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The Orange County girls basketball preseason Top 10 for the 2022-23 season.

GIRLS BASKETBALL PRESEASON TOP 10

1. Mater Dei (23-6 in 2021-22): The Monarchs added transfer guard Addison Deal of Pacifica Christian, arguably the county’s top player, to a roster loaded with guards such as seniors Caia Elisaldez (Tennessee Chattanooga signee), Hannah Vela (Concordia) and Amaya Williams, a transfer from Santa Margarita. Deal, a sophomore, will boost the offense with her inside-outside attack and passing but the trick for Coach Kevin Kiernan will be blending his talented guards for a cohesive effort. Don’t be surprised to see four guards playing with emerging post Jenessa Cotton.

2. Rosary (17-10): The Royals turn to All-County guard Allison Clarke and emerging Mya Barnes to maintain the program’s high level in the post-Kaylee Byon (Utah Valley) era. Coach Rich Yoon said Clarke averaged 26 points in the fall and Barnes has emerged as the No. 2 option. Mary Larson has taken over as the squad’s point guard spot while post Ava Dominguez has improved. Depth remains the team’s main concern.

3. Sage Hill (27-10): The reigning Division II state champion returns most of its core except steady point guard Isabel Gomez (Penn). Freshman Amalia Holguin takes the PG reins and brings strong shooting and ball handling. Forwards Emily Eadie and Kat Righeimer also are strong dribblers who can help set up the offense. Sage Hill moves to the Pacific Coast League and is playing a tough non-schedule to prepare for the postseason.

4. Orange Lutheran (24-9): The defending CIF-SS Division 2AA champion Lancers return most of their core,  which means they’ll have a strong combination of forwards and guards. All-County post Sheridan Kennedy and Taliyah McFerson help lead the frontcourt while Madi Bogan (Westmont) and All-County pick Shea Joko lead the backcourt.

5. Esperanza (20-8): The Aztecs lost senior Julia Lavigne to Ontario Christian but the return of All-County point guard Kaiya Mack will keep them formidable. They also added promising freshman guard Madilyn Lam.

6. Fairmont Prep (18-13): The Huskies could be the team to beat in the San Joaquin League with the return of 6-foot-2 center Siyanda Salter and point guard Jazzy Mercado plus the addition of freshman Adyra Rajan. They also have added Northwood post Pryelle Kesse-Beda.

7. San Juan Hills (20-9): The Stallions look like the South Coast League favorite with the return of five starters and the addition of Aliso Niguel transfer guard Aryanna Hudson. The junior, who averaged 12.5 points and 5.0 assists last season, teams with high-scoring Amanda Edwards (15.1 ppg) and Sydney Peterson (14.2).

8. Sonora (20-7): The reigning Freeway League champion returns league MVP Larissa Robles at point guard and has added some young talent and transfer guard Kylah Baker from La Serna. Retooling Troy, rising Buena Park and experienced Sunny Hills loom as challengers in the traditionally strong league.

9. Santa Margarita (17-8): The Eagles lost Williams to Mater Dei but return sharp-shooter Madison Leiva (San Marcos) and added JSerra transfer Léa-Line Romain from JSerra.

10. Orangewood Academy (24-10): The Spartans are in rebuilding mode due to injuries and departures but have a history of scrappy play and a promising sophomore in Maria Mejia. Look for Coach Leslie Aragon’s team to improve as the season progresses.

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Others to watch (listed alphabetically): Aliso Niguel, Brea Olinda, Buena Park, Capistrano Valley Christian, Crean Lutheran, Cypress, JSerra, Los Alamitos, Pacifica Christian, Portola, San Clemente, Sunny Hills, Tesoro, Troy, Woodbridge.