Freeway League

Buena Park

Coach: Suzan Guba

1999-2000 record: 1-19

League record: 0-10

Admittedly, Suzan Guba (second year) is trying to build a program from ground zero, but at least she has four returning starters from last year’s team to try to make inroads. If the Coyotes are able to challenge for third place, they would be taking a huge step forward. Three of the four returning starters are seniors, point guard Grace Issac (5-1), guard/forwards Stefanie Camarena (5-4) and Rania Elachkar (5-6). Sophomore Mary Ann Agpaoa is also back.

Fullerton

Coach: Respp Relatores

1999-2000 record: 5-19

League record: 2-8

Julie Blied (Sr., 5-6), who averaged 7.3 points and 3.5 assists last season, is the backbone of the team. Forward Leilani Kauhane (Jr., 5-9, 4.2 points) also needs a spectacular season for Fullerton to break Sonora’s grip on second place. Guard Danielle Henderson (Jr., 5-6) and forward Melanie Rhoads (5-9) are among the six lettermen returners for Respp Relatores (second year). Four players are up from the JV team: forward Nicole Power (So., 5-9), wing Shamia Briscoe (So., 5-5), wing Connie Minor (So., 5-6) and forward Breyana Lewis (Jr., 5-9).

La Habra

Coach: Frank McCarroll

1999-2000 record: 12-15

League record: 5-5

The Highlanders have gone 12-15 each of the last two seasons under Frank McCarroll (third year), but they are likely to break the mold this season and win more than they lose. Four starters, led by senior guard Diana Fukushima (5-6, 13.5 points) and junior center Ranay Dato (6-1), are back, and La Habra is a solid bet to finish in third place. Fukushima shot 41.8% from the three-point arc.

Sonora

Coach: Rick Albano

1999-2000 record: 19-10

League record: 8-2

Guard Brandi Davis (Sr., 5-10, 13.7 points, 4.8 assists) signed with Oregon, and the Ducks are getting one of Orange County’s top offensive talents. Rick Albano (sixth year, 89-46) won’t have a one-dimensional team, however. Center Reana Neabors (Sr., 6-0, 9.0 rebounds, 39.1% FG) and forward Allison Crowther (Jr., 5-10) give the Raiders some size.

Sunny Hills

Coach: Lori Peterson

1999-2000 record: 11-16

League record: 5-5

Another team that figures to be in that fight for third place is Sunny Hills. Point guard Kristen Fong (Sr., 5-5), guard Courtni Goode (So., 5-5) and forward Diana Hardeman (Sr., 5-8) are back in the starting lineup for Lori Peterson (fourth year, 31-45). Center Christine Granillo (Sr., 6-0) started as a sophomore. There’s good experience and quickness, but not much height in the lineup.

Troy

Coach: Kevin Kiernan

1999-2000 record: 27-5

League record: 10-0

The county’s preseason No. 1 is a no-brainer with eight returners and three starters back for Kevin Kiernan (fifth year, 104-14). Guard Veronica Johns-Richardson (Sr., 5-10, 18.4 points, 7.0 assists), a Times all-county player the last two seasons, signed with Colorado and is one of the county’s top three players. Even though senior guard Stefanie Schilling, a 47.3% shooter, quit the team three weeks ago, there’s plenty of talent, including Amanda Livingston (So., 6-1, 7.8 points), who came on strong at the end of last season, defensive and rebounding specialist Kianey Givens-Davis (Sr., 6-0), and sharp-shooting point guard Alicia Komaki (Jr., 5-6, 4.1 assists). Johns-Richardson (51.0%) and Komaki (46.2%) were 1-2 in the county last season in three-point shooting.