HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL LEAGUE PREVIEWS : CHANNEL LEAGUE : Numbers and Track Record Counting Heavily Against the Field : Girls: New Oxnard could make even more noise, but nod goes to perennial titlist Buena.

Discussion of Channel League girls’ basketball begins and ends with perennial champion Buena. Santa Barbara and Ventura have occasionally defeated the Bulldogs over the past 20 years, but emphasis is on the word occasionally.

Although Buena is as strong as ever, there is a new topic in the league, and it has to do with the new campus at Oxnard.

The Yellowjackets attracted new players like bees to a hive during the off-season, gaining transfers from Hueneme, Channel Islands and St. Bonaventure. Players also moved in from Bakersfield and the San Fernando Valley.

For Coach Ryle Lynch-Cole, the influx of talent has been both a blessing and a curse. So far his team has underachieved, playing at a .500 clip in nonleague games.

He also has endured comments from opposing coaches who assume he is guilty of recruiting, a charge he vigorously denies.

“I’m getting the cold shoulder from coaches in this area,” he said. “But that is to be expected. They thought I was doing underhanded stuff but they can check with the CIF. Everything is above board.

“It’s a new campus and a lot of neat kids want to come to a new school.”

Including Nikki Black, a 5-10 junior forward who was Hueneme’s best player.

Including Danielle Curtis, a 6-0 junior center who was Channel Islands’ best player.

Including Shari Rogers, a talented senior guard who sat out last season after playing at St. Bonaventure as a sophomore.

Including Jaline Bradley, an outstanding freshman point guard who is attending Oxnard through open enrollment.

Add returning players Anicia Rimm and Donya Walker and newcomers Tara Lambert, Sabrina Tarver and Melissa Randall and Oxnard should improve on last season’s 10-14 mark and contend for the playoffs.

Playing at the level of Buena is another task entirely. With three returning starters from last season’s 24-4 team, the Bulldogs should sweep through league play.

TEAM BY TEAM

* BUENA (24-4, 14-0)

Nicole Greathouse, a 6-2 junior center, is the league’s best player. She is ably complemented by returning guards Ebony Conley, a 5-8 senior, and Kori Sebek, a 5-6 senior. Stephanie Kinnear, a 5-10 junior, moves into a starting forward role. Forward Christie Erickson, a 5-8 senior, is the team’s best pure shooter. Sophomore Renae Hofmann and junior Ashley Jackson also will play.

* HUENEME (11-12, 5-9)

The Vikings, with eight returning players, won the Santa Paula tournament and should challenge for a playoff berth. Angela Salanoa, a 5-11 senior center, is in her fourth varsity season. Also playing on the front line are 5-9 Tobie Blair, the team’s leading scorer, 5-10 Rachel Whitlow, 5-8 Delaina Talili and 5-10 Vikki Vargas. Kelly Tobin, a junior point guard, averages 12 points and seven assists.

* OXNARD (8-15, 2-12)

As sophomores, Nikki Black averaged 13 points a game for Hueneme last season and Danielle Curtis averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman point guard Jaline Bradley has adjusted to the varsity level quickly, averaging 6.2 assists thus far. Shari Rogers, a senior who sat out last season, has been a pleasant surprise.

* RIO MESA (16-9, 9-5)

The Spartans are off to a blazing start, thanks primarily to a balanced scoring attack. Carol Saldana, Chante Guggia and Trina Ayala each average more than 10 points. Saldana is an adept three-point shooter and Guggia is a strong rebounder with a solid all-around game. Stephanie Flaxbeard also has played well.

* VENTURA (18-7, 12-2)

Without Kristin Franklin, a two-year starter at point guard who moved out of the area, the Cougars lack the ballhandling skills that enabled them to defeat every league team but Buena last season. Whitney Robson, the team’s only senior, is out because of a separated shoulder. Nicole Campbell is a good three-point shooter and Rhiannon Potkey is a solid player. Lela Diaz and Becky Dahl will contribute.