varsity.roanoke.com

Blue Ridge Conf.

CARLISLE

By Jared Turner

Coach: Tony Jones

Record: 23-5, 10-1 (won Division III state championship)

Key Players: C Gabriele Scherpiet (6-0, sr.), F Latriece Pettie (5-9, sr.), F Sara Adkins (5-9, jr.), F Shanel Beard (5-8, sr.), G Shaterra Hairston (5-6, eighth grade), G Meredith Young (5-6, fresh.), G Carniece Greene (5-6, jr.), G Kaneisha Slade (5-6, soph.).

Outlook: If the Lady Chiefs hope to capture a fourth consecutive state title, someone will have to help fill the vacancy left by the graduation of last year's state player of the year Britnee Millner, who finished with a career total of 2,008 points and signed with Virginia. Scherpiet, a second-team, all-state selection last year, will likely continue to be the go-to post player. Greene, who was honorable mention all-state, should lead the backcourt. Jones was named last year's state coach of the year.

NORTH CROSS

Coach: Bri Welte

Record: 6-10, 6-12 (didn't make Division III playoffs)

Key Players: G Jennifer Coleman (5-7, sr.), F Marilee Mason (5-11, sr.), G Molly Gillespie (5-5, sr.), PG Danielle Turner (5-5, jr.), F Leah Copplestone (5-9, jr.), G Keele Smith (5-8, jr.).

Outlook: The Raiders don't have a JV squad this year so every girls basketball player at the school is on the varsity team. That may prove beneficial for first-year coach Welte, who brings only AAU coaching experience to Roanoke. The recent graduate of Lafayette College in Pennsylvania played basketball there for four years and served as a team captain the last two. She replaces Dave Calvert.

ROANOKE CATHOLIC

Coach: Stephen Niamke

Record: 4-21, 1-11

Key Players: PG Kelly Jacobs (5-4, soph.), PF Salesse Stovall (6-0, eighth grade), SF Kathleen Clark (5-8, sr.), SG Kristin Bacon (5-3, jr.), F LeAnne Mahoy (5-8, sr.), PG/SG Allie Dominguez (5-4, fresh.), WF Jenny Franko (5-2, fresh.)

Outlook: This year's Celtics might be third-year coach Niamke's best team at Catholic. Three letter winners are back from a season ago, including Bacon, last year's second leading scorer, and Clark, a co-captain. The biggest challenge might be replacing alumnus Katie Lamb, who led the team in scoring last winter and tallied 900 career points.

ROANOKE VALLEY CHRISTIAN

Coach: Annette Jones

Record: 8-7, 6-4 (lost in Blue Ridge first round)

Key Players: F Taneisha Clark (5-8, jr.), F Erica Conley (5-8, jr), WF Lydia Gish (5-8, fresh.), C Amber Hasson (5-9, sr.), WF Andrea Howes (5-3, soph.), WF Amanda Hundley (5-5, fresh.), PG Jessica Perry (5-5, sr.), PG Ashley Snyder (5-3, soph.).

Outlook: The new season may be a rebuilding process for the Eagles, who lost three to graduation who had played together the last four years. First-year varsity coach Jones is hopeful that the season will be an easy transition for three players who have moved up from the middle school squad. If the Eagles hope to sweep rivals Timberlake and Liberty Christian for the second straight year, they must do so with only one senior.

VACA South

By Jared Turner

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

Coach: Gina Keller

Record: 7-7, 3-3 (lost in district semifinals)

Key players: F Jaimie Crandall (5-5, sr.), G/F Chelsea Gillispie (5-7, sr.), C Erica Keller (5-9, sr.), G Brookes Doss (5-4, jr.), G Tracey Whitlow (5-2, jr.), PG Carrie Brooks (5-6, fresh.).

