1. St. Frances

Last season: 18-6, ranked No. 4

No team can match the Panthers' depth of talent. Three strong transfers boost an already impressive lineup, giving them the clear edge in the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference.

2. River Hill

Last season: 16-8, No. 9

With perhaps their most talented and deepest team yet, is this the season the Hawks finally break through the perennial Prince George's County chokehold in the Class 3A East region?

3. IND

Last season: 17-11, No. 7

If the Indians can keep everyone healthy, they have the talent to challenge neighborhood rival St. Frances for the IAAM A Conference crown.

4. Glenelg

Last season: 16-6, No. 13

With inside threats, good guard play and solid defense, the Gladiators are primed to make a run at their third state title in five seasons.

5. Severna Park

Last season: 19-6, No. 14

Ten players and four starters return from last season's Anne Arundel County titlist -- numbers that should prove plenty productive in the win column.

6. Dunbar

Last season: 26-1, No. 3

Can a cache of talented youngsters help this season's senior class graduate with a clean sweep of four straight state titles?

7. Long Reach

Last season: 14-9, No. 12

If the Lightning rebounds consistently, its up-tempo offense and pressure defense should spell trouble for the opposition.

8. Mount Hebron

Last season: 19-5, No. 6

Can the Vikings shake off injury and illness to break through a tough early-season schedule and stay on top in Howard County?

9. Seton Keough

Last season: 25-6, No. 1

Just one starter returns, but last season's role players and two talented freshmen keep the Gators in the IAAM A Conference hunt.

10. Chesapeake-AA

Last season: 20-7, No. 15

The Cougars are banking that last season's 4A state semifinal appearance -- the first in school history -- is just the beginning.

11. Archbishop Spalding

Last season: 24-11, No. 2

Will the defending IAAM A Conference champion replace two All-Metro players and remain atop a tight field of contenders?

12. Roland Park

Last season: 13-12, unranked

Four returning starters and five freshman could have the Reds on the move in the IAAM A Conference.

13. Parkville

Last season: 22-2, No. 16

After a surprising run to the Baltimore County title last season, the Knights want a regional championship, too.

14. Arundel

Last season: 16-8, unranked

Strong guard play and havoc-wreaking defense have long been a Wildcats tradition. This season should be no different.

15. McDonogh

Last season: 12-8, No. 17

A strong inside presence gives the Eagles a chance in a loaded IAAM A Conference.

16. Milford Mill

Last season: 21-5, No. 20

Four returning starters aim to reclaim the Baltimore County title after a two-year lapse.

17. Catonsville

Last season: 21-6, No. 8

Will a monster early schedule toughen the Comets for a run at the Baltimore County crown?

18. St. Mary's

Last season: 16-11, unranked

After a season of baptism under fire, are the Saints youngsters ready to make their move?

19. Woodlawn

Last season: 21-4, unranked

A trip to the state final four only made the Warriors hungry for a return engagement.

20. Westminster

Last season: 15-8, unranked

Three returning All-County players strive to take the Carroll champs' game to a new level.