6. Old Mill

Coach: Rick Smith

Last season: 22-5, No. 5

Postseason: Class 4A state runner-up

Outlook: The Patriots will need to replace top scorer and rebounder Sydney Faulcon, but they’ll have plenty of talent once more. Deja Atkinson should play a big role again as Old Mill will be a force in Anne Arundel County.

7. Howard

Coach: Scott Robinson

Last season: 19-4, No. 11

Postseason: Lost in Class 4A North semifinals Outlook: The Lions will have an experienced team. Players such as Anii Harris, Marisa Sanchez-Henry and others will give them a chance. They are a deep team.

8. South River

Coach: Mike Zivic

Last season: 21-4, No. 10

Postseason: Lost in Class 4A East final

Outlook: Ashlynn Burrows, headed for Salisbury to play basketball, should help South River have another strong season. The Seahawks saw their season end last year with a tough overtime loss at home to Old Mill, and that should give them some extra motivation.

9. Western

Coach: Kenneth Robinson

Last season: 22-5, No. 8

Postseason: Lost in Class 4A state semifinals

Outlook: Robinson takes over a team that found lots of success last season despite relying a lot on younger players. Nycera Pryor and Gabby Johnson should help the Doves. They still have lots of talent.

10. River Hill

Coach: Teresa Waters

Last season: 20-7, No. 9

Postseason: Won Class 2A state championship

Outlook: The Hawks ended last season on a roll, winning 11 in a row en route to the state title. They’ll have a strong lineup once more with Kennedy Clark and Saniha Jackson leading the way.