The Top 10

1. Brea Olinda. The Ladycats won the state title last year and return four of their top six players: Lindsey Davidson, Kate Ides, Jeri Costello and junior Chelsea Trotter, the state Division II player of the year. Brea is in a class by itself, and vying for a national No. 1 ranking; the Ladycats have the tough nonleague schedule and the talent, perhaps, to pull it off.

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2. San Clemente. The Tritons reached the Division I-A finals last year before losing to Marina. Marissa Ficklin (6-3) adds size inside, and San Clemente can have effective inside and outside games with Colleen Turnbull and Debby Caine, who provide plenty of scoring and leadership.

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3. El Toro. Giuliana Mendiola, one of the county’s most prolific shooters, isn’t afraid of taking the big shot--and she often makes it. The Chargers beat top-seeded La Crescenta Crescenta Valley in the Division I-AA playoffs last year and have four starters returning.

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4. Marina. Defending Division I-A champion will miss player of the year Natalie Nakase, an extraordinary playmaker, but returns strong inside threat Chanda McLeod along with Karyn Fierst and Nikki Lee.

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5. Edison. Chargers were 18-2 last season before faltering at the end. All five starters are back, including forward Christina Patterson, a second-team all-county player who went largely unheralded last season. Arrival of the Ziemann twins, freshmen Rachel and Bianca, provide additional depth.

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6. Mater Dei. Monarchs were only 13-13 last season going into the playoffs because of tough schedule, but upset Cerritos, the top-seeded team in Division I-A. Four starters are back; they could start slow under new coach Ollie Martin, but they’ll come around.

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7. Esperanza. The entire style of play changes for the Aztecs with the graduation of all-county center Leah Combs, but that might not be a bad thing. Esperanza will be small, but more athletically gifted and with pressing style, certainly effective.

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8. Troy. Would be easier to rank the Warriors higher if they had tougher nonleague schedule or were in a high-caliber tournament like Marina’s. The addition of three transfers from Brea, including two from the varsity, and aggressive style could result in another division final.

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9. Westminster. The Lions aren’t the most artful team--they looked downright ugly on the floor sometimes last season--but they have considerable experience, hustle and a resolve to win no matter the circumstances. If they’re not complacent, they belong here.

10. Sonora. The Raiders must learn to play at the speed the elite teams play at, and they’re making an effort by scheduling Marina and Mater Dei. A front line that goes 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 should create matchup problems for most opponents. Guard play could be critical to their success.