Outlook: Second-year coach Keller's Knights return four starters, including Gillispie, last year's team leader in points, assists and steals. Keller, a skilled shot blocker and scorer, should continue to provide a strong presence in the low post. The bench is thin, however. Tough conference games are likely with Faith Christian of Roanoke and New Covenant.

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HOME SCHOOL

Coach: Lisa Gunter

Record: 6-4 (didn't participate in postseason)

Key Players: F Beth Austin (5-6, jr.), G Elizabeth Beard (5-5, jr.), G Emily Doyle (5-4, sr.), G Cari Farmer (5-5, sr.), F Kelsea Gunter (5-9, jr.), F/C Megan Gunter (5-11, fresh.), G Christina Nymeyer (5-6, soph.), F/C Rachel Sherman (6-0, soph.).

Outlook: The Conquerors are playing 20 regular-season games this year, almost double the number from a year ago. The team joins VACA after playing as independent in the previous campaign. Most of the players on the roster have been together since middle school when they were teammates on the JV squad. This will be Gunter's second year as varsity head coach but fourth year of coaching many of the girls on the roster.

FAITH CHRISTIAN

Coach: Pat Wolfe

Record: 11-8, 9-2 (lost in state tournament first round)

Key Players: F Betsy Helms (5-9, sr.), G Alexandria Riebel (5-7, jr.), G/F Jenny Merian (5-8, soph.), PG Joan Coury (5-8, soph.), C Rachel Banks (5-10, soph.), F Faith Gardner (5-7, eighth grade), PG Sarah Graninger (5-2, eighth grade), SG Monica Pollard (5-2, seventh grade).

Outlook: Last year, the Warriors switched from a JV to varsity team and far surpassed its total of one win from the previous season. If the progress continues, Faith Christian could earn a second straight VACA South Tournament title and go further in the postseason. Graduated senior Hannah Miller, the South region MVP, won't be easily replaced, however.

DAYSPRING CHRISTIAN

Coach: Mack Brown

Record: 8-10, 2-6 (failed to qualify for Division I playoffs)

Key Players: C Jada Brown (5-8, sr.), F Emily Wood (5-5, jr.), F Autumn Lilly (5-4, soph.), F Heidi Mock (5-6, fresh.), Katya Jones (5-7, fr.).

Outlook: Last year's team had no freshmen and several players not yet in high school. The current cast isn't much more experienced with two freshmen and a sophomore in the starting five. Early indications are that Brown's second season at Dayspring may be his last.

Independent

By Jared Turner

OAK HILL ACADEMY

Coach: Mike Rodgers

Record: 20-6 (lost in NACA semifinals)

Key Players: F/C Keyatta Norman (6-1, sr.), G/F Whitney Toone (5-11, sr.), F Hannah Lunt (6-1, sr.), G Markesha Smith (5-5, sr.), G Amanda Slemp (5-9, sr.), G Sarah Hudson-Sorrell (5-6, sr.), F Heather Allbee (5-7, sr.), F/C Brittany Wright (6-2, jr.).

Outlook: The Warriors look to make another run in the postseason under the leadership of seven seniors. Second-year coach Rodgers' team is off to a fast start this season with wins over Statesville Christian and Starmount High.

BASSETT

Coach: Mary Parks

Record: 12-12, 7-3 (lost in Region IV first round)

Players to watch: F/G Jordan Joyce (5-8, sr.), PG Amber Jones (5-4, sr.), G Jessica Wickline (5-4, sr.), F Stephanie Blankenship (5-8, jr.), F Kristin Keith (5-7, soph.), G Caitlyn Janey (5-3, jr.), G Jennifer Blankenship (5-5, fr.), F/C Tierra Martin (5-8, sr.).

Outlook: There isn't much size and Joyce and Jones are the lone returning starters, but the Bengals could have the talent and depth to contend for another regional berth. Parks, in her second season at Bassett after a long coaching career at several other schools, said she feels comfortable employing any of her 11 players. She will need to find a good mix, particularly in a backcourt where four players can play either guard spot.

