GIRLS’ BASKETBALL ‘93-’94: EMPIRE LEAGUE

KATELLA

1992-93 RECORDS:

OVERALL: 19-5

LEAGUE: 8-2

COACH: Joni Easterly

RECORD AT SCHOOL: 0-0

RETURNING STARTERS YR. HGT. P Christina Carrillo Sr. 5-5 G Stephanie Toon Sr. 5-8 F Deborah Vargas Sr. 5-5 G

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TOP RETURNERS YR. HGT. P Khaliah Fountaine Jr. 5-4 G Cindi Germinaro Jr. 5-6 G Kristi Oliver Jr. 5-10 F Heidi Stone Jr. 5-6 G

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TOP NEWCOMER YR. HGT. P Patty Barba Sr. 5-9 F

OUTLOOK

The Knights are looking to remove the bitter taste left in their mouths from last year’s upset loss in the first round of the Southern Section Division II-A playoffs. Easterly inherits seven returners, including league co-MVP Carrillo, who Easterly says is the most underrated player in the county. Carrillo averaged nearly 20 points to lead Katella in scoring. Also back are starters Vargas and Toon, both honorable mention all-league selections last year. The Knights’ surplus of guards continues with the return of Germinaro, Stone and Fountaine. Easterly says the squad’s speed should make up for its lack of height. Oliver, the Knights’ tallest returner, will be joined down low by Barba, who is back after taking last year off. The Knights’ strengths are an effective run-and-gun offense and experience. “Our experience should help us a ton, especially in the tight, clutch situations,” Easterly said. She expects the Knights to be legitimate contenders for the league title with a good chance of avenging last year’s postseason loss. “It’s hard to tell this early, but I think we should make (the playoffs), and hopefully reach at least the second round.”

SCHEDULE

November 30 at Costa Mesa.

December 1-4 at Fullerton tournament; 8 at Magnolia; 11-17 at Cypress tournament; 18 vs. Savanna; 27-30 at Marina tournament.

January 6 vs. Cypress; 11 at Los Alamitos; 13 vs. Loara; 18 vs. El Dorado; 20 at Esperanza; 27 at Cypress.

February 1 at Loara; 3 vs. Los Alamitos; 8 at El Dorado; 10 vs. Esperanza.