Selected after consulting with area coaches.
1. McDonogh
Coach: Brad Rees
Last season: 29-1, No. 1
Postseason: Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference champion
Outlook: The Eagles graduated two starters but return All-Metro Player of the Year Danielle Edwards, the area's best point guard. With her ability to control the offense, McDonogh will be favored to win its third IAAM A Conference title in four years if it can replace Brianna Jacobs inside.
2. Roland Park
Coach: Scott Buckley
Last season: 20-7, No. 2
Postseason: IAAM A Conference final
Outlook: The Reds return all but one starter from last season's team, which three times lost to No. 1 McDonogh. With players who have been together for two years and some talented freshmen, the Reds have leadership and offensive balance.
3. St. Frances
Coach: Jerome Shelton
Last season: 17-12, No. 7
Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinals
Outlook: Three transfers give the Panthers the boost they need to make a run at McDonogh and Roland Park. Sophomore Mia Davis, a 5-foot-11 swing player, helped Dunbar reach the Class2A state semifinals last season, and she brings help inside to complement a trio of strong guards.
4. Milford Mill
Coach: DeToiya McAliley
Last season: 26-1, No. 3
Postseason: Class 3A state champion
Outlook: The Millers graduated four starters, but don't look for any change in their up-tempo game. With three-time All-Metro forward-guard Dionna White returning and players ready to step into those starting roles, the Millers have more size up front and a deeper bench.
5. St. Vincent Pallotti
Coach: Rod Hairston
Last season: 17-9, No. 5
Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinals
Outlook: The Panthers will be young but talented enough to stay in the A Conference title hunt. Two sophomores, 6-5 Musharf Alhannson and 5-10 guard Hunter Rowson, will be critical to filling the void left by the graduation of eight players, or about 96 percent of the offense.
6. Poly
Coach: Kendall Peace-Able
Last season: 25-2, No. 4
Postseason: Class 3A state semifinals
Outlook: The Engineers lost three starters to graduation and a key player to City, but they return a solid core with varsity experience, led by forward-guard Aneah Young and guard Khepera Stokes. If they can maintain their cohesion, they'll remain the team to beat in Baltimore City.
7. Atholton
Coach: Julia Reynold
Last season: 18-7, No. 13
Postseason: Class 3A East region final
Outlook: The Raiders made a statement about their future in the region final, rallying from 15 points down and forcing Poly into double overtime before falling, 78-73. Three starters return, and with some young talent, they could be the top team in Howard County.
8. City
Coach: George Petrides
Last season: 20-4, No. 6
Postseason: Class 3A North region semifinals
Outlook: The Knights, who lost three times to Poly last season, will remain in the Baltimore City race with a strong inside game powered by 6-foot Briana Carrington and 5-11 Poly transfer Nkeiruka Okororie. They filled their point guard void with St.Frances transfer Alanica Bell.
9. Patterson Mill
Coach: Holly Ismail
Last season: 22-4, No. 8
Postseason: Class 2A state champion
Outlook: Coming off their first state title in school history, the Huskies return all but one starter from a young team that hit its stride during the playoffs. With veteran guards Qalea Ismail and Sam Herman and a seasoned young group, the Huskies are the team to beat in Harford County.
10. Mount Hebron
Coach: Anthony Bell
Last season: 18-6, not ranked
Postseason: Class 3A East region quarterfinals
Outlook: The Vikings, a strong defensive team that won 14 straight before losing to City in the region quarterfinals, should challenge for the Howard County championship with four returning starters, including forward Nia Crump and guard Megan Konig.
11. Aberdeen
Coach: Amber Milnes
Last season: 16-8, not ranked
Postseason: Class 3A North region final
Outlook: After winning two state titles, the Eagles dropped off a bit last season, but the return of center Endia Jones, who sat out last season, should bolster the post game. Two-time All-Metro junior forward-guard Stephanie Jones and guards Kierra Palmer and Nazje Norton will lead a blistering transition.
12. South River
Coach: Mike Zivic
Last season: 20-5, No. 14
Postseason: Class 4A East region semifinals
Outlook: The Seahawks return four starters from last season's team that edged Old Mill, 47-45, to win the school's second straight Anne Arundel County championship. Seniors Niya Young and Kobe Chaney will lead the way in what should be another tight county race.
13. Old Mill
Coach: Rick Smith
Last season: 21-5, No. 15
Postseason: Class 4A East region final
Outlook: The Patriots bring back every starter from a team that grew up quickly last season and should contend for Anne Arundel County and region titles. Though still young, they have veteran leadership and depth.
14. Catonsville
Coach: Mike Mohler
Last season: 22-4, No. 10
Postseason: Class 4A North region final
Outlook: How far the Comets go will depend on how well their talented freshmen adapt and how healthy they remain, after two players suffered knee injuries. Seniors Lauren McDonald, Renee Gast and Maja Wichhart lead the way.
15. Archbishop Spalding
Coach: William "Bookie" Rosemond
Last season: 7-18, not ranked
Postseason: IAAM A Conference quarterfinals
Outlook: After four straight trips to the A Conference final, the 2011 and 2013 champs struggled last season because of injuries and inexperience. With Kaila Clark back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and young players with a year's experience, the Cavaliers should be on the rise.
Others considered: Arundel (10-11, not ranked), Centennial (18-6, not ranked), Institute of Notre Dame (16-5, not ranked), New Town (21-6, not ranked), Westminster (16-6, not ranked)