SoCalHoops High School News

U-T's San Diego Top 10 Girls' Teams--(Nov. 25, 1998)

We don't pretend to know a lot about any of the girls teams in San Diego, or elsewhere in SoCal for that matter, but some of our readers (Aaron Solis, are you there?) do, and for them, we've promised to try to increase our somewhat meager girls coverage.  It will be still be meager, just a little less so than last year.  So, in order to appease those fans of the girls' game, here's the San Diego Union-Tribune's Top 25 girls' teams, and some names to watch in San Diego County throughout the year.  Many of these teams will find there way to the Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions, which is probably the country's biggest and best girls' tournament, featuring most of the top programs in the country.  Of course, it will be run at the same time as the boys' large Nike Holiday Classic down in San Diego from December 26-31, so you'll have to make a choice:  Either travel to Santa Barbara to see the girls, or stay home in San Diego and watch the boys (and vice-versa if you're from Santa Barbara and Ventura,  a toss up if you're from LA, San Bernardino, Riverside or Orange).

Anyway, here's who someone thought were the best teams in San Diego County. As we said, we don't know a thing about them, so make your own call:

1. Rancho Bernardo (22-7)

"Twenty-year coach Peggy Brose returns three full-time starters from last season's CIF-San Diego Section Division I semifinalist squad. Point guard Sarah Wilkins (13.5 ppg) is a four-year varsity starter who elevates her performance in big games. Senior forward Nicholle Bromley (10.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and 6-foot junior Danielle Hoisington (7.0 rpg) give the Broncos invaluable experience. Speed, size and depth are all strengths of this team, especially with Nikki Dulin, Mikaelyn Austin, Lindsay Sutherland and transfers Alexis Tate and Shatoya James."

2. Mt. Carmel (22-7)

"Experience permeates the Sundevils roster as 12 of 14 players return, including four starters. Seniors forwards Mischa Clark (14 ppg, 10 rpg) and Adriana Breisch and guards Lika Black (14 ppg) and Melanie Capacia provide quickness and size."

3. La Costa Canyon (20-8)

"The Mavericks may have the best backcourt perimeter shooters in the county. When Abby Vaughn (18 ppg) and Natalie Gerhardt (12 ppg) get hot from the outside, look out. Ali Ginn and Sylvia Guldalian can do their share of damage, too."

4. Vista (21-7)

"The Panthers are super balanced. Junior guard Betsy Tunney returns as the team's leading scorer (9.6 ppg). Malia Altieri (6.8 rpg), Ivette Medina and Hillary Jager are fine role players. Look for the Panthers to win many games with team defense and proficient three-point shooting."

5. Bishop's (24-5)

"The Division IV champions will get a chance to prove their top-10 status early as they open against Rancho Bernardo and El Camino in a tournament. Brianna (11.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg) and Mallorie Winn are impact players. Kirsten Grimm (13.4 ppg, 8.5 rpg) and Angela Ortega (12.6) give the Knights depth."

6. El Camino (25-5)

"A 21-game winning streak in the Avocado League is on the line for the defending Division I finalists. LaToya Bristow (13.8 ppg) can turn a game single-handedly. The Wildcats should feast on the offensive boards with 6-0 Oni Mauga, 6-0 Audry Webb, 5-10 Marisa Lattin and 5-9 Jackie Duff."

7. El Capitan (17-13)

"The same starting lineup from last season will suit up for the Vaqueros. Kendra Rhea (19.8 ppg, 13.1 rpg) can play any position on the floor and is a force to be reckoned with. Megan Long (8.8 ppg) and Angela Cardenas add support."

8. Poway (15-12)

"Two key players are not returning, leaving the Titans thin on experience. But seven varsity players return and the roster is heavy on height. Aletha Green (8.3 ppg) can dominate in the post and Amy Opielowski, Sarah Farber and Niki Kostlan complement the inside game."

9. La Jolla (22-2)

"Malaika Underwood (18.8 ppg) lets her athleticism take over on the court. Assist leader Morgan Romine makes others around her better. Nikki Blue and Rebekah Cravens are vital to the Vikings' up-tempo game."

10. Carlsbad (15-11)

"The Lancers are going to be tough to stop, especially inside. Six-foot-2 Lauren Fendrick, 5-11 Molly Duncan, 5-10 Erica Keus, 5-9 Brittany Pelzel and 5-6 Meredith Magrini all are returning"

Girls basketball: 25 players to watch

Triola Alexander, Kearny (6'-1" Jr. F)  U-T All-County First Team
Breezy Ambort, University City (5'-8" So. G) Floor leader can score
Kristen Axelson, Coronado (6'-0" Sr. F) Will play at Southern Cal College
Lika Black, Mt. Carmel (5'-7" Sr. G) Denver-bound next fall
LaToya Bristow, El Camino (5'-9" Jr. G) U-T All-County First Team
Nicholle Bromley, Rancho Bernardo (5'-7" Sr. F) Slasher, super athletic
Mischa Clark, Mt. Carmel (5'-9" Sr. F) Playing at Pacific next season
Lauren Fendrick, Carlsbad (6'-2" Sr. F) 20 ppg, 7 rpg as junior
Hilary Gay, Torrey Pines (6'-1" Sr. F) Averaged double-double in '98
Natalie Gerhardt, LC Canyon (5'-11" Jr. G) May be SD's best long shooter
Aletha Green, Poway (6'-0" Jr. C) Great leaping ability, rebounder
Kristen Grimm, Bishop's (5'-10" Jr. F) Led Knights in scoring with 13.4 ppg
Holly Houchin, Ramona (5'-9" Sr. G) Very strong, can do it all
Arleasha Iverson, Hoover (5'-6" Jr. G) Great court vision, quick hands
Kristen Jones, Oceanside (5'-7" Jr. G) Point guard who can score
Nathalie Karns, Eastlake (5'-4" Jr. G) Expected to replace Debbie Stanton
Robyn Perkins, B. Vista (5'-9" Sr. F) Nearing school scoring record
Kendra Rhea, El Capitan (6'-1" Sr. C) Headed to Santa Clara
Morgan Romine, La Jolla (5'-8" Sr. G) Unselfish leader, good defensively
Casandra Timms, M. Bay (5'-8" Jr. F) Julian transfer is physical
Malaika Underwood, La Jolla (5'-10" Sr. F) Western League Player of the Year
Abby Vaughn, LC Canyon (5'-6" Sr. G) Signed with Boise State
Tabatha Velis, Mount Miguel (5'-5" Sr. G) Super quick, can shoot the three
Sarah Wilkins, R. Bernardo (5'-6" Sr. G) 66 points from school record
Brianna Winn, Bishop's (5'-10" So. G) U-T Newcomer of the Year

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