AT A GLANCE

* THE PROVEN: Dan Hoefer of Dos Pueblos, a 6-foot-7 senior center, is one of four returning starters for the defending champion Chargers. Sonny Oden of San Marcos, a 6-1 senior guard, is averaging 15 points a game. Ryan Fay of Buena, a 6-1 senior, is averaging 20 points game after posting a 12.3 average as a junior.

* THE PROMISING: Tony Freeman of Santa Barbara, a 6-4 junior transfer from Rialto Eisenhower, is the Dons’ best defender and is averaging 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals. Ricky Hernandez of Oxnard is a 6-1 sophomore who is averaging 10.3 points for the Yellowjackets. Mike Ostic of Ventura, a 6-4 senior, is averaging 11.7 points and six rebounds in his first season as a starter.

* FAST FACT: Ventura is the last Ventura County team to win a Channel League title. The Cougars accomplished the feat in 1993, but Dos Pueblos and Santa Barbara each have won two titles since.

* 1996-97 STANDINGS: 1. Dos Pueblos, 12-2 in league play, 20-9 overall; 2. Rio Mesa, 11-3, 17-7; 3. Ventura, 8-6, 14-12; 4. Santa Barbara, 7-7, 12-15; 5. (tie) Oxnard, 6-8, 12-11; San Marcos, 6-8, 13-14; 7. Buena, 5-9, 12-13; 8. Hueneme, 1-13, 4-19.