Last season's record in parentheses.
1. Long Beach Poly, California (36-1)
Starters returning: 2. Outlook: After finishing No. 2 last year in our Super 25 rankings, Long Beach Poly returns leading scorer Jasmine Dixon, a 6-0 forward who has signed with Rutgers, and starting G April Cook, who's headed to Washington State next year. Joining them are junior Kelli Thompson, sophomore twins Ashley and Brittany Wilson and sophomore Thaddesia Southall. The Jackrabbits add 6-3 junior C Monique Oliver (26.7 ppg, 13.5 rpg), who transferred from Cheyenne High in Las Vegas. Next: Dec. 6 vs. Central Catholic (Portland, Ore.) at the Northwest Nike Shootout in Beaverton, Ore.
2. Notre Dame Academy, Middleburg, Va. (29-1)
Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Coach Mike Teasley has 12 of 13 players returning from last year. The team is led by senior F Mia Nickson, who averaged 13 points and 8.5 rebounds last season. She's heading to Boston College. Joining Nickson is 6-4 C Azania Stewart (12.5 ppg, 3 bpg, 5 rpg), who is headed to Florida. The other two starters are F Morgan Wrightson and G Kristin Coles. 6-1 G Josette Campbell is a key reserve from last year. Next: Dec. 1 against Holy Cross (Lynchburg) at the Holy Cross Tipoff.
3. Cy-Fair, Houston (39-1)
Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Cy-Fair made it to the state final last season and is loaded with sisters Chiney Ogwumike (11.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg), a 6-1 sophomore, and Stanford-bound 6-3 senior Nneka Ogwumike (19.6 ppg, 11.2 rpg), both forwards. The Bobcats also return starting guards Nicole Morris (5.6, 2.2 apg) and senior Mansa El (7.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.5 apg). Notable bench players are senior F Megan Majewski, junior F Rhian Rogan and junior G Harriet Lakind. Next: Nov. 27 at Taylor (Katy).
4. Murry Bergtraum, New York City (28-0)
Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Last year's New York State AA champions return senior F Shakeya Leary (13 ppg, 12 rpg), senior G Krystal Parnell (8 ppg, 4 apg), junior G Shanee Williams (10 ppg, 3 apg) and sophomore G/F Doris Ortega (9 ppg, 7 rpg). Next: Nov. 30 vs. Lehman (New York).
5. Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas (31-2)
Starters returning: 3. Outlook: Two seniors anchor Gorman's attack — Texas-bound 6-4 F Ashley Gayle (11 ppg, 9 rpg, 5 bpg) and Oregon signee G Darriel Gaynor (15 ppg, 5 apg). 6-4 junior Dannielle Diamant will create matchup problems with her three-point shooting and speedy senior G Kiara Belen (10 ppg, 6 rpg) and sophomore PG Aaryn Ellenberg (13 ppg, 3 apg, 3 spg) also will contribute. Next: Nov. 23 at Whitney Young Tournament in Chicago.
6. Winter Haven, Fla. (29-3)
Starters returning: 4. Outlook: The Blue Devils have three Division I signees back from a team that won the state's 5A title. Connecticut-bound 5-10 G Tiffany Hayes (18 ppg, 10 rpg, 3 apg) teams with Memphis signee Kiara Francisco (14 ppg, 10 rpg) and Morehead State signee Ashley Martin (8 ppg, 8 rpg). Next: Friday vs. Bishop Moore (Orlando) at Evans Thanksgiving Tournament.
7. Murrah, Jackson, Miss. (37-2)
Starters returning: 5. Outlook: The Lady Mustangs have almost everyone back from their 5A championship team. Leading the returning starters is LSU signee 6-1 F LaSondra Bennett (16.8 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 5.2 bpg). Junior G Tanecka Carey (17.8 ppg, 3.4 apg, 2.4 spg) was all-state and all-metro last season. Joining them are Brandi Simmons (10.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg), Janice Okeke (7 ppg, 9.5 rpg) and Sarah Crisler (9.2 ppg). Next: Nov. 27 vs. Callaway (Jackson).
8. Washington, South Bend, Ind. (28-1)
Starters returning: 2. Outlook: Won the state championship last year. The team is lead by Skylar Diggins and Emily Phillips. Diggins, a 5-9 junior, averaged 24.4 point, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rpg and 4.7 steals and set a record at the state finals with 17 rebounds. Phillips, a 5-4 senior who signed with Penn State, averaged 9.1 ppg, 2.7 steals and 5 assists. Next: Nov. 24 vs. Bishop Luers (Fort Wayne).