MAGNA VISTA

Coach: Vicky Hayes-Scott

Record: 20-4, 10-0 (lost in Group AA semifinals)

Players to watch: G Brenee Hairston (5-8, sr.), C Latisha Belcher (6-1, sr.), P Courtney Reid (5-11, sr.), G Ashley Norton (5-7, sr.), F/G Jessica Flanagan (5-8, sr.), G Sierra Hairston (5-9, sr.), P Christina Hairston (sr.), G TeaCarla Wade (soph.).

Outlook: Two years removed from winning the Group AA championship, the talented and experienced Warriors appear poised for another playoff run and perhaps a district title, with Belcher and Brenee Hairston leading a veteran group. Belcher signed to play with East Tennessee State after averaging 18.4 points per game and making the all-state second team last season. Hairston will slide back to point guard to replace the graduated Monique Deloatch.

MARTINSVILLE

Coach: David Draper

Record: 4-16, 2-8 (lost in district first round)

Players to watch: G/F Genor Dalton (5-9, jr.), PG Cherice Marsh (5-0, sr.), F Curkesha Martin (5-9, sr.), G/F Liz Martin (5-5, so.), F Ciera Eggleston (5-6, jr.), F Chanel Brooks (5-8, sr.), C Kendra Reid (5-10, so.), PG Tangela Miller (5-1, jr.).

Outlook: After two years as junior varsity coach, Draper takes over a varsity team that should improve this season with several juniors and seniors who played -- and lost -- a lot the past two seasons. Dalton, a second-team, all-district pick last year, leads the way, with the diminutive Marsh running the point. Curkesha Martin and Eggleston can help inside.

PATRICK COUNTY

Coach: Wendell Terry

Record: 12-12, 7-3 (lost in district semifinals)

Players to watch: P Sheila Royall (5-11, sr.), PG Shannon Royall (5-7, sr.), F Samantha Turner (5-9, sr.), G Sherry Duncan (5-5, jr.), W Kimmie Sanchez (5-5, sr.), W Tiffany France (5-3, jr.).

Outlook: With a solid frontline of Sheila Royall and Turner, the Cougars' hopes for a second regional berth in three years could hinge on a backcourt led by Shannon Royall, Sheila's twin. Three perimeter starters graduated, including the Royalls' older sister Kate. At the helm is Terry, a 14th-year veteran who stands with the top coaches in Timesland, but it always is a tall task to overtake Magna Vista and Bassett for a regional berth.

BLACKSBURG

Coach: Mickey McGuigan

Record: 16-6, 7-3 (lost in district semifinals)

Players to watch: G Courtney Long (5-5, sr.), G Chelsea Clark (5-4, sr.), F Danielle Gulley (5-8, sr.), C Erin Engebritson (5-9, sr.), C Laura Hobeika (5-8, sr.), C Alicia Ayares (5-10, jr.), F Austin Cloyd (5-9, sr.), G Tiffany Price (5-3, sr.).

Outlook: Blacksburg's program slipped another notch last year but it was largely because of the improvement of district rivals Hidden Valley and Pulaski County. The Bruins, with 10 seniors on the roster, should be one of the teams battling for second place this year. Long is the lone returning starter. Clark and Gulley also should be in the backcourt. Cloyd, a transfer from Illinois, should help fill the void up front left by Hope McGlothlin. A regional berth is better than a 50-50 possibility.

CAVE SPRING

Coach: Linda Long

Record: 3-19, 1-9 (lost in district first round)

Players to watch: G Caitlyn Long (5-6, sr.), C Lauren Gerl (5-8, sr.), F Christie McFarland (5-5, sr.), G Monica Boatwright (5-7, fr.), F Brooke Ulrey (5-6, soph.).

