1. St. Frances

Coach: Jerome Shelton

Last season: 24-4, No. 1

Postseason: Won IAAM A Conference championship Outlook: The Panthers are trying for a fifth straight IAAM A title. Player of the Year Angel Reese (Maryland) and All-Metro pick Aniya Gourdine will make St. Frances rather tough to bring down this year — especially since the defending champions have some depth.

2. Poly

Coach: Kendall Peace-Able

Last season: 22-4, No. 4

Postseason: Lost in Class 3A state final

Outlook: The Engineers bring back plenty of talent and hope to make the push to get a state title. In addition to All-Metro pick Dasia Townes, Ajae Petty transferred from IND and gives Poly even more punch up front.

3. Roland Park

Coach: Dani Steinbach

Last season: 26-2, No. 2

Postseason: Lost in IAAM A final

Outlook: Mir McLean averaged a double-double last season, and the Reds will look to her to lead the way. Injuries and the loss of some key parts from the IAAM A Conference regular-season title team could bother the Reds early.

4. McDonogh

Coach: Brad Rees

Last season: 22-7, No. 3

Postseason: Lost in IAAM A semifinals

Outlook: The Eagles should be in the hunt for the IAAM A Conference title again. They’ll have Jayla Oden and others to help, but they’ll need depth to try to overcome St. Frances and Roland Park.

5. Pikesville

Coach: Michael Dukes

Last season: 26-4, No. 6

Postseason: Class 1A state champion

Outlook: Dukes has plenty of talent again as the Panthers move up to 2A after winning their first state title.