Mount Hebron Vikings
1993-94 record: 15-8. Coach: Pat Becker.
Top players: Alisha Mosley, 5-6, Jr., G; Kathy Doyle, 5-8, Sr., G; Jenny Joyce, 5-6, Sr., F; Erin McGinnis, 5-7, Sr., F/G; Sarah Eberhart, 5-6, Jr., G; Anne Rimrott, 6-0, Sr., C.
Outlook: A lot of questions surround the Vikings this season -- mostly because of all the new personnel. Becker, in her first year, guided Bryn Mawr to the Association of Independent Schools A Division championship two years ago. The Vikings, who ended last season with the No. 10 ranking after falling to Howard in the regional semifinal, return a couple of top players in point guard Mosley and small forward Doyle, who was injured much of last season. Also back are McGinnis, who saw a good bit of action, and Eberhart, who saw some. The addition of Joyce, who hasn't played since her freshman season, and Rimrott, a German exchange student, gives the Vikings a boost. Beyond the top six, there is potential but little experience. In a Howard County league that appears more competitive than last season, the Vikings face a battle to hold onto second place.
Oakland Mills Scorpions
1993-94 record: 10-11. Coach: Teresa Waters.
Top players: Lauren McHargue, 6-2, Sr., C; Ginny Dye, 5-6, Jr., G; Terri Hayman, 5-9, Jr., F; Katie Combs, 5-4, Jr., G; Jena Blackstone, 5-9, Jr., F; Nyiesha Ford, 5-7, So., F.
Outlook: "We're going to be more balanced," said Waters, who may use 11 players in each game. "Everybody's going to have to take responsibility and everyone will have to contribute. We don't have that one go-to person." In addition to top returnees McHargue, Dye and Hayman, the Scorpions also get a boost from 5-9 junior swing player Sommers Richards, a transfer from High Point; and 6-1 sophomore forward Kena Hodges, who moves up from JC. They will have one of the county's taller teams, but they also have some quickness in the backcourt where Dye has run the point. Look for the Scorpions to run a lot this season. Still, the Scorpions are inexperienced. "Naturally, we want to go further than we did last year and produce to the best of our ability," said Waters, whose team fell in the opening round of the Class 2A regional playoffs. "I think we're going to surprise ,, some teams."
Wilde Lake Wildecats
1993-94 record: 9-13. Coach: Kelly Storr.
Top players: Kristen Riismandel, 5-7, Sr., G; Anika Middleton, 5-8, Sr., F; Katie Douglas, 5-8, Jr., G; Melissa Anderson, 5-9, Sr., F; Krista Entrop, 5-10, Sr., C; Beth Lindblad, 5-9, Jr., F.
Outlook: Things are looking up for the Wildecats. "Last year, I had a lot of athletes but no chemistry," said Storr. "This year, I think we have the talent and the chemistry. We're ahead of last year. Last year, after my top five, I lost a lot going to the bench. This year, I don't have any worries going to the bench. Everybody's about level. It's just a matter of who can make the right decisions at the right time." In addition to the returnees, led by All-County second teamer Riismandel, the Wildecats will get a lot of time from their freshmen. Twins Toni and Lashon White, 5-5 guards, will play a lot as should 5-10 forward Bridgette White (no relation). Storr said her team gives her many more options because they are quick learners. Storr also has adjusted the team's outlook. "We have no long-range goals, because last year we did and it hurt us. We didn't play games as we went. We looked for the big picture. This year, we'll play one game at a time and try to improve each game."