Welcome to Varsity Sports Network’s 2010 preseason Top 20 girls’ basketball poll. VSN ranks the top teams in the Baltimore region which covers public and private schools in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Harford County and Howard County.
1. Archbishop Spalding (23-6 last season)
Player to watch: Maggie Morrison, Sr., Guard
Baseline: With four Division I signees, Cavaliers are loaded for another charge at IAAM A crown.
2. Seton Keough (16-11)
Player to watch: Achiri Ade, Sr., Forward
Baseline: Led by arguably the area’s best player in Ade, Gators ready to reclaim IAAM A championship.
3. Joppatowne (26-2)
Player to watch: Zameria Jones, Sr., Guard
Baseline: Defending Class 1A champs start the season with four returning starters and 18-game win streak
4. Digital Harbor (19-6)
Player to watch: Alexus Harrison, So., Forward
Baseline: Rams look to make fourth straight trip to UMBC behind Maryland-commit Harrison
5. McDonogh School (17-6)
Player to watch: Candice Hendricks, Sr., Guard
Baseline: Backcourt duo of Hendricks and Taryn Durant (Monmouth) ready to lead Eagles in IAAM A title chase.
6. City College (20-5)
Player to watch: Dominique Dawson, Sr., Center
Baseline: Knights itching to get back to 2A state Final Four after being denied shot a second straight crown by Digital Harbor last season
7. St. Frances Academy (25-3)
Player to watch: Tyshell King, So., Guard
Baseline: Defending IAAM A champs hit by graduation, but several transfers and talented underclassmen will make Panthers a tough out
8. Aberdeen (18-4)
Player to watch: Brionna Jones, So., Center
Baseline: The Eagles set to challenge Joppatowne for supremacy in the UCBAC.
9. Glenelg (16-6)
Player to watch: Sam Heising, So., Guard
Baseline: Gladiators relying on guard-dominant roster to carry it to Howard County crown.
10. Meade (22-2)
Player to watch: Imani Bailey, Jr., Guard
Baseline: Only Arundel kept the Mustangs from state 4A Final Four trip last season.
11. Oakland Mills (12-10)
Player to watch: Jasmine Hill, Jr., Guard
Baseline: Scorpions graduated standout Nicole Hill (East Stroudsburg University), but sister Jasmine is ready to lead experienced roster.
12. Poly (14-4)
Player to watch: T’Naya Kebe, Sr., Guard
Baseline: Engineers could be the team to end Western’s reign in 3A North Region.
13. St. Vincent Pallotti
Player to watch: Chizzy Ekedigwe, Sr., Center
Baseline: Panthers ready to make impact in IAAM A Conference with Seton Hall-bound Ekedigwe.
14. Arundel (23-4)
Player to watch: Tiffany Grant, Sr., Guard
Baseline: Defending Class 4A state champs have some retooling, but road to UMBC will still have to go through Gambrills.
15. South River (12-11)
Player to watch: Aleeyah Hopkins, Jr., Guard
Baseline: With 11 returning letter winners, Seahawks look to have major say in Anne Arundel County and 4A East Region title chase.
16. Catonsville (22-2)
Player to watch: Zoe Whittington, Sr., Guard
Baseline: Despite inexperience, Comets again head of the class in Baltimore County.
17. Atholton (13-8)
Player to watch: Bridgette Synder, Sr., Guard
Baseline: Raiders look to rebound after falling short of expectations last season.
18. Liberty (19-7)
Player to watch: Maggie McCormick, Sr., Guard
Baseline: Lions seek a return trip to 2A state Final Four with four returning starters.
19. Howard (14-7)
Player to watch: Alauna Jackson, Jr., Center
Baseline: After early postseason exit last season, Lions have sights on Howard County title and Class 3A state Final Four berth this winter.
20. Fallston (20-5)
Player to watch: Rachael Holehouse, Jr., Guard
Baseline: The Cougars look to become first area team to win three straight state titles since Dunbar (2000-2004).
