PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: League-by-league outlook

By TERRY MONAHAN - Staff Writer | Tuesday, December 2, 2008 12:13 AM PST ∞

In predicted order of finish

Avocado League

1. La Costa Canyon (Coach: John Labeta. Last year: 15-14 overall; 4-6, fourth in Palomar League)

At a glance: Labeta plans to use the top nine players on a regular basis. He returns all five starters from last year, led by senior forward Katelyn Rowe (6-2). Senior forward Anna Wofford (5-11), sophomore point guard Jen Dumiac (5-10), junior guard Brooke Berry (5-5) and junior guard Alissa Clark (5-5) round out the starting lineup. Junior forward Nichole Downing (5-8), sophomore forward Nina Martin (5-7) and sophomore forward Madisen Irwin will come in off the bench.

2. Escondido (Coach: Chris Williams. Last year: 20-10 overall; 11-1, first in Valley League)

At a glance: The Cougars have no returning starters from last year's league title team. Senior center Emily Aragon (6-3) leads the way along with junior forward Chandra Williams (5-8), senior guard Chauntel McCoy (6-0), senior center Yvonne Lenot (5-10). Senior point guard Amanda Rawlings (5-6) must figure out how to get her teammates involved in the offense to challenge for another league title.

3. San Pasqual (Coach: Beck Flanagan. Last year: 18-12 overall; 7-5, third in Valley League)

At a glance: Flanagan, a first-year coach, has settled on senior guard Elisa Minamide (5-6) and senior guard Brittany Nelson (5-9) as starters, but the rest of the starting lineup is up in the air. Junior guard Erica Windham (5-10) should see considerable playing time along with senior centers Rebecca Bliss (6-1) and Kara Gustafson (6-0).

4. Mission Hills (Coach: Chris Kroesch. Last year: 13-15 overall; 5-7, fifth Valley League)

At a glance: Gone is Keisha Cox, the North County's leading scorer last year. But the other four starters ---- junior center Jolie Willis (6-0) and sophomores Melissa Allen (5-6), a point guard, Jordan Burton (5-5), a guard, and Stephanie Higgins (5-6), also a guard ---- are back. Sophomore point guard Ashley Witherspoon (5-7) could work her way into the lineup more and more. Senior guard-forward Brianna Kranz rounds out the starting lineup. Allen is fully recovered from last year's dislocated kneecap.

5. Torrey Pines (Coach: Amanda Polidoro. Last year: 9-20 overall; 0-10, sixth in Palomar League)

At a glance: Polidoro, a first-year coach, inherited a team without much size and no established go-to person. Forwards Megan Senessay, a sophomore, and Heather Serven, a junior, will have to lead the way for a while.

6. Fallbrook (Coach: Roger Moses. Last year: 0-19 overall; 0-10, sixth in league)

At a glance: There is hope on the horizon. Last year's freshman team won the league title. Only sophomore guard Tara Burke is back from last season. She will start along with newcomers Delaney Cassidy, a sophomore point guard, junior guard Frankie Custodio (5-8), junior center Giovana Nakamoto (5-8), a transfer from Rancho Buena Vista, and sophomore forward Sarah Lopez (5-8).

Palomar League

1. Poway (Coach Jay Trousdale. Last year: 27-4 overall; 8-2, second in league)

At a glance: The defending CIF San Diego Section Division I champion lost junior center Mariah Horvath to volleyball, but still has sophomore forward Katie Kuklok (5-10) and junior point guard Emily Lowe (5-6) as returning starters. Junior Katie Holiday (5-10), who set a school record last year by taking 19 charging fouls, must step in at center. Junior forward Callie Rhoads (5-9) and junior guard Kelsey Ciruzzi (5-7) have stepped in as starters. Kuklok, recovered from ACL surgery during lacrosse season last spring, and Rhoads are expected to increase their scoring this year.

2. Rancho Buena Vista (Coach: Pete Lafrance. Last year: 9-19 overall; 4-6, fifth in Avocado League)

At a glance: Four starters return, but only senior point guard Michelle Sjodin (5-6), senior center Kelli Nolan (6-0) and senior guard Marissa Limon (5-3) have regained their spots. The rest of the starting lineup is still up for grabs. Senior forward Kaitlyn Quigley (5-10) and senior guard Breana Hill (5-6) should receive significant playing time.

