Aberdeen Eagles

1997-98 record: 8-13

Coach: Louis Gaffney

Top players: LaShona Cooper, 5-4, Sr., PG; Camae Dennis, 5-7, Sr., C/F; Monique Medina, 5-7, Soph., G/F; Janell Murray, 5-5, Jr., G; Katie Ruth, 5-7, Sr., F.

Outlook: The Eagles will get a lot of on-the-job training early, although they have a standout in Cooper (20 ppg). First-year coach Gaffney has an upgrade in talent and will continue with an up-tempo style. The emergence of freshman Rashida Wilson inside just might better the Eagles' standing in the league.

Bel Air Bobcats

1997-98 record: 17-6

Coach: Valerie Cooper

Top players: Kate Duffy, 5-6, Jr., G; Nikki Hentz, 5-6, Sr., G; Jacque LaFleur, 5-10, Jr., F; Rachel Rodick, 5-3, Sr., G; Patricia Scott, 5-10, Sr., C.

Outlook: The Bobcats have four first-time starters, but good balance and quickness. LaFleur (12.5 ppg) is the lone holdover, and she will need help on the offensive end. Cooper said the Bobcats will rely on defense, particularly on the perimeter, to stay in contention for the league title.

C. Milton Wright Mustangs

1997-98 record: 11-10

Coach: John Harvey

Top players: Carrie Caudill, 5-8, Sr., F/C; Paige Heath, 5-3, Jr., PG; Erica Kidd, 5-4, Sr., G; Melissa Prange, 5-4, Jr., G; Rachel Sappington, 5-9, Sr., F.

Outlook: The Mustangs are one of the smallest teams in the county and figure to use multiple looks on defense to create some offense. The strength is at guard, led by three-year starter Heath.

Edgewood Rams

1997-98 record: 7-15

Coach: Tom Kuegler

Top players: Denise Campbell, 5-8, Sr., G/F; Sherice Campbell, 5-10, Sr., F; Amber McKinnon, 6-0, Sr., F; Amber Mello, 5-11, Sr., G; Terri Staab, 5-5, Sr., G.

Outlook: If the Rams can work out some early kinks, first-year coach Kuegler thinks his squad could have a breakthrough season. While the Rams are thin on experience, their overall athleticism can pose problems for opponents. Kuegler will use a half-court offense with the emphasis on getting the ball to McKinnon and Sherice Campbell in the middle.

Fallston Cougars

1997-98 record: 14-7

Coach: Nancy Ferguson

Top players: Kristen Gayo, 5-2, Sr., G; Stephanie Manfra, 5-10, Sr., F; Paula Priest, 5-5, Sr., G; Andrea Stephenson, 5-6, Soph., G.

Outlook: The Cougars will need a full complement of scorers as they are again without a standout player. The Cougars won't let up on defense, but rebounding could become an issue. Ferguson's group likely will be better late than early, with a challenging December schedule that features homes games against Roland Park, Mercy and Liberty and already includes a 33-point loss to John Carroll.

Harford Christian Eagles

1997-98 record: 17-10.

Coach: Brian Akers

Top players: Jen Collins, 6-0, Jr., C; Jamie Gasiorowski, 5-0, Jr., PG; Kim Grant, 5-9, Soph., F; Kristan McKnight, 5-11, Sr., F; Gretchen Young, 5-9, Sr., G.

Outlook: The Eagles don't expect much of a letdown from the team that won the Maryland Christian Tournament title last season. All five starters return and Akers anticipates at least four double-digit scorers a game. Collins' strong play in the post will be needed with a beefed-up schedule.

Harford Tech Cobras

1997-98 record: 3-19

Coach: Tammy Hermann

Top players: Crystal Bratton, 6-0, Soph., C; Lakecia Hairston, 5-9, Jr., C/F; Dorian Hargrove, 5-9, Sr., C/F; Jasmine Tildon, 5- 6, Fr., G.

Outlook: The Cobras will continue to build with the program in its fourth season as an independent.

Havre de Grace Warriors

1997-98 record: 5-17

Coach: Mike Blizzard

Top players: Marion Mann, 5-5, Jr., G; Harmony Miller, 5-11, Soph., C; Pauline Rivera, 5-3, Sr., G; Shia Sheppard, 5-3, Sr., G; Taysha Wilson, 5-9, Soph., F.

Outlook: First-year coach Blizzard has changed the face of the Warriors in an attempt to restore pride to a once-successful program. There is an upgrade in talent and conditioning and the Warriors will rely on their superb quickness to wear teams down. At times, Blizzard's lineup could include four guards. "If we can do well in the county, I think we can actually make a run at the regional title," Blizzard said.

John Carroll Patriots

1997-98 record: 18-8

Coach: Kathleen Shannon

Top players: Jen Biscoe, 5-4, Jr., PG; Darby Burke, 5-7, Soph., G; Kristin Jasper, 5-7, Soph., F; Sarah Oktavec, 5-10, Jr., G/F; Kim Pirisino, 5-10, Sr., C; Megan Sparks, 5-10, Jr., F/C.

Outlook: The Patriots, who finished second in the Catholic League last season, will keep things at a frantic pace with the speedy backcourt of Biscoe and Oktavec. Biscoe is the playmaker, while Oktavec (11.0 ppg) is a versatile scorer who can also handle the ball. With the loss of Jen Westervelt to graduation, Sparks is the only reliable post player.

Joppatowne Mariners

1997-98 record: 9-11

Coach: Roy Washington

Top players: Monique Washington, 5-11, Sr., F/G; Contessa Smith, 5-10, Jr., G; Sheiba Stanford, 5-11, Sr., F; Toni Sumpter, 5-5, Sr., PG; Lekeisha Turner, 5-4, Soph., G; Shiree Turner, 6-2, Jr., C.

Outlook: Monique Washington (20.0 ppg, 12.0 rpg) is one of the top players in the league and one of four returning starters who should carry the Mariners above .500. The Mariners also have good size -- including a much-improved Turner -- and several good shooters on the perimeter.

North Harford Hawks

1997-98 record: 18-5

Coach: Lin James

Top players: Ann Anderson, 5-5, Sr., G; Juli Blevins, 5-8, Sr., F; Tracy Comer, 5-5, Sr., G; Meghan Harkins, 6-0, Sr., C; Marci LaPore, 5-10, Sr., C; Jessica Sturgill, 5-7, Jr., G.

Outlook: The Hawks have fallen short in the region finals the last two seasons and will need a bigger effort to get that far again. James has good balance, but a revamped starting lineup needs time to jell. Comer and Anderson will share time at point guard and keep the Hawks among the league's top shooting teams.

Pub Date: 12/09/98