1. Hillsboro

• POLL POINTS: 20

        • COACH: Bill Newland (fourth season, 16-6; 49-18 overall)

        • LAST YEAR: 16-6 (9-2 league)

        • KEY PLAYERS: C Tara Walker, G Jenny Blair

        • OUTLOOK: The Indians are shooting for a league championship repeat and their fifth title in a row under Newland. The senior driven squad has few problems with talent or speed and could be a contender for the title once again.

        Senior Tara Walker (14.6 points, 8.2 rebounds) returns to battle inside, while senior Jenny Blair (7.7 points, 5.9 rebounds) shows her power from the perimeter.

        Newland's arsenal of shooters is strong and accurate, but lack of depth could be the biggest obstacle the Indians face.

        2. Greenfield McClain

• POLL POINTS: 19

        • COACH: Dennis Overstake (20th season, 22-3; 330-111 overall)

        • LAST YEAR: 22-3

        • KEY PLAYERS: G Sarah Hull, G/F Bobbi Munyan, F Liz Cockerill

        • OUTLOOK: The formerly independent Tigers make their debut in the SBC, but are already familiar with many of the schools including crosstown rival Hillsboro.

        Junior Sarah Hull will be the one to watch, bringing back top averages in nearly every category (17.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 steals, 4.7 assists). Hull will be flanked by Liz Cockerill (12.8 points, 9.4 rebounds) and Bobbi Munyan (7 points, 6.1 rebounds).

        Experience, accuracy and seniority will put the Tigers in the league's forefront. Physical play has been their burden in the past as fouls have added up against them.

        3. New Richmond

• POLL POINTS: 15

        • COACH: Brian Benzinger (second season, 10-10; 10-10 overall)

        • LAST YEAR: 10-10 (6-5 league)

        • KEY PLAYERS: G Amy Blair, G/F Katie Coslett, F Jillian Boys

        • OUTLOOK: A vastly improved New Richmond could surprise in their climb from a 3-18 season (2000)to a 10-10 season (2001) with Benzinger's help.

        Junior Amy Blair remains the offensive and defensive focal point with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals a game. Their ability to spread the ball to Katie Coslett (8 points), Carrie Diesel (8 points) and Jillian Boys (7 points) will be an asset.

        Felicity—Franklin transfer Danielle Easter and CHCA transfer Brook Holman both bring double digit scoring figures to the Lions program.

        Lack of height will be a factor, but rebounding worries could vanish with the help team aggressivenesss and the new impact players.

        4. Western Brown

• POLL POINTS: 12

        • COACH: Blaine Wallace (second season, 8-13; 8-13 overall)

        • LAST YEAR: 8-13 (5-6)

        • KEY PLAYERS: F Ashley Wesley, G Amber Silvis

        • OUTLOOK: Wallace and company are eager to snap a five season losing streak as they launch their 2001-2002 campaign.

        Scoring leaders Amber Silvis (11 points, 5 assists) and Ashley Wesley (10 points) will spark the offense while 5-8 junior Jeralee Hartman hits the boards (6 rebounds).

        Absences of height and depth have consistently plagued the Broncos, but offseason work on shooting and running have sharpened the junior-led team.

        5. Clermont Northeastern

• POLL POINTS: 9

        • COACH: Garry Creamer (second season, 8-12; 8-12 overall)

        • LAST YEAR: 8-12 (4-8 league)

        • KEY PLAYERS: G Trisha Creamer, G Liz Cunningham, C Jessica Schottelkotte

        • OUTLOOK: Loss of senior leadership and leading scorer Stephanie Roy (20 points) in addition to lack of size could put the Rockets at a disadvantage. The team, led by a sophomore core, could struggle with inexperience in the league.

        Tandem sophomore guards Trisha Creamer (5 points) and Liz Cunningham (3 points) will engineer the offense.

        The defense will benefit from the return of 6-foot junior center Jessica Schotelkotte, who sat out part of last season with a foot injury.

        Speed and attitude could keep the Rockets afloat when experience falls short.

        6. Bethel—Tate

• POLL POINTS: 6

        • COACH: Don Ulmer (first season)

        • LAST YEAR: 3-18

        • KEY PLAYERS: G Kristen Collins, F Kelley Burton

        • OUTLOOK: New coach Don Ulmer is planning for a turnaround with the help of the upperclass-based Tigers.

        Seniors Kristen Collins (8 points) and Kelley Burton (5 points) bring leadership to the floor, and sophomore forward Taryn Beck (2 points) adds athleticism and speed.

        With a year of experience behind them, the team looks to draw on smoother transitions and overall team quickness.

        Depth, which was problematic last year, has improved. The Tigers have the potential to rise above their ranking if they can post a cohesive front.

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