1 Western (1993-94 record: 23-2) -- See capsule.
2 Hammond (24-1) -- It all came together for the Bears last season: they won their first Howard County championship, attained their first No. 1 ranking and claimed their second Class 2A state title in three years. PG Kacy Williams, the co-Player of the Year, and second-team All-Metro F Sonia Keiner have graduated, but Hammond returns four highly skilled players.
3 St. Frances (24-3) -- See capsule.
4 Lake Clifton (17-3) -- See capsule.
5 St. Mary's (25-3) -- Despite losing PG Bridget Smith to graduation, the Saints are loaded. All-Metro F Annetta Davis is one of the area's premier inside players. St. Mary's won two regular-season meetings against St. Frances last season before losing to the Panthers in the tournament championship, and the two teams should again battle for supremacy in the league.
6 Fallston (21-1) -- The Cougars, who have everyone back from last season, have four seniors who have been to the state semifinals three consecutive years. Fallston is the best in Harford County, but to win the Class 2A state title the Cougars may have to get by Hammond.
7 Howard (16-11) -- The Lions return four starters from a team that stumbled to a 9-11 record before peaking in the playoffs en route to the Class 3A state title. With the graduation of leading scorer Emily Moore, look for senior F Mona Jackson, who averaged 17.5 points in the playoffs, to emerge as the leader on the floor.
8 Old Mill (19-4) -- The Patriots' streak of three consecutive Class 4A state titles ended last year, but they could challenge for one this season. Twins Tiffany and Tinnell Slade are pesky defensive players and senior F Kerri Eland is one of the area's more complete players.
9 Severna Park (18-5) -- If Old Mill isn't the best public school team in Anne Arundel County, the Falcons are. Severna Park -- which made it to the region final last season -- doesn't have as much height as last year, but the lineup should be quicker and the scoring balanced.
10 Seton Keough (18-8) -- See capsule.
11 Towson (20-1) -- See capsule.
12 South Carroll (14-7) -- Nicole Spencer, who came back from extensive knee surgery to earn Carroll County Player of the Year honors, is back at full speed. Joining her from last season's All-Carroll County team is PG Amber Clutter.
13 Mount Hebron (15-8) -- One of the area's most successful programs over the past 15 years is in a season of transition. Three starters are gone and so is longtime coach Dave Greenberg, who has been replaced by former Bryn Mawr coach Pat Becker. PG Alisha Mosley and G Kathy Doyle are solid returning starters, but the Vikings will be hard-pressed to compete with Hammond for the Howard County title.
14 Arundel (17-6) -- There seemed to be a different hero every game last season, and that shouldn't change. The Wildcats have no seniors, but many of these players saw considerable playing time last season. Expect Arundel to challenge Old Mill and Severna Park for the top spot in Anne Arundel County.
15 Poly (20-5) -- See capsule.
16 Westminster (15-7) -- Three starters return from last season's team, which claimed the Carroll County title. With all-county F Beth Lister and an experienced and talented backcourt, the Owls could do it again.
17 Mount de Sales (15-7) -- See capsule.
18 Randallstown (20-3) -- See capsule.
19 Loch Raven (18-6) -- See capsule.
20 Wilde Lake (9-13)-- The Wildcats, one of the area's most
improved teams in 1992-93, fell short of expectations last season. With a strong combination of experienced returnees and promising freshmen, however, Wilde Lake could surprise some teams.
How the poll was chosen: The 1994-95 girls basketball Top 15 was selected by the local sports staff after consultation with area coaches. A new poll will be selected each week by the local sports staff through game observations and consultation with coaches. It will appear each Tuesday throughout the season.