3. Rancho Bernardo (Coach: Amy Peck. Last year: 11-17 overall; 3-7, fifth in league)

At a glance: Having junior center Laura Winter (6-0) back gives the Broncos an inside presence as they try to use more quickness. Returning guards Cassie Wickoff (5-6) and Brittany Allen (5-6) should help, along with sophomore center Madeline McIntyre (5-10). Sophomore guard Madison Jones (5-8) or sophomore point guard Courtney Reynolds (5-7) should add some quickness to the lineup.

4. Carlsbad (Coach: Randy Bull. Last year: 13-13 overall; 6-3, second place in Avocado League)

At a glance: The Lancers return four starters in forwards Samantha Hoyt and Sonia Ramos, center Katie Shafer and guard Corina Hecker. Shae Walker figures to be the point guard this year for Bull, a first-year coach.

5. El Camino (Coach: James Greer. Last year: 11-18 overall; 5-5, third in Avocado League)

At a glance: For the first time in quite a while, the Wildcats lack size, so they will be trying to push the tempo even more. Junior guard Katrina Valentine (5-6) and senior forward Soliana Faapouli (5-9) return and will be joined by junior point guard Sarah Duray (5-6) and junior guard-forward Ashlie Washington as starters. The final starting spot is still up for grabs.

6. Vista (Coach: Jennie Dillon. Last year: 19-10 overall; 10-0, first in Avocado League)

At a glance: The Panthers will be without Angela Misa, who transferred to JSerra in San Juan Capistrano, leaving a scoring void that will be filled by several returning players, including the lone returning starter, guard Alexis Anaya (5-6). Desiree Robinson (5-6) takes over at point guard while junior forward Sydney Gathright (5-8), a transfer from Georgia, and forwards Tyne McClure (5-10) and Tia Johnson (5-8) will also start.

Valley League

1. Mt. Carmel (Coach: Robin Blalock. Last year: 20-12 overall; 6-4, third in Palomar League)

At a glance: The three-time defending CIF San Diego Section Division II champion Sundevils must deal with the loss of 6-3 All-CIF center Kelly Hansen to graduation. Three-year starters Maggie Doremus (5-9), a senior point guard, junior guard-forward Alix Johnson (5-10) and senior forward Brea Matthews (5-10) return, along with junior forward Carly Voris (5-11). Junior forward Lauren Fricke (5-11) moves into the starting lineup.

2. Ramona (Coach: Dan Marshall. Last year: 21-8 overall; 11-1, first in league)

At a glance: The Bulldogs return 6-0 forward Katheryn Owens, a second-team all-leaguer last year, along with 6-0 forward Janet Nasman and 5-8 physical forward Brylynn Garcia to form a steady frontcourt. Both guards, Linze Cole (5-9) and Chelsea Maurer (5-8), continue the Bulldog tradition of great outside shooting.

3. Westview (Coach: Bob McHeffey. Last year: 28-7 overall; 9-1, first in Palomar League)

At a glance: Only senior center Ally Crocker (6-0) is back as a starter as the Wolverines move to a new league. Sophomore point guard Melissa Peng (5-5) and senior point guard Sara Matsumoto (5-4) will be joined in the lineup by junior guard Denise White (5-8), the top scorer on the JV, and either junior Kelly Haws (5-11) or sophomore Taylor Suggs (5-10) at forward. If anyone can hit 3-pointers, they will get more playing time for a team that returns about 40 3-pointers from last year's 800 or so attempts.

4. Oceanside (Coach: Cameron Clark. Last year: 15-14 overall; 5-5, third in Avocado League)

At a glance: Clark is back for one more season as coach with six players who started at different times last year. But senior point guard Wisdom Hodges (stress fracture in both legs), senior forward Shanique Reddick (knee) and junior forward Brandy Brown (staph infection in eye) are all hurting. Senior guard Maryann Laumau (5-7), senior guard Brittney Small (5-8) and junior guard-forward Brittney Brown (5-8) will have to shoulder the load for a while. Junior forward Jacqueline Faasamala (5-8) should also see playing time early as the Pirates attempt to become even more up-tempo than last year.

5. Valley Center (Coach: Tony Casillas. Last year: 5-22 overall; 0-12, seventh in league)

At a glance: Casillas, a first-year coach, has all five starters are back: senior guard Laura Markuson (5-8), senior forward Katie Wagner (5-9), senior center Danielle Thornton (5-11), senior point guard Becca Trudenrug (5-7) and senior guard Katie Darland (5-6). Junior guard Regan Reilly (5-7) and freshman guard Mariam Zabinski (5-6) figure to be the first subs off the bench.

6. San Marcos (Coach: Roger DiCarlo. Last year: 6-23 overall; 2-10, sixth in league)

At a glance: The Knights return just sophomore point guard Cassie Rubinstein (5-5) and junior forward Lorin Farr (5-5). Junior forward Deprise Prado (5-8) and sophomore forward Mackynzie Parry (5-6) have moved in as starters. Junior center Kristi Winter (6-3) is the newcomer to the lineup from the JV.

7. Orange Glen (Coach: Chris Featherly. Last year: 15-13 overall; 6-6, fourth in league)

At a glance: The upswing of the program should continue as four starters ---- three seniors and a sophomore ---- return. Point guard Darlene Truong (5-5) runs the show with help from forward Tiffany Parra (5-9), center Chelsea Brown (5-9) and sophomore forward Hannah Klass (5-9). Senior guard Reema Hamze (5-6) should also be in the starting lineup.

Coastal League North

1. San Dieguito Academy (Coach: Jim Segovia. Last year: 20-8 overall; 5-1, first in league)

At a glance: The Mustangs will start defense of their league title with four returning starters in junior forward Kalyn McMacklin (5-8), sophomore guard Catherine Oswald (6-0), junior center Kim-Ashleigh Mostert (5-11) and senior forward Paige Crickmore (5-10). Sophomore guard Evetta Agrahanova (5-4) is the new starter. Freshman guard Megan Hatfield (5-7) and freshmen twins Harper Crickmore (6-0), a center, and Blair Crickmore (5-11), a forward, will vie for playing time off the bench.

2. Santa Fe Christian (Coach: Marc Vilas. Last year: 21-7 overall; 3-3, third in league)

At a glance: Having senior point guard Brittany Pace and junior guard Kiara Quinn, the Eagles' leading scorer last year, back will help the team challenge for a league title again. Senior forward Jo Carlson (5-7) will also start while senior forward Erin Dimry (5-10), senior guard-forward Alex Vilas (5-6) and junior guard Katie Weisenberger (5-7) should see starting time this season.

3. Calvin Christian (Coach: Brad Jansen. Last year: 21-9 overall; 4-2, second in league)

At a glance: Senior forward Michelle Bearg (5-8) and senior center-forward Elise Van Dam are returning starters. Joining them will be sophomore point guard Jessica Jacobi (5-5), junior center Melissa Brouwer (6-0) and junior forward Tanya Vos (5-8). Sophomore center Janelle Judson (6-0) will be the first sub off the bench.

4. Tri-City Christian (Coach: Stan Bickley. Last year: 5-22 overall; 0-6, fourth in league)

At a glance: Three starting guards return: Katie Griswold (5-2), point guard Jessica Chappell (5-6) and Natalie Harper (5-6). Two newcomers ---- center Courtney Pettaway (5-10), who gave up cheerleading to play this season, and forward-center Faith Kraatz (5-9) ---- have gained starting nods with guard-forward Hannah Brenzel (5-5) and center Sarah Zimmerman coming off the bench.

Coastal League South

Canyon Crest (Coach: Terry Ryan. Last year: 16-12 overall; 3-5, fourth in league)

At a glance: Forward Alisha Eckberg, who signed with San Jose State, was a first-team all-leaguer after surpassing 1,000 points in her first three seasons. The 5-foot-11 Eckberg averaged 17 points and 9.5 rebounds as a junior. Guard Meghan Brown (5-8) is the second option for the Ravens. Brown averaged 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals last year. Sophomore forward Katie Twyman (5-9), senior point guard Jessica Yuan (5-3) and freshman center Stephanie Bieler (5-10) round out the starting lineup.

