Southeastern Pennsylvania Girls Basketball Top 10

The Inquirer TOP 10

Team   2008-09 Record

Last season's final ranking in parentheses.

1. Council Rock North (NR)   29-2

The Indians should get some early tests against Central Dauphin and No. 10 Downingtown East this weekend.

2. Archbishop Carroll (1)   30-1

Seniors Erin Shields and Mary Kate McCann will lead the Patriots, the defending PIAA Class AAA champions.

3. Germantown Academy (3)   31-0

The 11-time defending Inter-Academic League champion Patriots are riding a 37-game winning streak. Can they top last season?

4. Cheltenham (5)   29-3

Returnees Shayla Felder, a third team all-state pick, and Monet Constant are among the latest in a long line of outstanding Panther guards.

5. Cardinal O'Hara (2)   27-4

Can the Lions make another run at the PIAA Class AAAA title? In their first try last season, they reached the championship game.

6. Abington (NR)   20-6

The Ghosts will look to veteran senior Emily Leer in their bid for the Suburban One League National Conference championship.

7. Central Bucks East (NR)   24-4

Coach Tom Lonergan hopes to develop a bench to go with leading scorer Liz Martin and her starting teammates.

8. Mount St. Joseph (6)   29-2

Juniors Mary Jo Horgan and Steph Smith are returning starters from last season's team that reached the PIAA Class AAA eastern final four.

9. Springfield-Delco (NR)    23-5

With MyNeshia McKenzie leading the way, the Cougars look to battle Lower Merion for Central League honors.

10. Downingtown East (4)   28-3

This season marks Bob Schnure's 30th anniversary as a coach in the Downingtown district. His record last season speaks for itself - and his steller career.

Under consideration (listed alphabetically): Archbishop Ryan (19-7), Archbishop Wood (20-7), Lower Merion (26-4), Council Rock South (15-10), North Penn (15-9), St. Basil (17-7), Villa Maria Academy (19-9).

- Don Beideman