Girls’ basketball top 25

Staff writer Martin Henderson’s preseason girls’ basketball rankings:

Rk. School (Div.): Comment

1. LONG BEACH POLY (Div. I-AA):Jasmine Dixon, April Cook aim Jackrabbits to be No. 1 team in nation.

2. MILLER (Div. II-AA): Four retuning playoff starters averaged double figures for 33-3 section champion.

3. SAN CLEMENTE (Div. I-A): Won fifth title in seven seasons, and four of the Tritons’ top five players return.

4. AYALA (Div. II-A): Section champion’s starting lineup, led by Rebekah Gardner, returns intact.

5. BREA OLINDA (Div. I-AA): Times’ POY Jeanette Pohlen is gone, but other four starters were underrated

6. SANTA MARGARITA (Div. I-AA): Section semifinalist returns five of top seven players, including Melissa Zornig.

7. MUIR (Div. I-A): Four starters back from 26-2 team that should excel on defense.

8. LYNWOOD (Div. I-AA): Lacking the same depth as previous teams, Knights starters will see more playing time.

9. NARBONNE (City): Gauchos have a new coach but return three Division I college talents to their lineup.

10. CHATSWORTH (City): All those transfers that were ineligible last year? This year they’re eligible.

11. REDONDO (Div. I-A): Not as talented as last year’s squad, but team chemistry might make up the difference.

12. MIRA COSTA (Div. I-A): Mikah Maly-Karros and Megan Richardson provide solid inside-outside punch.

13. MARLBOROUGH (Div. III-AA): Nikki Speed and Talia Caldwell among four starters back from ’07 section champ.

14. MAGNOLIA (Div. III-AA): Jhakia McDonald leads stellar class looking to win tough games, not lose them.

15. PERRIS (Div. II-A): Panthers are always loaded with talent, and hoping this year they don’t underachieve.

16. TROY (Div. I-AA): T.J. Goddard has been lost to knee injury but there is plenty in the cupboard.

17. MATER DEI (Div. I-AA): There are great expectations for new Coach Kevin Kiernan, and five starters return.

18. WINDWARD (Div. III-AA): Monica DeAngelis should make a run at state record for career three-point baskets.

19. CAJON (Div. II-A): The Cowgirls should finally have a schedule to build the credibility they desire.

20. VISTA MURRIETA (Div. II-A): Athletic, guard-oriented team will provide some matchup problems.

21. ESPERANZA (Div. II-AA): Aztecs are going to be big, with a strong front court led by Allison Burns.

22. FOOTHILL (Div. I-A): Christina Marinacci is the nucleus, but there is plenty of talent in the supporting cast.

23 .BRENTWOOD (Div. III-AA): Lauren Edwards averaged 15.3 points, 11.3 rebounds for the Eagles.

24. BISHOP AMAT (Div. I-AA): Can’t rely on inside game of past, but on something new: tradition.

25. SAUGUS(Div. I-A): With five starters returning, Centurions could be one of Southland’s surprise teams.