Rest of league: Bishop's, Francis Parker, Horizon, La Jolla Country Day

Citrus League West

In alphabetical order

Christian L.I.F.E. (Coach: Scott Boyens. Last year: 20-4 overall; 9-1, first in league)

At a glance: Junior guard Melanie Lombardi, junior forward Bonnie Youngdale and senior forward Kimmy Iverson return for the defending league champs. Senior forward Kathleen Burke (6-0) and freshman guard Gabrielle Cabrera are also slated to start. Freshman forward Anna Buffini figures to see considerable time off the bench.

Escondido Adventist (Coach: Michael DeFreece. Last year: 23-5 overall; 9-1, first in league)

At a glance: The Hawks try to contend again, but this time have only two returning starters back in senior point guard Rebecca Jones (5-2) and junior guard Sarah Peterson (5-7). Sophomore forward-guard Kaitlyn Knab (5-6), junior center Celina Quevas (5-11) and sophomore forward Elise Nicola have joined the starting lineup after being reserves last season.

Guajome Park Academy (Coach: Luis Llamas. Last year: 5-10 overall; 3-7, fifth in league)

At a glance: No information provided.

San Pasqual Academy (Coach: Tia Moore. Last year: 14-11 overall; 6-4, third in league)

At a glance: The Dragons have a good place to start with four starters back in forward Simone Hidds-Narcisse (5-8), center Dachuray Davis (5-11) and guards Alanna Ruiz (5-5) and Belen Gomez (5-6). Moore figures guard Adrianna Ruiz (5-7) will round out the starting lineup with guard Beatriz Laprada (5-5) the first sub off the bench.

Vista Calvary Christian (Coach: Joe Biernacki. Last year: 2-15 overall; 0-9, sixth in league)

At a glance: A very young team last year, the Lions return all five starters: senior forwards Amy Salvato and Hannah Biernacki, junior center Amber Biernacki, junior guard Sarah Montoya and sophomore guard Katlyn Chermak. Freshman center Morgan Dewberry may work her way into the starting lineup.

Western League

Cathedral Catholic (Coach: Melissa Padgett. Last year: 26-4 overall; 12-0, first in league)

At a glance: The Dons return senior guard Victoria Lippert (5-11) and junior guard Katie Dollard. Lippert, who signed with Harvard, averaged 18.1 points a game last year. Brianna Douglas (5-9) starts at forward, while Carolyn Franke (6-0) is at center and sophomore Christina Kime (5-5) takes over at the point.

Rest of league: La Jolla, Lincoln, Mission Bay, Our Lady of Peace, Scripps Ranch, University City

Frontier League

In alphabetical order

Escondido Charter (Coach: Chris Keyser. Last year: 19-8 overall; 8-1, first in league)

At a glance: Returning point guard Natasha Keyser (5-5), who averaged 22 points a game last year, is a solid starter along with returning forward-center Amy Morley (5-10). But everyone else is new to the team.

Maranatha Christian (Coach: Jessica Reagan. Last year: 0-8 overall; 0-8, fourth in league)

At a glance: Reagan, the first-year coach, is still trying to discover a starting lineup, which is made tougher by the fact that sophomore center Sarah Knutson (5-8) is the only returner. Junior guard Sarah Estes (5-5) is the oldest player on the squad, which includes eight freshman.

St. Joseph's Academy (Coach: Steve Cavallier. Last year: 14-5 overall; 7-2, second in league)

At a glance: Three All-Frontier League picks are back, including senior point guard Jenny Cavallier, the league's MVP after averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds as a junior. Sophomore guard Rachel Robinson was a first-team all-leaguer after averaging 10 points and five rebounds last year. Sophomore guard Monique Robinson (5-6) was a second-team all-leaguer. Junior guard Maggie Azemcua (5-6) and sophomore guard Julianna Maola (5-5) are will get significant playing time.

Rest of league: High Tech High, Preuss