LEAGUE FAVORITE

St. Margaret's: The Tartans (11-2, 1-0) went 9-1 in league last season and they should repeat this season. Sage Hill (10-5, 1-0) should be St. Margaret's toughest competition.

PROJECTED LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kayla Moritzky, St. Margaret's: The junior point guard is averaging 21.8 points, 4.7 assists and 5.3 steals per game this season. She made first-team All-CIF and was the Academy League's MVP last season.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Tierney Danner (Sage Hill, Sr., F); Morgan Hembarsky (Sage Hill, Sr., G); Claire Hosniski (St. Margaret's, 6-2, Jr., C); Jenny Tedori (St. Margaret's, 5-6, Fr., G).

TEAM ON THE RISE

Sage Hill: The Lightning have some solid veterans and should be able to push the Tartans in the league title race.

TEAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Brethren Christian: The Warriors went 12-13 and reached the second round of the Division IV-AA playoffs last season. Brethren Christian (4-6, 0-1) will be in a dogfight with Whitney (3-10, 0-1) of Cerritos for this place this season.

TOP GAMES

Sage Hill at St. Margaret's, played Friday; St. Margaret's at Sage Hill, Feb. 6.

LEAGUE FAVORITE

Brea Olinda: The Ladycats are ranked No. 2 in the county and No. 29 in the nation. Brea Olinda has a great blend of young talent and veterans, experience and the Ladycats are battle-tested from a strong nonleague schedule.

PROJECTED LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Justine Hartman, Brea Olinda: The sophomore sensation is a 6-2 center who might have the best post moves in the county. She has great hands and footwork, making her nearly impossible to stop when she takes it to the basket.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Connie Ballestero (Villa Park, Fr., 5-7, G); Nicole Ballestero (Villa Park, Jr., 5-8, PG); Cayla DeFilippo (El Dorado, So., 5-10, F); Jonae Ervin (Brea Olinda, Sr., 5-2, PG); Lauren Gross (El Modena, Sr., 6-2, F); Kelsey Harris (Brea Olinda, Jr., 5-9, G); Chanel Maxey (Canyon, Sr., 5-9, G); Kendall Rodriguez (Brea Olinda, Sr., 6-0, F/G); Brianna Salvatore (Villa Park, Jr., 5-11, G/F)

TEAM ON THE RISE

Villa Park: Brianna Salvatore and Nicole Ballestero are coming into their own in their third years as starters for the Spartans and freshman Connie Ballestero has been a great addition. If (and this is a big if) anybody can challenge Brea Olinda in league, it will be the Spartans.

TEAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

El Modena: The Vanguards went 1-14-1 last season, but the Gross sisters, Lauren and Kelly, returned to the team this season and have El Modena at 11-6 heading into league play.

TOP GAMES

Villa Park at Brea Olinda, Tuesday; Canyon at Villa Park, Jan. 23; Brea Olinda at Villa Park, Feb. 3; Villa Park at Canyon, Feb. 12.

LEAGUE FAVORITE

Valencia: The Tigers (12-4) are the two-time defending league champions and they are the class of the league this season. With victories over Canyon, El Dorado, Fullerton and Cypress during the tournament season, Valencia appears to be poised to make another run in league.

PROJECTED LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Aunjanay Chambers, Valencia: The junior forward is averaging 20 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game for the Tigers this season.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Andrea Alvarado (Valencia, Jr., 5-6, PG); Andrea Iglesias (Katella, Sr., 5-11, F); Konfesi Mataia (Loara, Jr., 5-8, G/F); Stephanie Numata (Cypress, Sr., 4-11, G)

TEAM ON THE RISE

Pacifica: The Mariners lost their top players from last year's team, which went 15-12, and they head into league play with a 5-9 record. The good news is Pacifica has a four-game winning streak.

TEAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Loara: The Saxons went 6-19 and were 1-9 in league last season. They enter league play with a 5-10 record. Loara has shown some good signs in narrow defeats to El Modena.

TOP GAMES

Valencia at Pacifica, Tuesday; Cypress at Valencia, Jan. 20; Pacifica at Valencia, Jan. 29; Valencia at Cypress, Feb. 3.

LEAGUE FAVORITE

Bethel Baptist: The Warriors took the league title last season, but they will get a serious challenge from Tarbut V'Torah this season.

PROJECTED LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Angie Ruiz, Bethel Baptist: The 5-10 senior guard led the Warriors to the league title last season and she is having another strong season.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Irene Chyun (Eastside Christian, So.); Priscilla Lopez (Bethel Baptist, Fr., 5-6, G); Jena Vogel (Tarbut V'Torah, So., PG); Coral Zekri (Tarbut V'Torah, Fr., F)

TEAM ON THE RISE

Tarbut V'Torah: The Lions are off to a 6-1 start and should push Bethel Baptist in the league title race.

TEAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Eastside Christian: The Eagles missed the playoffs last season, but they have a good shot at reaching the playoffs this season.

TOP GAMES

Tarbut V'Torah at Bethel Baptist, Jan. 20; Bethel Baptist at Tarbut V'Torah, Jan. 29.

LEAGUE FAVORITE

Troy: The Warriors (11-1) remain the class of the league until somebody can knock them off, and that doesn't appear likely in the near future. Troy has won 17 consecutive league titles and 120 consecutive league games.

PROJECTED LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Alex Sanchez, Troy: The 5-10 junior has been on varsity all three years and has a ton of experience in big-game situations. She can score for the Warriors and she is unselfish and can get her teammates going.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Louise Angel (Sunny Hills, Jr., 6-1, C); Julieann Bryant (Buena Park, So., C); Briana Byers (Fullerton, Sr., 5-9, F); Chrystal Guarin (Troy, Sr., 5-6, G); Laura Hernandez (La Habra, Sr., 5-8, F); Alysa Ito (Troy, Sr., 5-5, G); Ashley Johnson (Troy, Jr., 5-7, G); Dominique Richardson (Fullerton, Jr., 5-7, G); Kazmere Rockmore (Fullerton, Sr., 5-11, C); Kenya Thomas (Sonora, So., 5-8, G); Lauren Ulrich (Sonora, So., 5-7, G)

TEAMS ON THE RISE

Sunny Hills, Sonora and Fullerton: The Lancers (12-4), Raiders (9-6) and Indians (7-7) are off to strong starts and should battle it out for second and third place.

TEAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Buena Park: The Coyotes went 7-18 last season and are off to an 11-6 start this season. The playoffs remain a longshot for the Coyotes, but they have made great strides this season.

TOP GAMES

Sonora at Sunny Hills, played Friday; Sunny Hills at Fullerton, Jan. 16; Fullerton at Sonora, Jan. 23; Sunny Hills at Sonora, Jan. 30; Fullerton at Sunny Hills, Feb. 6; Sonora at Fullerton, Feb. 10.

LEAGUE FAVORITE

Rancho Alamitos: The Vaqueros are off to a 12-1 start and have already recorded a 20-point victory over Garden Grove and a 14-point victory over Santiago in nonleague games.

PROJECTED LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Amanda Nguyen, La Quinta: The junior made first team all-league last season and she is averaging 16.9 points per game this season.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Sepa Eteaki (Rancho Alamitos, Sr., 5-7, G); Daisy Gomez (La Quinta); Donna Kaanoi (Garden Grove, Jr., 5-5, G); Michelle Martinez (Los Amigos, So., G); Karen Montano (Los Amigos, Jr., G); Anna Nguyen (Bolsa Grande, Jr.); Daisy Sanchez (La Quinta); Denshay Wallace (Rancho Alamitos, So., 5-7, PG); Briana Williams (Garden Grove, Jr., 5-8, F); Ashley Zaragoza (Rancho Alamitos, Sr., 5-11, C)

TEAM ON THE RISE

Garden Grove: The Argos will definitely be in the running for a playoff berth and could push the Vaqueros at the top.

TEAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

La Quinta: An ineligible player cost the Aztecs six victories and a trip to the playoffs last season. La Quinta's 4-8 record is a bit deceiving because it plays a tougher schedule than most Garden Grove League teams, so look for the Aztecs to start making their move in league.

TOP GAMES

Rancho Alamitos at La Quinta, Jan. 23; Rancho Alamitos at Garden Grove, Jan. 26; La Quinta at Rancho Alamitos, Feb. 9; Garden Grove at Rancho Alamitos, Feb. 11.

LEAGUE FAVORITE

Segerstrom: The Jaguars have four all-league players back as they look to claim their first league championship.

PROJECTED LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Rachel Sweezy, Ocean View: The 6-1 senior is the top scorer in the league and she is a very good rebounder. Look for Sweezy to keep the Seahawks in league title contention.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Carla Aguilar (Segerstrom, Jr., 5-6, G); Anna Arizaga (Santa Ana, Sr., 5-7, F); Lauren Carbajal (Westminster, Sr., 5-5, G); Stephanie Cash (Segerstrom, Sr., 5-9, F); Gaby Garcia (Saddleback, Jr., 5-8, C); Judy Guadaramma (Westminster, Sr., 5-1, G); Miriah Malapira (Saddleback, Sr., 5-3, G); Sara Mitchell (Ocean View, Sr., 6-0, F); Brianna Montes (Segerstrom, Sr., 5-5, F); Briana Myles (Segerstrom, Sr., 5-5, G); Shannon Smith (Segerstrom, Jr., 5-6, G); Shirley Vu (Westminster, Sr., 5-4, G); Ashley Washington (Segerstrom, Sr., 5-6, F)

TEAM ON THE RISE

Ocean View: The Seahawks, the defending league champions, are going to be much better than their 4-7 record would indicate. Ocean View brings a three-game winning streak into league play.

TEAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Westminster: The Lions are on their fourth coach in as many years and have gotten off to a 4-11 start.

TOP GAMES

Ocean View at Segerstrom, Tuesday; Segerstrom at Ocean View, Jan. 29.

LEAGUE FAVORITE

Magnolia: The Sentinels lost four starters to graduation from last year's team, which advanced to the Division III state championship game, but they have plenty back to control their spot on top of the Orange League. Magnolia has won four consecutive league titles and 39 consecutive league games.

PROJECTED LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Latrice Henderson, Magnolia: She is one of the top players in the county when healthy. She has great post moves and is an excellent defender. She has been playing more at the guard position this season.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Telisha Anderson (Magnolia, Sr., 5-8, G); Kim Bueno (Magnolia, Sr., 5-5, G); Sonia Carlos (Magnolia, Jr., 5-5, PG); Yvette Cruz (Century, Sr., 5-8, G); Danielle Gaxiola (Savanna, Jr., 5-11, G/F); Desiree Hunter (Magnolia, Jr., 6-1, F); Erica Ortega (Western, Sr., 5-6, PG)

TEAM ON THE RISE

Century: The Centurions' frosh-soph and JV teams took first place last season, and this is the third season in Justin Long's system. Yvette Cruz is one of the top 3-point shooters in the league.

TEAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Western: The Pioneers haven't been to the playoffs and had a winning record since the 2005-06 season.

TOP GAMES

Century at Magnolia, Tuesday; Magnolia at Century, Jan. 29.

LEAGUE FAVORITE

Estancia: This is a hard league to figure out, but the Eagles should have a slight edge over Costa Mesa, Calvary Chapel and Godinez.

PROJECTED LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kassie Stratton, Estancia: Stratton made first-team all-league as a freshman and she is off to a strong start as a sophomore. She is averaging 16.4 points per game.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Kim Bjelland (Costa Mesa, Sr., F); Amy Gentling (Costa Mesa, Sr., G); Christina Gooch (Calvary Chapel, Jr., 5-11, P); Bridgitte Madrigal (Godinez, Jr., 5-6, G); Olivia Scheidt (Costa Mesa, Jr., G); Erica Soto (Estancia, Jr., PG); Amanda Souder (Calvary Chapel, Sr., 5-7, P); Jalecia Wilson (Godinez, Jr., 5-8, F); Emily Writer (Laguna Beach, So., 5-10, G/F)

TEAM ON THE RISE

Godinez: Robert Morgan was able to build a solid program when he was at Saddleback and he is off to a solid start with the Grizzlies in their first varsity season. Don't be surprised if Godinez qualifies for the playoffs. The Grizzlies already have their first league victory. Bridgitte Madrigal is averaging 14.9 points per game and Jalecia Wilson 6.1 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.

TEAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Laguna Beach: The Breakers only have one victory so far this season, but sophomore Emily Writer is averaging 20.1 points per game and she will be a good centerpiece as they rebuild.

TOP GAMES

Godinez at Estancia, Thursday; Estancia at Calvary Chapel, Jan. 22; Costa Mesa at Estancia, Jan. 27; Estancia at Godinez, Feb. 3; Calvary Chapel at Estancia, Feb. 10.

LEAGUE FAVORITE

Laguna Hills: The two-time defending league champions are the class of the league. Everybody else in the Pacific Coast will be battling for second place.

PROJECTED LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Lauren Engeln, Laguna Hills: The 5-11 junior guard/forward was the league's MVP and the Division IV-AA Player of the Year last season and she has gotten better. Engeln has developed into one of the top players in the county and gives the Hawks a shot against most top-10 teams.

OTHERS TO WATCH

Akemi Arzouman (University, Sr., 5-11, G); Kate Bergsma (Corona del Mar, Jr., 5-11, F); Ashley Engeln (Laguna Hills, Jr., 5-7, G); Kristan Liddle (Irvine, Jr., 6-0, F); Kayla Marolt (Corona del Mar, So., 5-5, G); Melissa Nishioka (Beckman, So., G); Megan Schwarz (Laguna Hills, Jr., 5-7, G)

TEAM ON THE RISE

Irvine: Kristan Liddle, a first-team All-CIF selection last season, is one of the top players in the league and should have the Vaqueros battling for a playoff berth.

TEAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

University: The Trojans lost most of their players to graduation from last year's team that reached the Division IV-AA finals, but three-year starter Akemi Arzouman is back and should keep them in contention for a playoff berth.

TOP GAMES

Laguna Hills at University, Tuesday; Laguna Hills at Irvine, Jan. 20; University at Laguna Hills, Jan. 29; Irvine at Laguna Hills, Feb. 5.