Outlook: Cave Spring once was among the top Group AAA programs in the state, but the Knights have slipped to near the bottom of Timesland's Group AA schools. Numerous players have left the program, with heralded freshman Abby Redick, who left for Hidden Valley, heading the list. Caitlyn Long will again be summoned to lead the team. Gerl and McFarland also have experience. Cave Spring's schedule is a little bit lighter this year, but the forecast for a turnaround isn't bright.

CHRISTIANSBURG

Coach: Irvin White

Record: 7-16, 2-8 (lost in district first round)

Players to watch: G Kayla Hendricks (5-3, sr.), G Holly Bibb (5-5, soph.), G Kelly Self (5-5, sr.), C Daniella Motley (5-10, fr.), W Morgan Shrader (5-6, fr.), G Tiffany Quarles (5-3, jr.), G Krystale Johnson (5-1, sr.).

Outlook: Christiansburg is under its third different coach in the last three years. White, a local AAU coach, replaced Keith Walters who spent just one year on the job. The Demons lost a string of close games last year, but they also lost most of their lineup. Hendricks, Bibb and Self are the only returning players. Quarles and Johnson are transfers, while Motley could develop into a major force. A winning season is unlikely. Christiansburg should duke it out with Cave Spring for fifth place.

HIDDEN VALLEY

Coach: Steve Buchanan

Record: 23-4, 9-1 (lost in Group AA quarterfinals)

Players to watch: F Emery Wallace (6-2, sr.), PG Rebecca Danahy (5-5, sr.), C Bre Barrineau (5-10, sr.), F Abby Boggs (5-9, jr.), PG Abby Oliver (5-7, soph.), F Abby Redick (6-0, fr.), P Kylee Beecher (6-3, soph.), G Morgan Williams (5-4, jr.).

Outlook: The pieces are in place for success, provided Wallace can recover from the torn ACL that ended her season in the district tournament and forced offseason surgery. Wallace might miss the first two weeks of the season. The loss of seniors Maria Migliarese and Elizabeth Shaw cannot be underestimated and the schedule, including a holiday tournament in New York City, is tough. However, Hidden Valley is a clear favorite to win the River Ridge and return to the Group AA tournament.

PULASKI COUNTY

Coach: Paul Wilson

Record: 17-8, 8-2 (lost in Region III quarterfinals)

Players to watch: G Amy Terry (5-7, sr.), F T.T. Webb (5-10, soph.), PG Nikki Roseberry (5-5, jr.), F Torrien Redd (5-8, sr.), P Lydia King (5-9, soph.), P Emily Dean (5-9, jr.).

Outlook: Wilson and his system patented by former David Lipscomb men's coach Don Meyer produced dividends last year with a runner-up finish in the district. Second-team All-Timesland guard Kayla Lewis is now playing at Bluefield College. Terry will move from small forward to shooting guard to make room for Webb, a promising slasher. Roseberry and Webb also must adapt to starting roles. Matching last year's win total might be tough, but Pulaski should contend for a regional berth.

SALEM

Coach: Tracey Driscoll

Record: 8-16, 4-6 (lost in district semifinals)

Players to watch: F Candace Dowell (5-7, soph.), PG Gabby Moss (5-2, jr.), W Crandall Turner (5-8, sr.), G Nicole Rose (5-8, jr.), F Kelsey Bradshaw (5-9, fr.), F Ryan Rotanz (5-8, soph.), G Katie Rotanz (5-2, jr.).

Outlook: Salem lacks overall size, but Driscoll is more than accustomed to that liability by now. Salem will rely on quickness, and Dowell might play in the post where her mobility could created matchup problems for taller opponents. Moss is a returning starter, while Turner and Rose also figure to play on the perimeter. Hopefully, there will be no more games like last year's 25-23 loss to Northside. The Spartans have a shot at a .500 season and an outside hope for one of the three regional spots.

Three Rivers

By Troy Henderson

AUBURN

Coach: Terry Millirons

Record: 15-7, 4-6 (lost in district semifinals)

Players to watch: F Heather Akers (5-9 jr.), F Angela Pack (5-10 sr.), F Charissa Duncan (5-8 sr.), G Alicia Caldwell (5-6 sr.).

