AQUINAS
REGION: 7-A
COACH: John Ribock (fifth year)
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: N/A
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: N/A
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 12-12
RETURNING STARTERS: Sophomore F Georgia Brown (5-7, 137), senior F Mary Ann Ribock (5-9, 135), junior F Emily Suhrer (5-8, 130), junior G K.C. MacEachern (5-3, 125)
TEAM STRENGTH: Speed, shooting
OTHER KEY LADY IRISH: Junior G Kristen Reese (5-3, 120), sophomore G Brooke Chilton (5-6, 132), sophomore F Maggie Smith (5-6, 130), sophomore F Amanda Morrell (5-7, 170)
TOP NEWCOMERS: None
OUTLOOK: Shooting and speed will shore up other areas. Someone must replace the graduated shot-blocking in the low post this year. This team needs to find a player who can contribute 10 points per night on a consistent basis.
BURKE COUNTY
REGION: 3-AAA South
COACH: Angelica Collins (sixth year, 129-45)
LAST REGION TITLE: None
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 60-59 in first round to Cairo)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 24-4
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior PG Shakara Harden (5-6)
TEAM STRENGTH: Speed and experience
OTHER KEY LADY BEARS: Junior G Jessica Davis (5-5)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman Post Yasma Lynch (5-10)
OUTLOOK: Davis was ineligible last year but will be a prime asset this year. Harden flashed tremendous skill in the region tourney last year while averaging 15 points and five assists per game. This team might limp early as it lost four starters and seven seniors from last year's group.
CROSS CREEK
REGION: 3-AAA North
COACH: Kim Schlein (second year, 18-7)
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 41-34 to Westover in first round)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 18-7
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior F Stacey Lampkin (6-0), senior F Javonna Kent (5-7), senior C Shay Rawls (6-2)
TEAM STRENGTH: Post play
OTHER KEY LADY RAZORBACKS: None
TOP NEWCOMERS: Senior G Whitney Lyons (5-6), freshman F Taylor Ayers (6-0)
OUTLOOK: Graduation didn't harm the Lady Razorbacks' inside play but it did sap away the team's bench. Ayers will be a key reserve down low. Kent, Lampkin and Rawls should average 50 points and 30 rebounds per night collectively. Cross Creek isn't at full strength yet due to injury, but it should be a very formidable squad when it gets healthy.
EVANS
REGION: 2-AAAA
COACH: Tim Whitfield (sixth year)
LAST REGION TITLE: None
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: N/A
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 5-19
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior G Tynisha Butler (5-6, 150), junior F/C Lauren Middleton (5-10, 130), senior F Rachel Hall (5-7, 135), senior F Tiphani Grimes (5-5, 140)
TEAM STRENGTH: Guards
OTHER KEY LADY KNIGHTS: Sophomore G Janay Moore (5-4, 140), junior F Kelly Segraves (5-8, 150), senior F Cayla Hale (5-5, 135), senior C Sherrel Parks (5-8, 160)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Junior C Denisha Lynch (5-8, 200), junior G Taylor Jones (5-3, 130)
OUTLOOK: Size was missing last year. Add experience to the list this season. Middleton could pull down 10 rebounds per game. Lynch could remedy some of the size and strength woes down low. This team needs to score. None of the returning starters averaged more than six points per game last year.
GLENN HILLS
REGION: 3-AAA North
COACH: Bernard Bowman (seventh year, 117-34)
LAST REGION TITLE: 2002
STATE TITLES: 2002
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2004
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: N/A
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior G/F Veronica Whitfield (5-9, 135), senior F Whitney Curry (5-8, 165), sophomore G Ciara Lyons (5-9, 135), sophomore G/F Patise Jones (5-9, 140)
TEAM STRENGTH: Speed
OTHER KEY LADY SPARTANS: Sophomore C (5-11, 160), junior G Cehera Powell (6-0, 180), junior C Michelle Stokes (6-0, 180)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman G/F Chancellar Martin (5-9, 125), junior F/C LaKerya Thurmond (5-9, 175)
OUTLOOK: The lack of size hurt as much as quickness aided the Lady Spartans last year. Lyons averaged 15 points per game last year as a freshman and shows vast upside. There's still no height this year, but Bowman is a quality coach. He hasn't won 77 percent of the time due to lucky shots.
GREENBRIER
REGION: 2-AAAA
COACH: Garrett Black
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 54-52 in third round to state runner-up Westside-Macon)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 23-8
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior F Melissa Lewis (5-11, 130), junior PG Michelle Swiec (5-6, 115), senior F Brittney Leverett (5-8, 140), junior Brooke Jackson G (5-5, 115)
TEAM STRENGTH: Speed
OTHER KEY LADY WOLFPACK: Junior F Tiffany Blackburn (5-10), senior G Amanda Glover (5-7), sophomore G Sara Oland (5-4)
TOP NEWCOMERS: N/A
OUTLOOK: Easily one of the area's finest teams. Lewis (16 ppg, 12 rpg) and Swiec (16 ppg, 6 apg) will be a fine inside-outside tandem again this year. Swiec is a true floor general who keeps everyone involved in the offense. This team could win 30 games this year.
HARLEM
REGION: 3-AAA
COACH: Kim Chambers (fourth year)
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: N/A
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005, lost in region quarterfinals
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 11-14
RETURNING STARTERS: Sophomore PG Kacee Camp (5-8), senior SG April Woodard (5-10), senior OG Jessica Gray (5-6), junior F Kelley Hamilton (5-11), senior C Shontale Wells (6-0)
TEAM STRENGTH: Shooting guard
OTHER KEY LADY BULLDOGS: Junior F Christina Alfred (5-7), junior G Victoria Thomas (5-7), senior F Tonya Jones (5-9)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Junior G Tamika Tanksley (5-8), sophomore F LaQuita Burroughs (6-2), freshman F Nicole Wells (6-0)
OUTLOOK: Woodard is one of the best in her region. She led Harlem in every stat category a year ago. It will be interesting to see how a team that came on strong last year fares this season. The next level of success for the Lady Bulldogs is winning against big-time opponents.
HEPHZIBAH
REGION: 3-AAA
COACH: Wendell Lofton (30th year)
LAST REGION TITLE: 2005
STATE TITLES: 2005
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (Won Class AAA state title)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 33-0
RETURNING STARTERS: Junior G Kami Phillips (5-7), junior P Jaleesa Morris (5-11), senior P Porsha White (5-11)
TEAM STRENGTH: Shooting percentage
OTHER KEY LADY REBELS: Sophomore G Jasmine Judge (5-5), senior G Zenata Lopez (5-7), senior G/F Shanice Wright (5-8)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Sophomore G Aubern Marshall (5-6)
OUTLOOK: Phillips is a top ball distributor, and White took over during last season's playoffs. White finished with 11 points and 14 rebound averages. Phillips averaged 12 assists per game. Morris will be back from injury by early December. Lofton thinks he'll have to coach harder than he did last year but this should be another title contender by Christmas.
Jefferson county
REGION: 3-AAA South
COACH: Tonja Stevens (third year, 11-35)
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: N/A
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: Did not report
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 2-23
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior G Tami Wooten, senior F Jakayla Walker, sophomore G Getana Williams, sophomore G Adrianna Yancey, senior F Charmaine Washington
TEAM STRENGTH: Guards
OTHER KEY LADY WARRIORS: Sophomore G Shakia Jackson, senior G Tamecka Watson
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman F/C Lakeede Jackson
OUTLOOK: Height will hinder. There's no players over six feet on this roster. Jackson will add the best blend of size down low. The Warriors were inexperienced last. The team cogs of a year ago must play better this season.
josey
REGION: 2-AA
COACH: Lynn Brantley
LAST REGION TITLE: 2004
STATE TITLES: 1998
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 65-40 in second round to Wesleyan)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 25-4
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior PG Alice Holmes (5-6), senior G Keyonnia Cook (5-7), senior G Ashley Gowdy (5-6), senior C Brittany Bell (5-11), senior F Latoya Ashley (5-11)
TEAM STRENGTH: Outside shooting
OTHER KEY LADY EAGLES: Senior C Essense Holmes (5-11), senior G Talethia Smith (5-4), junior F Tiffany Fulton (5-9)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Senior G Laquita Busbee (5-4), senior F Brenda Roberts (5-9)
OUTLOOK: This could be another special year for Brantley. This team lost nothing and gained a intense attitude after the crushing playoff defeat of a year ago. Cook (15 ppg) and Holmes (13 ppg) are a fine backcourt. Ashley averaged 12 points and 11 rebounds last year.
LAKESIDE
REGION: 2-AAAA
COACH: Maureen McCormick (first year)
LAST REGION TITLE: Did not report
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: Did not report
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 2-22
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior PG Perrin Fryer (5-5)
TEAM STRENGTH: Point guard
OTHER KEY LADY PANTHERS: Sophomore PG Essense Nixon (5-0), sophomore SF Alexandria Cassagnol (5-10)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Junior SG McKaylie Diehl (5-5), senior G Caroline Woodall (5-8)
OUTLOOK: Filling the graduated holes in the post play will be an early priority during the holiday tournaments. Six seniors this year should add leadership, if not height. Diehl and Woodall will be 3-point gunners this year but this team will have trouble scoring the basketball.
LANEY
REGION: 7-AA
COACH: Otis Smart (24th year, 492-125)
LAST REGION TITLE: 2004
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 73-40 in second round to Dade County)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 20-9
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior G Eboni Fields (5-7, 135), sophomore F Nicole Walden (5-11, 150), sophomore G/F Tyia Johnson (5-8, 150), senior G Jont'a Moss (5-5, 135)
TEAM STRENGTH: Perimeter shooting
OTHER KEY LADY WILDCATS: Sophomore G/F Bodecias Harris (5-7, 130), senior C Jewel Limehouse (6-2, 165), junior G Shanel Ashley (5-7, 125), junior F Ashley Walker (5-9, 135)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman F/C Latrice Sapp (6-0, 140), junior C Jasmine McKinney (6-2, 165), freshman G Desirea Wright (5-6, 130), freshman G Brianna Eubanks (5-6, 130), freshman Pt. G Brittany Washington (5-5)
OUTLOOK: The early read on this team looks plenty good and plenty loaded. The early-season win against Hephzibah said a whole lot. The returning starting quartet averaged 60 points per game last year. The battles with Josey will be prime matchups this year.
RICHMOND ACADEMY
REGION: 3-AAA
COACH: Harry Bufford (first year)
LAST REGION TITLE: 2002
STATE TITLES: 1997
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2004
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 10-12
RETURNING STARTERS: Sophomore F Kaylyn Small (5-10, 240), senior PG Jaquette McPherson (5-8, 160), junior Post Shunae Beasley (5-7, 180)
TEAM STRENGTH: Guards
OTHER KEY LADY MUSKETEERS: Junior G Brittney Jones (5-6), senior G Brittney Tucker (5-8)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Sophomore G Gabby Brown (5-10, 160)
OUTLOOK: Bufford's work will be interesting this year. He's won 292 times and almost two-thirds of his games as a junior varsity or a freshman team coach. Small averaged 11 points and 11 rebounds per game last year.
THOMSON
Region: 3-AAA
COACH: Eric Rogers (second year, 16-17)
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: Did not report
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 6-17
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior G Shannon Williams (5-2), senior F Kim Johnson (5-8), senior F Nicole Kendrick (5-8), senior G Nikosha Hudson (5-1)
TEAM STRENGTH: Forwards
OTHER KEY LADY BULLDOGS: Senior F Patience Robinson (5-8), junior G Dominique Reese (5-6)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman G Andrewa Culpepper (5-6), freshman C Brianna Hart (6-0), freshman C Jacy Jones (6-0)
OUTLOOK: Improvement was the them last year. This team must go hard 32 minutes a night to be successful. Williams averaged 11 points and sank 70 percent of her free throws last year. She'll improve on that this season.
WASHINGTON-WILKES
REGION: 7-A
COACH: Jackson Calhoun (first year, 10-19 overall)
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 52-42 in first round to St. Francis)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 14-15
RETURNING STARTERS: Junior G Diandra Doughty (5-6), sophomore G Ashley Kearney (5-7), senior G Marcia Whimbush (5-8), senior F Carovita Hill (5-8), sophomore C Jaleesa Hampton (6-0)
TEAM STRENGTH: Forward
OTHER KEY LADY TIGERS: Senior F Trista Black (5-10), senior F Mawanna Ware (5-10), junior G Shareecia Williams (5-5)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman F Angel Acree (5-8)
OUTLOOK: Look for Doughty to score 20 points per game this year. Six seniors will also push the team to contend for a region title. Whimbush is another scoring threat and Hampton adds rebounding. Acree looks to be a fairly intense player so far.
WESTSIDE
REGION: 2-AAA
COACH: Renee Kelly (ninth year)
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: N/A
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 75-45 in second round to GAC)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 13-12
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior G April Dent (5-2), senior G Adriene Reid (5-6), senior G Tameka Barnes (5-6), sophomore G Feliyca Richardson (5-5)
TEAM STRENGTH: Guards
OTHER KEY LADY PATRIOTS: Sophomore G Michelle Thurman, sophomore F Saqouia Walton
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman F Kanesha McCoy
OUTLOOK: Expect Westside to remain competitive despite height woes again this year. But defensive effort must remain at last year's levels for that to happen. Richardson will be one of the top ball-handlers in the area. Barnes and Dent both should average around 11 points per game again this year.
AIKEN
REGION: Region 4-AAAA
COACH: Aubrey Pompey (17th year)
LAST REGION TITLE: Did not report
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 86-46 in first round to Dorman)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 11-13
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior G Audrey Timmerman (5-5), senior G/FChevon Howell (5-5), junior F Shalisa Blocker (5-8)
TEAM STRENGTH: Guard
OTHER KEY LADY HORNETS: Freshman G Alexander Williams (5-8), senior G/F Brittany Jackson (5-5), sophomore G Bianca Harman (5-6)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman C Bree Ana Perry (6-2), freshman F/C Sylina Dennis (5-11)
OUTLOOK: Perry will help in the post. Timmerman scored 14 points per game last season and should raise that figure. There's not much height aside from Perry. Blocker will play both forward slots and help out Howell on the boards. This group should win 15 games.
FOX CREEK
REGION: None
COACH: Brooke Rushing (first year)
LAST REGION TITLE: None
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: None
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: None
RETURNING STARTERS: Sophomore G Erica Just, freshman F Sam Bryant, junior C/F Randy Jo Carpender, junior F Lauren Perry
TEAM STRENGTH: Guard
OTHER KEY LADY PREDATORS: Sophomore Randy Tomkins, junior F Sam Hollifield
TOP NEWCOMERS: Junior PG Ashlyn Poss
OUTLOOK: There are one senior and seven juniors to build a program around. Poss brings quickness and leadership. Just, Perry and Poss look like the top players.
MIDLAND VALLEY
REGION: 3-AAA
COACH: Derrick Myers (second year, 7-29)
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: Did not report
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 4-14
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior G Ashley Butler (5-7, 130), senior G Ashleigh Heath (5-0, 100)
TEAM STRENGTH: Guards
OTHER KEY LADY MUSTANGS: Sophomore G Haley Sheehan (5-6, 110)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Sophomore C Kadashia Ingram (5-8, 120), sophomore F Yolanda Steele (5-8, 120)
OUTLOOK: This squad needs to find consistent offensive threats. Butler is the leading returning scorer off a team that had a lot of veteran play last year. Ingram adds height and speed. Steele looks like she can score a bit.
NORTH AUGUSTA
REGION: 3-AAAA
COACH: Faye Norris (12th year)
LAST REGION TITLE: 2005
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 53-52 in second round to Easley)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 20-5
RETURNING STARTERS: Junior F Sydnei Moss (5-10, 165), junior G Sarah Meyer (5-4, 127), junior G Alniecia Allen (5-5, 131)
TEAM STRENGTH: Guards
OTHER KEY LADY JACKETS: Senior G Brittany Boone (5-10, 135), junior F/C Lafeyette Reynolds (5-8, 165), junior F LaVonne Marion (5-9, 127)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman G Lindsey Jones (5-3, 120), junior C Brittany Syphertt (5-8, 170)
OUTLOOK: Last year's bunch was talented but young. Skilled and savvy is the theme for 2005-06. There are 10 juniors on this team, which should contend for a state championship this year or next. Moss was The Chronicle's South Carolina Player of the Year last season, averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds per game.
SOUTH AIKEN
REGION: 4-AAAA
COACH: Rick Wells (first year, 360-200 overall)
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: 1988
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: Did not report
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 8-13
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior F Takisha Franklin (5-5, 132)
TEAM STRENGTH: Guards
OTHER KEY LADY THOROUGHBREDS: Junior F Nellie Kitchings (5-5, 124)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman G Whitney Dyches (5-1, 135)
OUTLOOK: Guard penetration was a plus last year. Team defense, fundamentals and unity were the problems. Another worry is the loss of six of the team's top eight players. Dyches will go to the hole.
STROM THURMOND
REGION: 5-AAA
COACH: Jeanette Ergle (sixth year, 74-44)
LAST REGION TITLE: 1976
STATE TITLES: 1966, 1968
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 63-62 in second round to Myrtle Beach)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 19-6
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior F Nicole Mealing (5-10, 160), junior G Niesha Searles (5-8, 135), freshman F Courtney Mealing (5-8, 125)
TEAM STRENGTH: Guards
OTHER KEY LADY REBELS: Senior F/C Sholonda Glanton (6-2, 140), junior F/C Kelly Eggers (6-0, 165), sophomore F Tierra Hill (5-9, 130)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Did not report
OUTLOOK: Mealing is back from knee surgery. She averaged 19 points and eight rebounds per game last year and has been one of the best in the area for a while. The same goes for Searles, who flies a bit under the radar.
AIKEN CHRISTIAN
Region: SCACSI 2-A
COACH: Gina Brandt (first year)
LAST REGION TITLE: 2001
STATE TITLES: 2001
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: Did not respond
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 4-11
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior G Melanie Smalley (5-2), senior G Jenny Thompson (5-2), junior F Lauren Stephens (5-7)
TEAM STRENGTH: Did not respond
OTHER KEY PLAYERS: None
TOP NEWCOMERS: None
OUTLOOK: Emily Jo Harris is the only graduate off of last season's group as the girls switch to a new region. Depth was a problem last year. Stephens averaged 10.5 points and five rebounds per contest a year ago.
ALLELUIA
REGION: 1-CSGA
COACH: Frank Densmore (23rd year)
LAST REGION TITLE: 2005
STATE TITLES: 2002
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost in second round of state playoffs)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 13-12
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior F Chrisje Ceyssens (5-7), junior G Noel Wilby (5-5), junior F Lauren Brown (5-7), senior C Sarah Shrewsbury (5-10)
TEAM STRENGTH: N/A
OTHER KEY PLAYERS: N/A
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman C Liz Napier (5-10), freshman F Michelle Meredith (5-7)
OUTLOOK: Ball-handling and leadership will be priorities. Ceyssens should carry this team again. She averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds per game last year. Wilby averaged 14 points a night and drilled 77 three-pointers.
AUGUSTA CHRISTIAN
REGION: SCISA 3-AAA
COACH: Keith Walton (fourth year, 37-40)
LAST REGION TITLE: 1999
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost to eventual state champ Hilton Head Prep)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 16-10
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior G Jordon Little, senior F Sarahbeth McKinney, junior PG Lynlee Satcher, senior G Larrie Reece
TEAM STRENGTH: Post
OTHER KEY LADY LIONS: Junior F Whitney Waters, junior G Rebecca Surles
TOP NEWCOMERS: Junior C Casey Brush, freshman G Elizabeth Alewine
OUTLOOK: Depth must get better. The seniors should carry this team. Little is a fine player. She scored 15 points and dished six assists per game last year. McKinney is another fine option, averaging 12 points and 13 rebounds last year.
BRENTWOOD
REGION: GISA 2-A
COACH: Michael Brooker (first year)
LAST REGION TITLE: 2004
STATE TITLES: 2002
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 46-25 in first round to Trinity Christian)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 14-14
RETURNING STARTERS: Junior G Jessica Jolley (5-6), senior C Mindy Mahrer (5-8), junior F Emily Boyd (5-8), sophomore G/F Amy Rogers (5-6)
TEAM STRENGTH: 2 guard
OTHER KEY LADY WAR EAGLES: Freshman G Paige McNeely, sophomore F Brittany Jolley (5-8)
TOP NEWCOMERS: None
OUTLOOK: This group started slow (2-8) and closed with a 12-6 flurry. They need to continue that out of the gate. Jolley averaged 18 points per game last year. Brentwood lost only a reserve point guard, and a 20-win season is possible.
