St. Paul High School girls basketball the team to beat in 2016-17 with the WBSC All Stars Francesca Facchini

The St. Paul High School girls basketball team will be led by, from left, Francesca Facchini (WBSC All Stars), Valerie Godinez, Jurhandi Molina and Na’lon Smith. The Swordsmen begin the season ranked No. 1 in the area. (Photo by Keith Durflinger/Whittier Daily News/SCNG) 

By Steve Ramirez, San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Last season might go down as one of the best in area girls basketball history.

It featured three teams advancing to CIF Southern Section divisional finals, with one winning a division crown and advancing to the CIF State regional semifinals.

There might be a repeat this season as the Swordsmen, Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary and Sonora all look to field strong units capable of getting back to the divisional finals.

The area features eight players who earned first-team All-Area honors returning.

Here’s a look at the area top 10:

1. ST. PAUL

The Swordsmen enjoyed arguably one of their better seasons in the program’s history, winning the CIF Southern Section Division 4AA title and advancing to the CIF State Division IV regional semifinals. St. Paul welcomes back some key pieces to keep the fun going.

Na’lon Smith, who was the 2016 Daily News Player of the Year, is back and joins Valerie Godinez, who provides scoring from the perimeter, inside player Jurhandi Molina and Francesca Facchini (WBSC All Stars), who had the winning shot in the 4AA title game.

St. Paul’s biggest challenge will be the move up to Division 1AA.

2. CANTWELL-SACRED HEART

The Cardinals, now coached by Leonard Dominguez, were one of three area teams to play in divisional title games, and should be able to make another run. Senior Lily Perkins, arguably the top returning player in the area, is back to lead a strong nucleus.

3. SONORA

The Raiders feature arguably the top guard tandem in the area, with returning All-Area players Meghann Henderson, a senior, and Lainie James, a junior. Sonora advanced to the Division 3AA title game last season and could make another run this year. The Raiders also feature sophomore Elizabeth Yoshitake, who was second-team All-Area.

4. EL RANCHO

The Dons, who upset St. Paul on Tuesday, have ruled the Del Rio in recent seasons and that’s not expected to change in 2016-17. El Rancho returns its top three players in senior forward Amy Navarro, senior guard Brittany Corona and junior forward Susy Regaldo. All three were All-Area last season.

5. LA HABRA

The Highlanders’ biggest problem is being in the Freeway League, which also includes powers Troy and Sonora. La Habra should be competitive with senior guard Emma Zener. The Highlanders did graduate two All-Area players, but still look good with seniors Hannah McArthur and Larisa Maehara.

6. WHITTIER

The Cardinals look to have another solid season. They opened 2-2 and should challenge El Rancho in the Del Rio League. Whittier features center Alyssa Lomeli, who was second-team All-Area.

7. WHITTIER CHRISTIAN

The Heralds are off to a solid start, winning five of their first seven. They feature one of the top post players in the area in Christa Evans, who was second-team All-Area. The challenge comes in the tough Olympic League. Whittier Christian also features seniors Kacie Hunt, Caressa Walker and Sophia Stolt.

8. PIONEER

This could be a turnaround season for the Titans, who opened the season winning five of six games at the South El Monte Tournament. They feature inside player Marissa Mora, who is averaged 12 points a game, and sophomore Raylene Cosio, who is averaging nine points a game. Pioneer could be the X-factor in the Del Rio League race.

9. LA SERNA

The Lancers are off to a 3-0 start and could be very competitive in the Del Rio League, if they find some consistency.

10. MONTEBELLO

All Almont League competitors are still chasing Keppel, but the Oilers could be the No. 1 challenger. They return a strong nucleus.

PRESEASON ALL-AREA TEAM

Guard: Meghann Henderson, Sonora, Sr.

Henderson sets the pace for the Raiders. She averaged nine points and three steals per game last season to earn first-team All-Area accolades.

Guard: Lainie James, Sonora, Jr.

James is arguably the top shooting guard in the area. She averaged 12 points a game last season and was named first-team All-Area

Forward: Amy Navarro, El Rancho, Sr.

Narvarro helped El Rancho to the Del Rio League title. She’s a machine inside, averaging in double figures in scoring and rebounding. She earned first-team All-Area recognition.

Forward: Na’lon Smith, St. Paul, Sr.

Smith was the area player of the year after helping the Swordsmen to the CIF-SS4AA title. She averaged in double figures in scoring, including 12 points a game during the playoffs.

Forward: Lily Perkins: Cantwell, Sr.

Perkins is the leader for the Cardinals, scoring more than 15 points a game and nearly 10 rebounds per game. She was first-team All-Area and recently signed with Eastern Washington.