Girls' Notebook

Sisterhood.

Rancocas Valley could have three sisters on the floor at the same time.

Senior forward Francesa Lee is a veteran and one of the top players in the Liberty division.

She could be joined, at times, by sophomore forward Jenna Lee and freshman guard Natalia Lee.

"There might be times when all three of them are starters," Rancocas Valley coach Tony Corrado said.

Veteran presence.

Cinnaminson and Delran should battle again in the Patriot, with Willingboro also in the mix.

Cinnaminson has lots of experience with four returning starters including guards Chistine Gannon and Kelly Baker, forward Erin Fitzpatrick and 6-1 center Courtney Colella.

Delran returns three starters from a 20-5 team that reached the South Jersey Group 2 semifinals, including forward Vanessa Hejnas and guards Lindsay Atzert and Casey Burke.

Burlington City return four starters including senior guard Steph Matthews, the team's top scorer. Holy Cross is rebuilding but has an experienced senior in Sue Gilbride, who hit 28 three-pointers last season.

National profile.

Trenton Catholic is the team to beat in the Liberty, and probably in the Non-Public B state tournament as well.

The Iron Mikes' top player is 5-11 sophomore Briyona Canty, a Willingboro native who has been attracting big-time recruiting attention.

Trenton Catholic athletic director Robert Harris said programs such as Tennessee, Rutgers and Virginia have visited the school to make known their interest in Canty, although they can't contact her directly yet because of NCAA rules.

Trenton Catholic also features senior Shakia Canty, Briyona's older sister, as well as 6-3 center Naima Garcia.

Young guns.

Rancocas Valley has a pair of sophomore guards who started as freshmen: Lauren Gaskill and Arianna Williams.

Holy Cross has high hopes for freshman Amanda Offenback. Coach Fred Phillips thinks the 5-foot-11 Offenback could develop into one of the top players in South Jersey in another season or two.

Double trouble.

Palmyra's Lakiya Artis is a veteran who has been making plays in big games for the last two seasons. She's poised for a big year.

She'll work with forward Javon Pratt to give the Panthers a tough combination to top in the Freedom.

Defensive presence.

Rancocas Valley's defense is led by junior center Nia Scott, a clever shot-blocker. Delran will pressure the ball with guards Lindsay Atzert and Casey Burke, while Cinnaminson guard Kelly Baker is a top ball hawk.

Burlington City's Macy Cutshaw is a top defender as are Trenton Catholic's Jacquel Saunders and Nakida Monroe-Thomas.

- Phil Anastasia