Outlook: Millirons described the Lady Eagles as "deep and balanced." Kelly McElwee was the only player lost to graduation and Angela Pack returns after tearing an ACL seven games into last season. Prior to the injury, she averaged 13 ppg. Millirons predicts Auburn as a preseason middle of the pack team with everybody chasing Floyd and Radford but feels like with hard work and maturity of some good JV players coming up that Auburn could surprise some people come tourney time.

EASTERN MONTGOMERY

Coach: Kelley Sutphin.

Record: 7-15, 3-9 (lost in district semifinals)

Players to watch: G Bridgette Creed (5-6 sr.), F Kara Brown (5-9 sr.), F Blair Evans (5-8 sr.), G Angela Brown (5-6 jr.), G Karalee Creed (5-6 jr.).

Outlook: This is the first time in a long time the Mustangs will have a key ingredient in depth. Sutphin feels the Mustangs won't be so undermanned on the bench and will be able to give players more rest, something they have not been able to do in the past. But the Mustangs will have to replace leading scorer, Virginia Anne Hagood, who has moved on to play at Roanoke College along with another ex-Mustang in Ashley Showalter. Hopefully the depth can make up for the loss of Hagood and give EastMont a chance to contend in the heavily-stacked Three Rivers District.

FLOYD COUNTY

Coach: Alan Cantrell.

Record: 22-6, 8-2 (lost in Group A quarterfinals)

Players to watch: G Ashley Tanner (5-6 jr.), F Adrienne Womack (5-10 jr.), F Amanda Epperly (5-10 jr.).

Outlook: The rest of the Buffaloes are coming up from the junior varsity and Cantrell says the goal is still the same, to win the Group A state title like Radford did out of the Three Rivers last year. As for a preseason prediction, Cantrell said Floyd will stack up according to how well the rookies can fit in with Tanner, Womack and Epperly. And despite being young the Buffaloes have a definite shot at getting into postseason play with Womack and Epperly's height in the frontcourt. And if 2006 isn't the year for Floyd County, definitely look out in 2007.

GILES

Coach: Ron Witt.

Record: 10-13, 4-6 (lost in district semifinals)

Players to watch: G Emily Westmoreland (5-10, sr.), G Hillary Meredith (5-2, sr.), F Linda Powell (5-10, jr.).

Outlook: The Lady Spartans have improved every year since Witt arrived three seasons ago. In his first year they won their first district game since 1992, then they almost went .500 in TRD play last season. This year Giles returns everyone including a first-team, all-district guard in Westmoreland and another 5-10 guard that Witt is keeping a secret. Giles has also picked up a good nondistrict schedule as well with their own holiday tournament that features state championship caliber programs from West Virginia. A top three finish in the league could be possible for the Spartans.

GLENVAR

Coach: Richard McElwee.

Record: 3-20, 2-8 (lost first round of district tournament).

Players to watch: G Megan Weeks (5-6, jr.), G Kelly Knoebel (5-7, soph.), P Olivia Scott (6-1, jr.), P Sabrina Alba (5-9, sr.), G Morgan Lazenby (5-5, jr.).

Outlook: Former Glenvar coach Bryan Harvey left to coach at Ferrum College. Insert former Eastern Mennonite girls' coach Richard McElwee. But McElwee is no stranger to the TRD. He was formerly the coach of the girls' program at Auburn High School. McElwee inherits a young team with the toughest schedule in Group A. The Highlanders play against just one Group A opponent in their first 12 games and some of the Group AA teams on the list include Lord Botetourt and Bassett. The road won't get much easier in the TRD.

RADFORD

Coach: Deb Reedy.

Record: 28-1, 10-0 (Group A state champions).

