GIRLS' BASKETBALL PREVIEW: YOUTH PLAYS A ROLE PARACLETE BIDS FOR A FIFTH TITLE.

Byline: Gideon Rubin Staff Writer

LANCASTER - The Paraclete High girls' basketball team has established a winning tradition over the past five seasons, during which time the Spirits have won four league titles.

Paraclete took the title in its first Alpha League campaign last season after winning three championships in the High Desert League in the previous four seasons.

But if Paraclete is to defend its Alpha title this season, the Spirits, who return just two seniors, will need to develop some of their young players quickly. Susan Hervey, Paraclete's sixth-year coach, is stressing fundamentals in early practices.

``There's lots of potential,'' Hervey said, noting her players' hustle and hard work in practices have impressed her.

She believes that despite her team's inexperience - which has contributed to a 3-6 start this season - the Spirits are capable of winning another league title.

A 59-47 victory over previously undefeated Pacific Hills of Los Angeles on Tuesday is one reason to be hopeful.

Hervey stresses defense as the focal point of her coaching philosophy, but she said if the opportunity presents itself, the Spirits, who lack size this season, will not hesitate to push the ball in the open court.

Paraclete is led by senior guard Jackie Kolesar, a multitalented athlete Hervey calls one of the top players in the area. The 5-foot-8 Kolesar, who also plays on the volleyball and softball teams, is known for her outstanding offensive skills - she's averaging 22 points and eight rebounds - but she is also an outstanding defender.

Kolesar, who is in her fourth year at the varsity level, will also be expected to provide leadership.

Missy Pagan, a 5-4 senior point guard averaging six points and five assists, is a good outside shooter and one of the team's best at penetrating and drawing fouls. She will also be counted on for leadership.

Eden Lindeman, the Spirits' only other returning senior, is sidelined with a knee injury but could be back for the start of league play next month. Lindeman, a 5-10 forward, is one of the team's tallest players and will be expected to rebound.

Sophomore Dani Gaeta, a 5-9 forward averaging seven points and seven rebounds, has limited varsity experience but is an outstanding defender, and will also be counted on to rebound and handle the ball when opposing teams apply pressure.

Freshman Nikki Cordova, a 5-2 guard, was a standout in Paraclete's one week minicamp over the summer, impressing Hervey with her gutsy play. Cordova is a good outside shooter and is quick.

With the injury to Lindeman, Hervey will look to first-year varsity players Hayley Chaplin, Chloe Quesada and Catherine Buttrey, to box out and rebound. Chaplin, a junior, and Quesada, a sophomore, are both 5-9 and have junior varsity experience. Buttrey, a 5-10 sophomore, is in her first year of high school competition.

Hervey will be looking for junior guards Debbie Moico and Kelsey Vincent to spark the Spirits off the bench.

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Fourth-year varsity player Jackie Kolesar is the leader of a young and inexperienced Paraclete team.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer