"She is a real inside force, but can play a variety of positions," Willard said of Townes. "The kids follow her. She is a team leader."
Whye (5-4) could blossom as the floor leader. She takes over for the departed Zoey Mayers.
"She is a terrific defender, real good ballhandler and does a nice job of distributing the ball," Willard said of Whye.
Sophomore forward Clara Hollander (5-8) is also being counted on to make a significant contribution as a new starter.
Two other returnees, sophomore combo guard Sara Lessans (5-4) and Hannah Himmelrich (5-6), with sophomore forward/center Ellie Stern (5-10), a junior varsity call-up, are also in the starting mix.
Sophomore forwards Josie Olschansy (5-6) and Sam Rogers (5-6) and sophomore guards Liza Schoenberg (5-5) and Maddie Tracey (5-6) should provide solid minutes off the bench.
Lansdowne
2010-2011 record: 13-7
Returning starters: Senior forward Asia Drake (5 feet, 11 inches), senior center Jakira Pearson (6-0), senior guard Shannon Drechsler (5-4), senior guard Briawna Jones (5-3).
Breakdown: With a wealth of experience, that includes nine seniors, the Vikings are lining up to be in the postseason picture.
"We expect to make a push for the county title and go deep into states," assistant coach Jeremy Russell said.
Senior forward Emily Wolford (5-6) is a strong candidate to join the starting lineup for head coach Erin Fortney.
She has varsity experience, along with senior forwards Sera Stull (5-10) and Elizabeth Hood (5-7) and guard Keirsten Beckelhimer (5-2).
Jones is the point guard for a backcourt that could play at a breakneck pace.
"We are going to play up-tempo with our guards," Russell said.
Juniors Channon Neville (5-2) and Allison Rowe (5-9) and senior Marissa Angeles (5-5) add depth to the backcourt.
Junior Channing Long (5-8) and freshman Crystal Njoku (5-10) bolster the inside game.
"Crystal should see significant minutes at forward," Russell said.
Catonsville
2010-2011 record: 18-7