Presented by the Army National Guard
25. Goose Creek (S.C.)2009-10 record: 27-1
The defending 4A state champions should repeat with one of the nation's top junior point guards in 6-footer N'Dea Bryant (11.5 ppg in 2009-10). She has plenty of weapons to get the ball to including Aleighsa Welch, a 6-foot senior who led the team at 19.1 ppg, and 5-8 sophomore Ashley Fields (8.0).
24. North Little Rock (Ark.)2009-10 record: 31-0
The Charging Wildcats return three starters, including co-captain
Jerica James (5-5, 8.4 ppg) and the team's leading scorer and most talented player, junior
Lexus Williams, a 6-1 forward who averaged 12.5 points per game. Though young, North Little Rock is extremely talented and deep. Going unbeaten again isn't out of the question.
23. La Jolla Country Day (Calif.)2009-10 record: 26-4
Photo by Kirt Winter
La Jolla Country Day's Maya Hood
is fantastic around the hoop.
With four returning starters including third-leading scorer
Maya Hood (10.9 ppg) and her sister
Malina Hood, a pair of 5-10 juniors, the Torreys should be able to battle through the tough Southern California fray and contend for another state crown. Other top returners include 5-9 point guard
Kelsey Plum (10.2 ppg) to go along with talented freshmen
Sabrina Callahan (5-11),
Cassidy Rooke (5-6) and
Tia Kanoa (5-8).
22. Renaissance (Detroit)2009-10 record: 24-3
Three starters return for the Class A finalists including 6-2 senior post Alexis Harris and 6-foot senior forward Asia Boyd. The Phoenix lost just two seniors to graduation and with a largely senior-dominated squad, should get over the top and win a state crown. Other key seniors are Arrice Bryant, April Johnson and Elizabeth Badgett.
21. Incarnate Word Academy (St. Louis, Mo.)2009-10 record: 30-1
The defending Class 5 champion lost four starters, but got a huge boost in 6-3 transfer Taylor Manuel. Add in 6-1 senior returner Brianna Puni and the Red Knights have plenty of talent down low. It's just a matter of finding strong guard play but returners Brittany Carter, Cierra Young and Teresa Scannell should get the job done.