Century League

Canyon

Coach: Pat Christian

1999-2000 record: 9-17

League record: 3-7

The Comanches, in their second season under Pat Christian, will be very young, with freshman forward Marisa Morris and freshman point guard Samantha Walker-Pereira getting ample court time. Canyon’s ultimate success could hinge on the play of its guards, senior Marcella Serrano and sophomores Rochelle Crisologo and Lena Waltz.

El Modena

Coach: John Cahill

1999-2000 record: 12-13

League record: 4-6

Like Canyon, El Modena is in the role of spoiler/darkhorse. John Cahill (11th year, 116-109) has three starters back this season, including first-team all-league guard Lindsey Galasso (Sr., 5-4, 15.5 points) and swingman Norrelle Dickson (eight points, 6.6 rebounds). Forward Andrea Levinson (Sr., 5-10) also returns. The Vanguards are quick but lack height.

Foothill

Coach: Ty Watkins

1999-2000 record: 22-8

League record: 10-0

Ty Watkins (seventh year, 103-59) is blessed with one of Orange County’s finest players, Kristen Mann (Sr., 6-1), a two-time first team all-county forward who averaged 19.9 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Her workload will be greater because of Kelsi Sousa’s transfer to Woodbridge and point guard Jacky Williams not playing. If the Knights are to win their third consecutive title, Emily Beaubelle (Sr., 5-10) and Lauren Biedebach (Sr., 6-1) must step up, along with seniors Bridget Keto and Marcy Brunansky (5-11), and freshmen Jenna Horton and 6-0 twins Melissa and Pamela Philp.

Orange

Coach: Cindy Judd

1999-2000 record: 7-19

League record: 0-10

Assistant Cindy Judd takes over for Alicia Seevers (four years, 38-59). With the graduation of forward Randi Perry, the Panthers are going to change their approach and try to run. Guards Elizabeth Ngayan (Sr., 5-6), Michelle Dahilig (Jr., 5-3) and Sara Esparza (Soph., 5-7) and guard/forward Michelle Turner (Sr., 5-8) lead a group that Judd thinks can go eight deep.

Santa Ana Valley

Coach: Nicole Quinn

1999-2000 record: 18-8

League record: 6-4

Nicole Quinn (second year) guided Santa Ana Valley to one of its best seasons ever, including its first trip past the first round of the playoffs. The central returning figure is forward Crystal Davis (Sr., 5-9), who averaged 15.1 points and 11 rebounds for the Falcons. Scoring and rebounding shouldn’t be a problem for Valley, which also benefits from the presence of Carina Martinez (Sr., 5-11, 12 points, 10 rebounds) and Monique Cruz (Jr., 5-8, six points, four rebounds). Team quickness was evident in Candice Tisdale (Jr., 5-7), who averaged 2.7 steals. There is still not much depth or much of a shooting touch, but a finish better than third place isn’t out of the question, with a break or two.

Villa Park

Coach: Ariana Bates

1999-2000 record: 16-12

League record: 7-3

Ariana Bates replaces Joni Davis (two years, 30-26). The Spartans would have been picked for second in league if Foothill hadn’t lost so many players, but now they have a legitimate chance to win the title. Center Lauren Yadon (Jr., 6-3) averaged 17.1 points and 11.1 rebounds last season, and guard Kelly Shimizu (Sr., 5-6, 14.2 points) is a 33% shooter from the field, including 30.8% from the arc. Lauren Powell (Sr., 5-11) should also be a scorer, and Allison Sahli (Jr., 5-9) is a three-point threat. Tiffany Worthy (Soph., 5-10), a transfer from Orange Lutheran, adds to a strong post game, though point guard probably falls to a freshman, Hiromi Hirayama.