9. Mount Notre Dame, Cincinnati (23-4)
Starters returning: 5. Outlook: With all five starters back and a deep bench, the Cougars are looking for a state title three-peat. Senior 6-1 F/C Tia McBride (13.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg) is headed to Georgetown and 5-11 F Channing Hillman (11.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg) is going to Texas-El Paso. Junior 6-2 F Kendall Hackne (11.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg) is another key player, along with junior SG Gabby Smith (7.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and junior PG Ashley Fowler (5.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.7 apg). Next: Nov. 24 against Mt. DeChantel at Olentangy Liberty.
10. Iota, La. (43-0)
Starters returning: 5. Outlook: The Lady Dogs could have another undefeated season. The team averaged more than 74 ppg last year. Coach Stan Baggett's twin daughters have almost identical statistics in the team's backcourt — Ashlyn (18.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.8 apg and 4.5 steals) and Caitlyn (18.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 5.5 apg and 4.8 steals) have already signed with McNeese State. Also returning are 5-10 junior Candace LaCombe (11.6 ppg and 7.2 rpg), 5-8 junior Angel Simar (6.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg) and 5-5 junior Lindsey Miller (9.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.2 apg). Next: Nov. 27 at Northside (Lafayette).
11. Southridge, Beaverton, Ore. (25-4)
Starters returning: 3. Outlook: The three-time defending state champions return their top three players and scorers: 6-3 F Michelle Jenkins (14.9 ppg), a 6-3 senior who is heading to USC; 5-10 PG Alex Earl (12 ppg), who is headed to Arizona State and junior 5-7 F/G Kiara Tate, who averaged 13 points last season. Next: Nov. 30 at Lake Oswego.
12. Sacred Heart Cathedral, San Francisco (32-2)
Starters returning: 4. Outlook: The team has won the state championship twice and is a threat for a three-peat. Seniors Jazmine Jackson (13 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 apg) and Lauren Bell (10 ppg, 6 rpg and 3 apg) are headed to Pepperdine. Juniors Tierra Rogers (12 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 assists) and Ki-Shawna Moore round out the key players. Next: Nov. 24 vs. Branson (Ross).
13. Ursuline Academy, Wilmington, Del. (21-5)
Starters returning: 5. Outlook: All starters are returning and there's depth on the bench. And one of the starters is the No. 1 senior in the country: 6-4 G Elena Delle Donne (28 ppg, 10 rpg and 4 apg) who is heading to Connecticut. G Kayla Miller (7 ppg, 3 apg and 2 steals) signed with George Washington. Joining them are seniors G Shannon O'Hanlon (8 ppg, 8 rpg and 3 assists) and Erin Edwards (5 ppg and 2 apg) who signed with the Naval Academy and junior Kelley Doogan (6 ppg and 3 rpg). Next: Dec. 8 against Archbishop Ryan (Philadelphia).
14. St. Paul (Minn.) Central (32-0)
Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Senior F Kiara Buford (12.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg) has been all-conference for the past three years and has signed with Minnesota. Senior C Georgie Jones, 6-2, (12.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg and 2.9 blocks) has been all-conference for the past two years. Joining them are junior G Theairra Taylor (11 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.8 steals) and senior C Megan Howard (10.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg) for the defending AAAA champion. Next: Friday vs. Totino-Grace (Fridley) at Hamline University.
15. Lexington Christian, Lexington Ky. (34-3)
Starters returning: 4. Outlook: The Lady Eagles return all but one key player, Emily London, off a state championship team. Top returning players include G Anna Martin, a 5-9 junior all-state candidate who averaged 14.8 points last season, junior G Courtney Clifton (13 ppg), junior F Clara Mitchell (9.8 ppg, 8.6 rpg), sophomore G Sarah Beth Barnette (8.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg) and senior G Hilary Thornton (4.7 ppg). Joining them are freshmen F Kelli Rhinehart and G Rachel Cox. Next: Nov. 26 at Clark (Winchester).
16. Buffalo Grove, Ill. (34-2)
Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Returning nine of their top 10 players including these three four-year starters: 5-10 senior G Maggie Mocchi, who averaged 13.6 ppg and 7.1 rebounds last season. Along with her twin Allison, they're both going to Northwestern next season. Allison, the team's top defender, averaged 10.3 ppg and 6.6 rebounds last season. G Ellen Ayoub (14.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg), a 6-0 senior, is headed to Loyola. She has 1,300 career points and 121 three-pointers. Next: Nov. 23 vs. Regina (Wilmette).
17. Olinda, Brea, Calif. (33-2)
Starters returning: 3. Outlook: Nucleus of a team that finished second for state's Division 2 title is back, led by sophomore 5-10 G Kelsey Harris (10.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg). Three-point shooter G Jonae Ervin (8.8 ppg, 2.5 spg) is also in the backcourt. Opens: Nov. 26 vs. Venice.