Players to watch: G Janay Rollins (5-6, sr.), F Nikki Sydnor (5-11, sr.), G Tayler Shull (5-6, jr.), F Emily Troxel (5-9 jr.).

Outlook: Despite losing Timesland player of the year Ashley Hayes and second-team All-Timesland guard Meg Khandan-Barani, first-year coach Deb Reedy, who was an assistant under Larry Mannon, feels like the Bobcats can still compete in a tough TRD. So the Bobcats don't look to rebuild, just restock, after returning six players from the team that beat Gate City in the Group A final. That experience could in handy against Floyd County. The returning Bobcats surely remember that Radford's only loss last season occurred in the TRD tournament championship to the Buffaloes.

Pioneer

By Aaron McFarling

BATH COUNTY

Coach: Lisa Hamilton

Record: 8-8, 7-3 (lost in district first round)

Players to watch: G Amber Harvey (5-5, sr.), F Krista Armstrong (5-8, sr.), PG Michelle Colaw (5-3, jr.), F Jessica Jenkins (5-6, jr.), C Dani Brinkley (5-8, jr.), F Christina Wolfe (5-7, jr.), G Bonnie Randozzo (5-5, jr.), C Jameson Strausser (5-8, fr.), G/F Jessica Gutting (5-6, fr.), G/F Haley Woodzel (5-5, jr.).

Outlook: Hamilton, who replaces Tim Fitzgerald, has encountered most of these girls before, either as the softball coach or during her two seasons as the junior varsity basketball coach. The transition should be fairly smooth there. But after a solid season, the Chargers are rebuilding. They've lost inside post presence Erika Shaver and sharpshooter Whitney Fitzgerald, but Harvey and Armstrong are experienced players who will help the newcomers adjust.

COVINGTON

Coach: Mick Strand

Record: 8-11, 6-4 (lost in district semifinals)

Players to watch: F Desiree Hill (5-6, sr.), PG Jessica Rupe (5-5, jr.), G Ava Fitzpatrick (5-2, jr.), F Johnna Waugh (5-6, jr.), G Jamie Graham (5-1, soph.), F Haley Jenkins (5-7, fr.), F Nicole Sizemore (5-5, soph.), C Mattie Jones (5-8, fr.)

Outlook: Changes abound as Strand replaces Rob Bennett and the team moves on following the graduation of standout point guard Caprice Laws. Strand coached middle school basketball in Highland County in the late 1990s before assisting the Rappahannock County varsity the past four years. The Cougars should be more balanced this year, with Hall exhibiting strong inside moves, Rupe slashing from the point and Waugh and Sizemore gunning from the outside. A .500 season in the district would be a success.

CRAIG COUNTY

Coach: Bill Frazier

Record: 6-15, 2-8 (lost in district first round)

Players to watch: C Lauren Gardner (5-10, jr.), F Misty McCoy (5-10, sr.), F Amelia Menezes (5-9, soph.), G Rhiannon Aesy (5-6, sr.), G Macy Doss (5-7. soph.), W Nora Keffer (5-9, jr.), G Paige Snider (5-6, soph.)

Outlook: Frazier, who replaces Sonya Howell, played and coached at Kentucky Christian. His goal has been to get the Rockets to play team defense and improve its shot selection. Gardner is a voracious rebounder, while Aesy provides some nice quickness. McCoy played receiver and special teams for Craig's playoff football team, so nobody should question her toughness. The Rockets lost their two leading scorers from last year, but they will play with passion and could upset some people.

HIGHLAND

Coach: Sherry Sullenberger

Record: 3-20, 0-10 (lost in district first round)

Players to watch: F Lele Shumate (5-10, sr.), C Katie Perdue (5-11, sr.), SG Liz Botkin (5-6, sr.), F Jaime Rexrode (5-7, sr.), F Cappy Sullenberger (5-8, soph.), PG Abi Cavellier (5-4, soph.), PG Laura Botkin (5-5, sr.), C Lauren Cauley (6-1, soph.), F Casey Marshall (5-8, jr.).

