☛ WPIAL Class 3A

1. Neshannock (29-2) — The Lancers won WPIAL and PIAA Class 2A titles last year but are now in 3A. Three starters return in senior forwards Megan Pallerino and all-state selection Mairan Haggerty (17.2), as well as guard Aaralyn Nogay.

2. Avonworth (19-4) — Avonworth would have been the No. 1 preseason team if Neshannock didn’t bump up from Class 2A. The Antelopes have a solid group, led in the paint by junior forward Rebecca Goetz (13 ppg) and sophomore Greta O’Brien (12 ppg) in the backcourt.

3. Laurel (14-12) — For the past two years the Spartans have had to ride behind North Catholic in their section, but this might be their breakout year. The Spartans have a solid core, led by all-section senior guards Regan Atkins (10 ppg) and Danielle Pontius (10 ppg).

4. South Park (19-4) — The Eagles have a lot to prove after a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to Waynesburg in the WPIAL quarterfinals. South Park has never won a title but has most of its starting lineup back from last year.

5. OLSH (21-6) — They’re not quite back where they were when they won the Class 2A title in 2019, but the Chargers should be a formidable opponent. Senior guard Kyleigh Nagy was all-section last season.