Edgar Melik-Stepanyan
The following is a preview of the girls' basketball league races
involving local teams:
PACIFIC LEAGUE
Muir High's Tye'sha Fluker took her game to the University of
Tennessee, so that at least opens the door for the remaining Pacific
League teams to contend for the league title.
Because when Fluker -- who graduated in 2002 -- roamed the paint,
she was unstoppable, and so were the Mustangs.
Muir (8-3) easily won at least a share of its third straight
league title last season, but might have a harder road this year.
Crescenta Valley is experienced and has a legitimate shot at
knocking off the Mustangs, who are led by Dionne Pounds (20 points
and five rebounds per game through 11 contests).
But the Falcons (12-4) can't rely solely on Jeanine Deno to defeat
Muir. They'll need players like Natasha Belou and Lindsay Myers to
elevate their play to upset the Mustangs.
Pasadena -- which is led by Amanda Foster (17.7 points, 11.8
rebounds per game through 12 contests) -- has improved and will look
to make its own noise in league.
Hoover (7-9) has the potential to be pull off upsets. But Coach
Jack Van Patten needs seniors Ani Arutyunyan and Arpa Gregorian to be
on the same page.
Glendale (3-8) and Arcadia should be competitive in league, but
might have a hard time with the top teams.
RIO HONDO LEAGUE
Before Tuesday's nonleague game against Hoover, La Canada Coach
Tamar Hill offered her two cents about the Rio Hondo League.
"I think we are definitely one of the top contenders," she said.
It's a biased statement, but the Spartans (11-4) are one of the
more talented teams in league and have a tested group.
"[Pasadena] Blair has a psychological edge because they went
undefeated in league last season," Hill said. Blair is also pretty
strong, as it returns center Jewell Lofton, forwards Jernice Johnson
and Rashida Thompson-Miller and guard Marissa Raya.
"Monrovia has an aura because of its new players, plus they've got
some talented individuals," Hill said. Monrovia finished last in
league last season, but have transferred in Joyce Strings from Muir.
Forward Jazmine Ingram also returns from last year's group.
Hill concluded by stating that San Marino is the most annoying
team in league.
"They clearly have one player in Melody Cheung," she said. "I
don't know how they get as many unathletic players to play as hard as
they do.
"Do I think they are the most athletic team? No. Do I think they
will be a thorn in everybody's side? Yes."
PREP LEAGUE