Outlook: Shumate averaged more than 20 ppg last season and returns as one of six seniors playing their third year on varsity. For such a tiny school, the Rams have great size and should be a strong rebounding club. Sullenberger enters her second season as coach, and any initial resistance to her system has dissipated. Highland faces long odds every winter, but this team should win some district games.

JAMES RIVER

Coach: Dan Bowser

Record: 18-8, 6-4 (lost in Region C first round)

Players to watch: F Shannon Austin (5-11, sr.), C Jordan Lawrence (5-10, sr.), F Samantha Linkenhoker (5-7, sr.), G Greer Sullivan (5-8, soph.), G/F Candace Berra (5-6, soph.), PG/SG Maggie Allison (5-5, jr.), F Jamie Sorrels (5-6, sr.).

Outlook: The Knights lost about 29 ppg to graduation, a significant chunk for a team that averaged in the mid- to high-40s. The biggest hit is in the post, where Lawrence will try to replace the production of the departed Jennifer Windsor. Austin also will be asked to score more often. The Knights don't have the size that they've had in recent years, but talent is on hand. Look for James River to battle for second behind Parry McCluer.

PARRY McCLUER

Coach: John Armstrong

Record: 14-9, 9-1 (lost in Region C first round)

Players to watch: F Katelin Manuel (5-10, sr.), F Vanessa Williams (5-8, sr.), PG Lindsey Gilbert (5-5, soph.), G Megan McCormick (5-6, jr.), C Brooke Hogan (5-8, jr.), F/C Michelle Hall (5-8, jr.), C Bryndy Anderson (6-1, fr.), G Brianne King (5-6, fr.).

Outlook: Several players expected to come out for the team chose not to, so the Fighting Blues will be younger than they thought. They'll need to find some scoring to supplement Manuel's 8 ppg now that Brooke McCormick has graduated. Look for the freshman Anderson to emerge as a force by season's end. This team got a late start because of volleyball, but this is an athletic group that will challenge for the district crown.

ALLEGHANY

Coach: Danny Keene

Record: 14-6, 4-4 (lost in district semifinals)

Players to watch: G Sami Jo Salyers (5-9, jr.), G Molly Nicely (5-7, jr.), PG Krista Wolfe (5-3, jr.), F Jenna Walker (5-8, jr.), F Tiffany Wills (5-9, jr.), C Heather Unroh (5-10, sr.), C Erin Barnette (5-10, jr.).

Outlook: Alleghany must replace second-team All-Timesland post player Kim McDowell, who shouldered much of the scoring and rebounding load last year. The Mountaineers have little size, but are quick. Keene hopes Salyers can develop into one of the area's top all-around threats and carry the team. Nicely and Wolfe also are excellent shooters. Walker is out for a couple of weeks with a separated shoulder. Expect Alleghany to contend for second place in the Blue Ridge.

LORD BOTETOURT

Coach: Chuck Pound

Record: 27-2, 8-0 (lost in Group AA final)

Players to watch: C Nicci Moats (6-2, sr.), PG Cathy Wright (5-6, sr.), PG Courtney Hartman (5-7, sr.), F Lindsey Forbes (5-11, jr.), W Betsy Richmond (5-8, sr.), C Becca Mikulas (6-1, sr.), G Tamara Phillips (5-7, jr.).

Outlook: Botetourt returns four starters from last year's team that won 27 straight games before losing in the state final to Spotswood. Moats, who signed with Tennessee, is one of the state's premier post players. The Cavaliers will miss the all-court game of guard Brittany Rogers, but there is plenty of size and depth. The season opener again will be with Hidden Valley, the other team that defeated the Cavs. Count on Botetourt to win the Blue Ridge and most likely again reach the Group AA tournament.