BRIARWOOD
REGION: GISA 1-AA
COACH: Clayton Parrish (10th year, 28-162)
LAST REGION TITLE: 2005
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 48-35 in third round to Pinewood Christian)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 25-1
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior PG Katie Reese (5-6, 115), sophomore C Cassie Pickrell (5-9, 130), senior F Beth Gerloch (5-7, 135)
TEAM STRENGTH: Post
OTHER KEY LADY BUCS: Junior G Courtney Price (5-6, 115), sophomore G Whiteny Carani (5-6, 115)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Senior G Melisa Newsome (5-5, 110), junior G/F Ali Dyson (5-7, 115)
OUTLOOK: The question is how to replace 75 percent of last season's scoring output. Reese should improve her scoring to 14 points per night. Dyson and Newsome will add depth to the guard spot.
EDMUND BURKE ACADEMY
REGION: GISA 1-AA
COACH: Todd Layton (first year)
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 61-17 to Pinewood Christian in the first round of the playoffs)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 11-14
RETURNING STARTERS: Sophomore G Katie Kittrell (5-5), senior F/C Lauren Lively (5-10), junior G Amy Bunn (5-4).
TEAM STRENGTH: Defense
OTHER KEY LADY SPARTANS: Junior F Kitty Plarson (5-5), junior G/F Hannah Harkins (5-6)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman G Kayla Milligan (5-6), junior F/C Kris Lovett (5-8)
OUTLOOK: Height might be an issue with no players at 6 feet. Kittrell averaged 15 points per game last year and sank 41 three-pointers. Lively averaged 5.2 steals per game. Post play will be a concern, and ball-handling must improve.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
REGION: GISA 2-A
COACH: Adam Brett (second year, 5-17)
LAST REGION TITLE: None
STATE TITLES: 1995
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost in the first round 38-22 to Westminster Christian)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 5-17
RETURNING STARTERS: Senior F/C Emily Rachels (6-0), senior PG Katy Williford (5-10)
TEAM STRENGTH: Point guard
OTHER KEY PLAYERS: Junior G Abbey Holley (5-7), junior F Mary Beth Miller (5-10), junior G Megan Gay (5-7), sophomore G Jaclyn Livesay (5-6)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman G/F Kristen Smith (5-6), freshman F/C Emily Hadden 5-11
OUTLOOK: The Jags scored only 37 points per game last year, sinking good defensive efforts. Williford can be counted on for rebounds. She averaged 10 of those and 13 points per game last year. Better depth, speed and shooting should mean more region wins.
WARDLAW ACADEMY
REGION: SCISA Region 2-A
COACH: Dennis Gibson (seventh year)
LAST REGION TITLE: 2005
STATE TITLES: 2000
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost in Class A title game)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 23-3
RETURNING STARTERS: Sophomore PG Elizabeth Stone (5-6), senior SG Kaylee Beck (5-7), senior SF Becca Balentine (5-6), senior PF Caitlin Allen (5-6), senior C Courtney Asbill (5-6)
TEAM STRENGTH: Guards
OTHER KEY LADY PATRIOTS: Sophomore G Kristina Graves (5-3), freshman G Anna Yarborough (5-6)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Junior F Sam Rybicki (5-7), freshman F Briggs Belcher (5-5)
OUTLOOK: This team lost only one senior, who didn't contribute because of injury. Another state title run should be in the cards. Stone scored more than 400 points as a freshman guard. Ballentine should be the next best scoring option. Beck will be the best rebounder.
WESTMINSTER
REGION: GISA 4-AAA
COACH: Greg Wise
LAST REGION TITLE: N/A
STATE TITLES: None
LAST PLAYOFF TRIP: 2005 (lost 42-30 in first round to Sherwood Christian)
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 6-15
RETURNING STARTERS: Sophomore G Lauren Snyder (5-3, 125), senior G Mary Ford (5-3, 130), junior F Mary Plunkett (6-0, 140), junior F Katherine Boone (5-10, 155), sophomore F Ginny Boone (5-10, 150)
TEAM STRENGTH: Guard
OTHER KEY WILDCATS: Sophomore G Allison Sowell (5-4, 150), junior F Malory Lewis (5-10, 160)
TOP NEWCOMERS: Freshman F Caroline Mullins (5-10, 150)
OUTLOOK: Inexperience was the foil of last year's team. Boone is a rebounding monster. She gobbled up 12.5 board per night last season. Snyder should improve on her 15 point average, and Plunkett will also carry some of the scoring load.
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