who last season averaged eight points a game, and Mike Payne, a 6-7 senior center who averaged five points, five rebounds and three blocks. Reserves David Conte and Danny Krikorian should break into the starting lineup.

Estancia

Coach: Chris Sorce

1999-2000 record: 14-13

League record: 2-6

Don’t envy Chris Sorce, the Eagles’ first-year coach, just because he’s a nice guy. With no returning starters and only one player with varsity experience, this nice guy’s team could easily finish last in league. Senior guard Eliasar Maldonado averaged three points a game last season, which means the Eagles will have to start from scratch on offense with a cast of promoted junior varsity players. Micah Young, a 6-2 junior forward, is expected to have the biggest impact along with 5-10 sophomore point guard Matt Cachola. Cesar Romero and David Stoddard, both 6-0 senior guards, should round out the starting lineup.

Laguna Beach

Coach: Clayton Olivier

1999-2000 record: 7-18

League record: 4-4

The Artists need to move on following the recent resignation of Coach Bret Fleming, though it will be difficult in the early going without their longtime leader. Clayton Olivier, a former USC standout who spent a year with the San Antonio Spurs, inherits a team that lost its top two players and will likely struggle to finish among the top three teams in league. Starting guards Will Blodgett and Jason Boyd are back, but the lack of a proven inside game could be costly. Forwards Trevor Lyle, Jason Chatrath and Jesse Duker face a tall order in the post.

Northwood

Coach: Tim O’Brien

It’s hard to know what to expect from a first-year program with no seniors, but the Timberwolves may have stumbled upon a lucky break by residing in a relatively weak league. Coach Tim O’Brien says he has an enthusiastic bunch that should show improvement with each game. Sophomore Drew Terry should lead the way along with juniors Tom Gray, Scott Sanchez and Matt Susson.

University

Coach: Mike Dinneen

1999-2000 record: 17-11

League record: 5-3

The Trojans have been in the league championship picture on the last day of play over the last four years, and Coach Mike Dinneen hopes that trend continues this season. Senior guard Jason Garey, the only returning starter, will lead a team that features good quickness and shooting ability. The 6-0 Garey averaged nine points and made 53 three-pointers last season. Hiro Christoph, a 5-11 senior guard who last season was the team’s sixth man, also returns, along with Danny Tran, a 6-2 senior forward; Andre Newsome, a 5-8 senior guard, and David Feistel, a 5-10 junior guard. University last won a league title in 1999.