NORTHSIDE

Coach: Trayce Coe

Record: 14-12, 5-3 (lost in Region III semifinals)

Players to watch: C Rachel Fertitta (6-3, soph.), G Christine Rolfe (5-7, sr.), F Shannon Hess (5-8, sr.), G Jennifer Elrod (5-8, jr.), PG Jennifer Turner (5-4, jr.), PG Kelsey Pope (5-5, jr.), G Ashley Masterson (5-6, soph.).

Outlook: Northside surprised many with a winning season after the Vikings were almost completely wiped out by graduation from the previous year's state tournament team. Coe guided Northside within a game of returning to Richmond. Rolfe and Fertitta are the two returning starters. Hess and Elrod will start, while Turner and Pope figure to share the point-guard spot. If the Vikings can find consistent scoring, another second-place finish in the Blue Ridge and a trip to the regional are possible.

WILLIAM BYRD

Coach: Mike McGuire

Record: 13-11, 3-5 (lost in district semifinals)

Players to watch: PG Rebecca Bays (5-5, jr.), G Kendra Bush (5-6, jr.), G Kayla Kitchens (5-8, jr.), C Nikki Parnell (5-10, sr.), C Meaghan Collier (5-10, jr.), PG Jessica Rigsby (5-3, jr.), F Nataleigh Gevas (5-7, sr.).

Outlook: Byrd returns four starters led by Bays, last year's Timesland Sizzlin' Sophomore of the Year. Bush, Kitchens and Parnell also are back in starting roles. The Terriers have a strong backcourt but could use more frontcourt punch. Collier could get the call if McGuire uses two post players. Byrd was 1-6 in games against Botetourt, Northside and Alleghany last year. Improvement is likely and with the Blue Ridge sending three teams to the Region III tournament, so is an extended postseason.

WILLIAM FLEMING

Coach: Jimmy Bulls

Record: 3-17, 0-8 (lost in district first round)

Players to watch: PG Ashley Simmons (5-8, sr.), G Janee Jennings (5-7, sr.), F Kourtney Taylor (5-9, sr.), F Brandi Smith (5-10, soph.), G Shaylor Vance (5-8, jr.), C Kim Foster (6-2, soph.), F Cierra Bonds (5-9, sr.), F Chenique Bonds (5-8, jr.).

Outlook: Fleming was in more games last year than its 3-17 record indicates, particularly late in the season. Jennings and Taylor are returning starters, but the big lift comes from Simmons, who averaged 13.6 points last year at Patrick Henry before transferring. Smith, who will play power forward, is a transfer from Wisconsin. Vance saw plenty of action, and Bulls is high on the potential of Foster. Fleming should easily top last year's total of three wins. A regional berth might be a long shot.

Highlands

By Troy Henderson

MARION

Coach: Sallie Moss.

Record: 5-16, 0-4 (lost first round district tournament)

Players to watch: G Brittany Snavely (5-4 soph.), G Brandi Trail (5-5, sr.), G Amber Russell (5-5, sr.).

Outlook: Marion has just two returning seniors and numbers were down last year so quite a few freshmen will play varsity. But Moss said the ninth graders brought up have plenty of height. Lee High is the district favorite with the return of first-team, all-district player Krista Haynes, who is the preseason player of the year. However, Snavely is no slouch either as an all-around athlete who also excels in volleyball.

Valley

By Troy Henderson

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY

Coach: Tony Balisteri.

Record: 10-13, 5-11 (lost in first round district tournament)

Players to watch: C Rachel Clark (6-0 sr.), G Katie Flint (5-2 sr.), F Ashley Hancock (6-0 soph.), F Katelyn Kitchen (6-0 jr.)

Outlook: New head coach Tony Balisteri will slow things down at Rockbridge in his first season. Balisteri, who previously coached in upstate New York, has a solid frontcourt that will bode well with his Northeastern style of play that includes a much slower tempo. Turner Ashby and Spotswood are preseason favorites but Rockbridge could make things interesting with their above average size and patient, ball-control approach to offense.