18. Regis Jesuit, Aurora, Colo. (26-2)
Starters returning: 4. Outlook: The four returning starters include the team's leading scorer Mariah Williams (12.5 ppg and 5.1 apg), Diana Rolniak (10.5 ppg and 7.1 bpg), T'Keyah Shealy (10.2 ppg) and Megan Winters. New senior starter Kamile Nacikait is from Lithuania. Next: Nov. 30 at Grand Junction.
19. Hampton, Va. (30-2)
Starters returning: 3. Outlook: Transfer Debbie Smith from Charles City scored 508 points last season. Returning stars include 5-9 junior Tiffany Davis (19 ppg and 8 assists) who is a very good open-court player. Alyssa Bennett, 6-2 (16.5 ppg, 12 rpg) can probably play all five positions and is great on the perimeter. Joycelyn Davis is their best defensive stopper. The team returns six players from last year (when they won the AAA state championship). Next: Dec. 4 against Gloucester.
20. Webb School, Knoxville, Tenn. (29-4)
Starters returning: 4 Outlook: Returning starters from last year's state championship team include Tennessee signee Glory Johnson, a senior F/C who averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals and two blocks last season, junior F/C Faith Dupree (10 ppg, 6 rpg and 1 block), junior G Jessica Goswitz who averaged 8 points and 4 assists last season and senior Jessica Walter (6 ppg). Next: Nov. 27 vs. Greenville.
21. Sequoyah, Tahlequah, Okla. (27-0)
Starters returning: 5. Outlook: The Lady Indians are aiming for a fourth straight state championship. Look for these players on the court this season: G Angel Goodrich (17.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 6.9 steals and 7.5 apg last season), Brea Brewer (9.3 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.3 spg and 2.2 apg), Cassie Moore (8.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg and 3.4 apg), Lorin Hammer (6.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg) and Mariah Norwood (4.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg) at post. Next: Dec. 4 at Broken Arrow.
22. Wichita Heights, Wichita (24-1)
Starters returning: 2. Outlook: "My freshman class is the best I have had in my eight years here," says Coach Kip Pulliam. The Lady Falcon's two returning starters — seniors Jennifer Lane (12.4 ppg, 7.6 apg and 3.7 steals) and Amanda Orloske (11.6 ppg, 3 apg and 4 rebounds) — could lead junior transfers Nyisha Miles and Stephanie Glasper from Wichita East and talented freshmen like Mary Sims to a third straight state championship. Next: Nov. 30th vs. Wichita South.
23. Ben Davis, Indianapolis (18-5)
Starters returning: 4. Outlook: Six of last year's top seven players are back this season. Alex Bentley led the team with 18.3 points, 3.6 rebounds 3.4 assists and 3.3 steals last season. Other standout players include DeAirra Goss (12.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.3 apg and 2.3 steals), Vivian Holcomb (7.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Dee Dee Williams (6.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.7 apg) and Jordan Huber (3.8 ppg). Demetria and Emily Huber are much improved from last season. Next: Nov. 23 at Brownsburg.
24. Germantown Academy, Ft. Washington, Pa. (26-3)
Starters returning: 3. Outlook: The team finished last season ranked first in the Philadelphia area. Returning this year are junior 5-10 G Jesse Carey (5 apg, 6 ppg), sophomore G Maggie Lucas who shot over 51% from the three-point line, senior 6-0 C Bri Cowden, sophomore F Tory Theirolf and freshman G Alexa Gallagher (who contributed last season as an 8th grader). Also returning G Laura Karbach, C Meredith Carber and G Jessica Erb. The team averaged 60 ppg and 19 steals a game last season. Next: Dec. 4 vs. Conwell Egan (Fairless Hills).
25. Detroit Country Day, Beverly Hills, Mich. (22-3)
Starters returning: 5. Outlook: Detroit Country Day has won six Class B state championships and have been runners-up twice since 1997. Leading off is 6-2 F Erica Solomon (15 ppg, 10 rpg) who has signed with Notre Dame. Top returning juniors are 5-8 G Sharena Taylor (12 ppg, 6 apg, 3 spg), 5-1 G Amber Moore (16 ppg, 8 rpg) and 5-9 F Faziah Steen (8 ppg, 4 rpg). Rounding out the starting five will be 6-6 sophomore C Madison Williams (10 ppg, 8 rpg, 6 blocks). Off the bench will be Emma Golen, Troy Hambric, Spencer Lane, Marisa Coury and Celeste Gilyard. Next: Nov. 28 vs. Detroit CMA.
