20. Start (Toledo, Ohio)2009-10 record: 18-5
With two Division I recruits in Asia Bishop, a 6-2 post signed to Kentucky, and Maleeka Kynard, a 5-7 guard headed to Ohio State, the Spartans should improve on last year's season that ended in a district Division I finals defeat. Start is extremely deep and possesses good size and should have the experience to win a state crown.
19. Midwest City (Okla.)2009-10 record: 25-2
The defending 6A champion lost current Duke freshman Richa Jackson, but should once again rule the state because of the 1-2 punch of Kaylon Williams, a 6-3 post, and 5-11 junior Ashley Webb. Williams has signed to play for Sherri Coale at Oklahoma next season after averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game last season. Ranked 12th in the country last season, the Bombers should also get big contributions from Adrianna White (5-7) and Carolee Dillard (6-1).
18. MacArthur (Irving, Texas)2009-10 record: 37-2
MacArthur's Alexis Jones is one of the top juniors in the country.
Photo by Keith Owens
Led by perhaps the top sophomore in the state, if not the country, 5-9 do-everything guard
Alexis Jones figures to completely take over the team as she did late last year when first-team All-American Odyssey Sims (now at Baylor) went down with an ACL tear during the playoffs. The 5A state finalists also return
Monique Jackson (6-1),
Ayriel Anderson (5-4) and
Tiffini Wilson (5-7), among others, and add freshman
Jasmine Frausto (5-9).
17. Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.)2009-10 record: 26-5
One of the nation's most renowned programs should return to elite status with the likes of seniors Brian Smith, a 5-9 guard, and Nia Oden, a 5-10 forward. The Royals don't return a 6-footer on their roster but as usual, Bob Mackey's team will rely on quickness, defense and transition baskets.
16. St. Joseph's Academy (St. Louis, Mo.)2009-10 record: 21-8
Don't be fooled by the eight losses. The Angels played one of the toughest schedules in the country last season and return all five starters, including twins Morgan and Maddie Stock, a pair of 6-1 juniors. With three more 6-footers, including 6-3 sophomore Sydney Stipanovich, St. Joseph's only question will be guard play.
