Sunset League

Edison

Coach: Geoff Bell

1999-2000 record: 21-9

League record: 9-1

Assistant Geoff Bell takes over for Dave White (13 years, 270-94) and comes into the season needing guards Rachael Ziemann (Jr., 5-10, 11 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists), Bianca Ziemann (Jr., 5-10, 12 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3 assists)) and Ashleigh Noda (Sr., 5-7, 5.0 points) to fill the void left by center Michelle Zylstra (Northwestern). Edison’s semifinal playoff run--it was defeated by Troy--should pay dividends. Forwards Brittney Anderson (Sr., 5-10) and Courtney Wexler (Sr., 5-7) also return to the two-time defending league champions. The height will come from the JV, Jenna Huff (Jr., 6-0) and Jen Oden (So., 6-2).

Esperanza

Coach: Marc Hill

1999-2000 record: 23-7

League record: 8-2

Marc Hill (19th year, 308-161) hopes the Aztecs live up to their expectations. Seeded fourth in last season’s playoffs, they lost an overtime heartbreaker in the Division I-AA quarterfinals to eventual champion Long Beach Wilson, 59-55. Four starters and seven lettermen return. Center Bethany Blair (Sr., 6-0, 12.0 points) and forward Laura Jacobsen (Sr., 5-9, 4.6 points) are the only seniors among the top six. Esperanza’s guard play should be top-notch with Lindsay Helvey (Jr., 5-9, 6.7 points), Ashley Van Kurin (Jr., 5-7, 8.7 points) and Tina Kalogeropoulos (Jr., 3.0 points, 3.3 assists). The Aztecs have good chemistry and a solid defense, and they have to prove they’re ready to win the big games.

Fountain Valley

Coach: Carol Strausburg

1999-2000 record: 9-17

League record: 2-8

Carol Strausburg (24th year, 363-243) thinks the Barons are ready to finish in the top three in the Sunset League. If they live up to Strausburg’s expectations, it will be a terrific showing. Their hopes are riding on eight lettermen from last season and two senior starters, Lauren Uchizono, a 5-4 guard, and Michelle Graffo, a 5-10 forward.

Huntington Beach

Coach: Bill Thomson

1999-2000 record: 15-14

League record: 5-5

Bill Thomson (sixth year, 72-64) won last season with a team paralyzed by injuries. If the Oilers stay healthy, they could be a top county team. Forward Kelsey Ball (Jr., 6-0, 14 points, 9.0 rebounds) and forward Lauren Murray (Sr., 6-0, 7.0 rebounds) were outstanding as underclassmen, but played little last season. Amy Sanders (Jr., 5-10, 22.2 points, 10.5 rebounds) was a second-team all-county selection. Forwards Megan Molden (So., 5-10, 5.0 points, 6 rebounds) and Jennifer Gardikas (Sr., 5-10, 6.0 rebounds), and guard Michelle Ito (Sr., 5-5, 3.0 points, 2.0 assists) started 14 games or more last season. .

Los Alamitos

Coach: Mike Ford

1999-2000 record: 9-17

League record: 1-9

Mike Ford (10th year, 78-140) returns on an interim basis after Kevin Davis guided the team last season. Center Lindsay Geoffroy (Sr., 6-5, 9.6 points, 6.4 rebounds) has already signed with Iowa; also returning are forward Stephanie Duda (So., 5-10, 9.7 points, 8.1 rebounds) and point guard Annie Courtemarche (So., 5-4, 3.3 points, 2.3 assists).

Marina

Coach: Butch Fredlow

1999-2000 record: 20-10

League record: 5-5

Butch Fredlow (second year) hopes strong team play and quickness overcomes Marina’s lack of height. Guard Miranda Emde (Sr., 14.9 points, 4.4 rebounds), an all-league player, is chief among three returning starters, which also includes Cara Congelliere (Jr., 5-9, 7.0 points, 3.8 rebounds) and Mary Vaughan (Sr., 5-8, 2.2 points, 1.1 rebounds).