10. Neptune (N.J.)2009-10 record: 30-1
Ranked 14th last year, the Scarlet Fliers return four starters including Rutgers signees Syessence Davis (12.5 ppg) and Shakena Richardson (12.3) plus Pittsburgh commit Chyna Golden (8.5). Neptune's only defeat last year came to New York power Bergtraum and though it can't avenge that defeat, it has a tough schedule that includes Top 25 teams Whitney Young and Christ the King, along with perennial powers Germantown (Philadelphia) and Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro, Md.).
9. Princess Anne (Virginia Beach, Va.)2009-10 record: 29-2
The Cavaliers lost in the state finals to Lake Taylor 50-44 after defeating the Titans earlier in the year (59-49). They return Duke-bound Elizabeth Williams, a 6-3 post, considered one of the top five players in the country and a definite 2010-11 Player of the Year possibility. Not only does Princess Anne return starting point guard Amanda Andrades to get Williams the ball, but it gained three talented transfers to push the team over the top in Virginia.
8. Memphis Central (Tenn.)2009-10 record: 27-4
Potter's House standout Shalethia Stringfield.
Photo by Matthew Farrell
A state AAA semifinalist, the Warriors bring in one of the top freshman classes in the state to add to a starting unit that all returns. The trio of 5-11 Aaligah Whiteside (16.8 ppg), 5-9 Nina Davis (16.3) and 5-8 Danielle Ballard (14.5) gives the Warriors plenty of scoring prowess. The scary part is this trio returns for 2011-12 as well.
7. Potter's House Christian (Jacksonville, Fla.)2009-10 record: 36-4.
The Lions return just about everyone from a National Christian Athletic Association championship team, including their top three scorers in 5-10 point guard Antoinette Bannister (23.4 points per game), 5-7 guard Shalethia Stringfield (14.2) and 5-8 guard Brittany Rountree (13.2). Potter House was among the nation's top scoring teams at 75.8 per game and that shouldn't change with a remarkably tough national schedule. Loliya Briggs (5-11), Alexis Brown (5-8) and Shakeria Wilson (5-8) are other key players.
6. Brea Olinda (Brea, Calif.)2009-10 record: 31-3
Brea Olinda's Keitra Wallace directs the action.
Photo by Louis Lopez
The last two seasons, the Wildcats have battled Mater Dei in the Southern Section Division II finals with not only with state but national title implications at stake. They've split those two meetings and last season defeated Mater Dei during the regular season before losing 51-46 in the section finals. They played last year without their best player, UCLA-bound
Justine Hartman, a 6-2 post who is back from a torn ACL, along with four extremely talented players:
Jeanier Olukemi (6-0),
Keitra Wallace (5-11),
Alexis Perry (5-7) and
Taylor Spears (5-10), who transferred from Mater Dei at midseason. Co-captains
Amber Van Dudekom (5-11) and
Amanda Arter (6-2) add depth, size and leadership.
