FIVE TO WATCH IN 1995 : Sure, they were impressive in 1994. They worked hard, they played hard, they coached their way to success. But just wait until this year, when these people show what they can do. : MIKE GIORDANO : He’s the <i> Real</i> Star in This Undertaking

Buena High is a perennial powerhouse in girls’ basketball.

Nordhoff is off to an 8-1 start this season without a senior in the lineup.

Ventura has advanced to a Southern Section division championship game three times in the last five seasons.

The one common link is Mike Giordano.

Giordano, founder and head coach of the Ventura Stars girls’ youth basketball program, has helped stock Ventura County high schools with some impressive talent--and he’s been doing it for 12 years.

During the 1994-95 season, at least 22 Giordano proteges will play varsity high school basketball, and nearly all figure to participate in Southern Section playoffs.

Giordano’s Stars program, for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, has proven to be a quick primer on the road to high school stardom.

“He provides everything you would want from a program,� said Buena Coach Joe Vaughan, whose team is ranked fifth in the state. “The kids learn fundamentals, discipline and how to do things right.�

And Giordano does it all out of his own pocket.

“I have no idea how much I’ve spent,� said Giordano, whose daughter Michelle is a freshman on the Arizona basketball team. Last season at Buena she garnered Ventura County player of the year honors. “I guess I’ll stop when I run out of money.�

Many coaches and players in Ventura County hope that never happens. “You couldn’t find a kid who has played in the program who doesn’t have all wonderful things to say about the man,� said Vaughan, who has 11 former Stars on his 12-player roster.

While Buena has been the chief beneficiary, there has been plenty of talent to spread around the county.

Nordhoff’s entire starting lineup is made up of girls who have played for Giordano and assistants Leonard Keep and Roger Whitlock.

Ventura’s Ember Brown, who has signed to play at Long Beach State, and Kristen Franklin are former Stars who have soared.

Thousand Oaks, Fillmore and San Marcos also have benefited this season from Giordano’s work.

Said Giordano: “These kids are outstanding athletes and would be doing quite well, with or without me. If the kids have enjoyed playing basketball, I’m thankful for that. I think this is a great game and just wanted to share my love for the game.