Orange League

Anaheim

Coach: James Steen

1999-2000 record: 13-13

League record: 3-7

After a fourth-place finish and a playoff victory under James Steen (third year, 26-23), Anaheim’s fortunes revolve around two returning starters, senior point guard Alicia Gallardo, who averaged eight points and five assists, and junior guard Brenda Gallardo (13 points). The Colonists’ work ethic and determination have Steen optimistic that they will be in the hunt for second place. Senior post player Elisabeth Coy (5-10, 6.0 rebounds) and senior guard Mayra Pelayo (5-5, 3.0 steals) are going to be counted on heavily if Anaheim is to make that second-place bid a reality.

Brea Olinda

Coach: Jeff Sink

1999-2000 record: 29-6

League record: 10-0

Brea’s streak of 11 consecutive section titles ended last season, but the Ladycats won their eighth state championship, their third in a row under Jeff Sink (seventh year, 180-21). Brea won’t have the size it had in the past. Junior Daveri Bonnewitz (5-10, 3.7 points, 4.5 rebounds) is coming off a torn ACL. She will be joined in the post by senior Lauren Glenn (6-2 1/2) and freshman Carrie Noyes (5-11). Including Bonnewitz, the returning nucleus features three outstanding guards who should make Brea tough, seniors Jackie Lord (5-8, 13.1 points, 3.3 assists) and Tara Hefferly (5-8, 8.9 points) and sophomore Jennifer Katsuyama (5-7, 2.3 points). Brea has won 151 consecutive league games and 18 consecutive league titles, streaks likely to remain intact.

Magnolia

Coach: Marian Mendoza

1999-2000 record: 10-17

League record: 5-5

The Sentinels worked hard in the offseason preparing for this season under Marian Mendoza (fifth year, 29-71). Three young starters are back from last year, and it’s a good group. Junior point guard Jasmin Young led the county with 7.0 assists per game and averaged eight points. Another junior, Vao Faoa, a 5-9 forward, averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds and sophomore guard Mariah Mendoza averaged 13 points.

Savanna

Coach: Don Fromknecht

1999-2000 record: 9-15

League record: 1-9

Don Fromknecht replaced Mike Willey, who was 35-66 in four seasons. A playoff appearance would represent a good season for Savanna, and a third-place finish would be a stellar performance by a program hoping to avoid the struggle it had in league play. Two starters are back, twin 5-foot-5 guards Samera and Tamera Coleman, and they should get help from fellow junior Monica Thomas (5-10).

Valencia

Coach: David Hattori

1999-2000 record: 23-4

League record: 8-2

The Tigers flourished under former Coach Chris Cox, who was 55-17 over three seasons, but he had all-county player Monika Jackley to work with. David Hattori doesn’t have that luxury. Still, all those victories probably helped prepare sophomore guard Goldie Fadakar (8.2 points) and 6-1 senior center Cassandra Harris (5.8 points, 8.3 rebounds) for this season. The Tigers should be solid at guard, and with 6-0 freshman Kolbey Selvig can have two post players 6 feet or taller.

Western

Coach: Bill Murvin

1999-2000 record: 10-15

League record: 3-7

The Pioneers improved from six victories in 1998 to 10 wins in 1999, and another four-game improvement under Bill Murvin (second year, 10-15) certainly puts them in the middle of the battle for second place. That might be possible, since four starters are back, guards Carol Viana and Rosa Barrera, forward Yuki Jones and guard-forward Candyce McMorris.