DIVISION IV-A

Defending champion: Burbank Bellarmine-Jefferson.

Top teams: Santa Monica Crossroads (22-2); Cerritos Valley Christian (20-6); Mojave (21-1); Bellarmine-Jefferson (15-10).

Dark horse: Brethren Christian (15-10) is in the region with fourth-seeded Bell-Jeff, a team it has already beaten, 47-38.

Top players: Patty Aguirre (Providence); Misti Bird (Mojave); Tiffany Cave (Crossroads); Crystal Conley (Crossroads); Marcene Guerrero (CVC); Erica Hassler (Whittier Christian); Allison Holland (Whittier Christian); Rachael MacDonald (Brethren Christian); Sarah Middlebrook (CVC); Cindy Oparah (Brethren Christian); Malia Reinard (Mojave); Christy VandenAkker (CVC).

Notes: Bell-Jeff defeated Cerritos Valley Christian, 47-45, in last year’s final. . . . Brethren Christian has a chance if the scouting report doesn’t get out on the Warriors. They have two players who are outstanding in the post, Cindy Oparah and Rachael MacDonald. But Brethren’s troubles have been getting them the ball as much as they would like. . . . Brethren Christian Coach Kim Harris was pleased with spot in the draw; the soonest the Warriors could meet Valley Christian is the finals. She has lost 11 consecutive games to Valley Christian. “Our driving motivation is to see Valley Christian again,” said Harris.