Severna Park Falcons
1993-94 record: 18-5. Coach: Kevin McGrath.
Top players: Sandy Jenkin, 5-9, Sr., G/F; Lauryn McAlister, 5-9, Jr., G; Angela DeSalvo, 5-8, Jr., G/F; Jennifer Holmes, 6-2, Jr., C; Alli Adams, 5-5, Sr., G; Becky Kratz, 5-10, Sr.
Outlook: This may be the 4A League's best team. The Falcons aren't as tall as last year, when they lost to Annapolis in the regional final, but their lineup should be quicker. Balanced scoring is an asset, and Holmes got better with every game last year. Adams will replace forward Jen Hatch, who graduated, in the starting lineup, where McGrath will have four players who can work in the backcourt. Jenkin was superb last year, averaging 12.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, and contributing 36 assists, 35 steals and 28 blocks for the season. DeSalvo can score from the outside or drive the lane. "I think we're a good team," McGrath said. "We're capable of being better than last year. I'm impressed with the way my kids have improved. Experience is our strength."
Southern Bulldogs
1993-94 record: 6-16. Coach: Linda Kilpatrick.
Top players: Becky Archambo, 5-5, Sr., G; Krista Borden, 5-10, Sr., C; Tyra Neal, 5-7, Sr., F; Kim Marable, 5-6, Sr., G; Rebecca Toney, 5-9, Sr., F; Caroline Duffy, 5-7, Jr., G; Missy Bond, 5-4, Jr., G.
Outlook: Southern's season effectively came to an end Jan. 12, when seniors Laekeka Wesley and Megan Ebersole were badly injured in a car accident. Wesley (18 ppg, 18 rpg) was Southern's leading scorer and rebounder; Ebersole was a valuable reserve. Southern, 5-5 at the time, won just one game after that and failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. Kilpatrick, three wins shy of 300, isn't sure the Bulldogs will get there this year, either. Leketia Mullen also graduated, and she was one of Southern's top scorers and rebounders. Players like Archambo, Borden and Neal are steady, but not spectacular. Southern's defense will have to keep the scores down. Since they go nine or 10 deep, Kilpatrick said the Bulldogs will have to "forget about fouls and play aggressively."
South River Seahawks
1993-94 record: 13-13. Coach: Ron Price.
Top players: Jess Marion, 5-8, Jr., G; Tara Andrews, 5-7, Jr., G/F; Beth Salley, Jr., 5-10, G/F; Bonnie Taylor, 5-6, So., G; Adria Lewnis, 5-7, Fr., F; April Dove, 5-5, Fr., G; Elissa Shifflett, 6-0, So., C.
Outlook: It looks bleak, at least at first glance. Marion (11.1 ppg), the lone returning starter, will have to carry a tremendous load, since backcourt mates Cassidie Dunbar and Amy Nye decided not to play this winter. This is a new team, which means getting back to the 2A state tournament isn't likely. Marion, Salley and Andrews are the lone returning players. Taylor, up from the JV, will start. So will Lewnis. The only senior is 5-6 forward Linda
Carolan. The Seahawks are rebuilding, which was expected with Pam Patterson's graduation. "We took a big hit," Price said. "We're trying to beef up our defense and work on our outside game more. Our goal is to try to have a .500 season. That was our goal last year and we did it, but this year it will be tough to accomplish. All we can do is try to build on these young kids. Right now, we're just not there."
St. Mary's Saints
1993-94 record: 25-3. Coach: Harry Dobson.
Top players: Annetta Davis, 5-10, Sr., F; Tara Foran, 5-10, Jr., F; Kris Miller, 5-8, Sr., G; Erin Hon, 5-6, Sr., G; Amanda Bourgeois, 5-10, Jr., F; Nicole Foran, 5-6, So., G; Jen Manning, 6-1, Jr., G/F.
Outlook: The Saints are loaded, even after losing point guard Bridget Smith -- the school's all-time assist leader -- to graduation. The Saints possess size, scoring, leadership and they know how to win. Challenging for the Catholic League championship is a given. Davis (21.4 ppg, 15.9 rpg, 64 steals, 55 percent shooting) may be the best player in the metro area, not just in the county. Tara Foran and Miller both averaged around 15 points per game. Manning will start after missing last year with a knee injury. Though she is 6-1, her strength is her outside shooting. All the Saints have to do is get past St. Frances, which won't be easy.