OLYMPIC LEAGUE

Brethren Christian: 20-6, 8-2 in 1996-97. Coach: Kim Harris (fifth year, 49-44). Brethren Christian has improved each of the last three years, going to the first round, quarterfinals and semifinals in the playoffs. With a lack of overall varsity experience, Harris returns two strong senior players in Rachael MacDonald and Cindy Oparah and will need them to lead an inexperienced team. MacDonald (6-4 center) a first-team All-Southern Section selection, led the team in scoring with 13 points and averaged 10 rebounds. Oparah, a second-team all-section pick, averaged 12 rebounds and 10 points. Oparah (5-10) will be moving from power forward to swingman and Harris says the transition has been successful so far. Senior Dana Milne, a reserve last season, returns at guard. Harris also will have junior varsity MVP Sarah Muilenburg (5-9 junior guard). Look for a top-three finish.

Calvary Chapel: 19-10, 6-4 in 1996-97. Coach: Russell McClurg (fourth year, 35-37). With the transfer of forwards Cathy Joens (5-10) from Woodbridge and Erica Waetjen (5-9) from Huntington Beach, McClurg’s team is the preseason favorite for the league title. The Eagles return four starters and six lettermen to a team that finished third, yet reached the quarterfinals of the playoffs. Joens, a second-team all-county selection, averaged 13.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and shot 49.5% from the field. Christy Ring (5-4, 14.1 points), first-team all-league, returns to run the point. Juniors Leslie Morton (5-11 center) and Andrea Fountain (5-11 forward) also are back. McClurg is impressed with his team’s quick defense and says “they can run the floor with the best.”

Cerritos Valley Christian: 27-4, 10-0 in 1996-97. Coach: Eleanor Dykstra (27th year, 490-95). Once again the Crusaders are expected to be strong. They just missed winning their sixth consecutive Southern Section Division IV-A title, losing to Burbank Bellarmine-Jefferson in the final, 47-45. In the state tournament, they lost in the second round. Seniors Christy VandenAkker (5-8), Sarah Middlebrooke (5-10) and Lauren Hinson (5-10) return, as well as juniors Lori Negen (5-8) and Marcene Guerrero (5-8). Valley Christian should battle with Calvary Chapel for the title.

Ontario Christian: 11-14, 4-6 in 1996-97. Coach: Barry Tyler (fifth year, 44-50). Ontario Christian figures to fall into the bottom three once again. The Knights got an at-large Division V-AA playoff bid and lost 50-29 in the second round to finalist Western Christian. They lost Vanessa Kutschat (5-11, forward) and Polly Castanis (5-7, guard).

Orange Lutheran: 5-18, 2-8 in 1996-97. Coach: Mark Kempf (seventh year, 72-67). The Lancers return four starters to a team that finished fifth last season. A third-place finish or better is possible this season. Junior guard Lindsay Wetzler (5-6) returns after missing half of last season with an injury. Senior guard/forward Jennifer Ritter, 5-8 and a strong inside and outside player, will start. senior three-point threat Amanda Smallwood (5-7 guard) is back and strong defender Molly Slane (5-4 junior guard) returns. Kempf also has four returning reserve players. Senior forward Erin Dettmer (5-7), guard Allison Smith (5-6), senior forward Jennifer Misslediwe (5-9) and senior guard Kelly Gerlach (5-7), who returns after being injured last season.

Whittier Christian: 3-17, 0-10 in 1996-97. Coach: Steve Randall (first year). The Heralds continue to rebuild and things don’t seem to be getting any better. Randall is the third new coach in three years and will struggle to keep his team out of the cellar.