Teams at a glance

Annapolis Panthers

1998-99 record: 23-2

Coach: John Brady (career record: 460-89)

Top players: Marcus Johnson, 6-5, Sr., S; Thomas Hawkins, 6-5, Sr., F; Marcus Neal, 6-0, Jr., G; Aaron Copeland, 6-0, Sr., G; Joe Feldmann, 6-0, Sr., G.

Outlook: The potential and experience is there for an undefeated season in the county and then a run at the Class 3A region and state titles. Brady begins his 23rd season at the school and is loaded with talent. The Panthers, who have won 20 games in a season 18 times under Brady, have three returning starters and are seeking their 17th county and 14th region title. The three starters all earned All-County honors last season: All-Metro swingman Johnson, All-Metro second team guard Neal and Hawkins, who was county Player of the Year as a sophomore. Johnson led the Panthers in scoring (16.0) and three-pointers (68) and averaged 4.2 assists and 6.4 rebounds. Neal emerged as a superb point guard, averaging 15.6 points and leading the team in assists (5.6). Hawkins becomes the first Panther to play four varsity seasons and is likely to finish as the school's all-time leading scorer. If the supporting cast delivers, the Panthers should have a banner season.

Annapolis Area Christian Eagles

1998-99 record: 14-13

Coach: Calvin Vain, first season

Top players: Nick Borgeson, 6-1, Sr., G; Paul Allen, 6-5, Sr., F; Randy Brown, 6 -1, Sr., G; Dan Hammer, 6-0, Sr., F; Jason Hounshell, 6-2, Sr., F.

Outlook: With an extensive background at a host of county public schools, Vain is ready for his first experience in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association C Conference with a Christian school team. "It's hard for me to tell how we will do in the MIAA because I don't know the league, but our size is not bad and I've got a hard-working group, " said Vain.

Antioch Christian Eagles

1998-99 record: 30-5

Coach: Jerry Humphrey (183-63)

Top players: Jacob Holston, 6-2, Sr., F; David Humphrey, 5-8, Jr., G; Jeremiah Collins, 6-4, Jr., F; Steve Mallory, 6-1, Jr., F; Wayne Brown, 5-10, Fr., S.

Outlook: After two straight Maryland Christian School state tournament titles and a 30-win season, the Eagles lost all five starters and their sixth man to graduation. "We lost 100 percent of our offense, so we have little varsity experience," said Humphrey, who is in his 17th season at the small Arnold school which has an enrollment of only 125, kindergarten through grade 12.

Archbishop Spalding Cavaliers

1998-99 record: 31-5

Coach: Mike Glick (122-59)

Top players: Derrick Snowden, 6-0, Sr., G; Tremaine Robinson, 6-4, Sr., S; Darren Johnson, 6-4, Sr., F; Isaac Brooks, 5-10, Sr., G; G. Chris Ravello, 6-3, Jr., G;

Outlook: Glick, who built a power at Pallotti in Laurel, is well prepared to lead the top-ranked Cavaliers into the area's toughest schedule. Spalding returns two All-Metro performers in point guard Snowden and high-flying swingman Robinson, who have signed with Villanova and Towson, respectively. Snowden (10.2 points, 6.2 assists) is especially quick and Robinson is a crowd pleaser with his acrobatic reverse dunks and alley-oops. Johnson shot 62 percent from the field and plays great defense while Brooks can demoralize a team with his long-range jumpers. The Cavaliers will travel to four national tournaments at Latrobe, Pa., the Gonzaga Classic in D.C., the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and the Tournament of Champions in Springfield, Mo. They will compete with many of the nation's top teams including No. 1 Oak Hill (Va.) in the Beach Ball. Spalding is the favorite to win the Baltimore Catholic League.

Arundel Wildcats

1998-99 record: 9-14

Coach: Sam Golder, first season

Top players: Justin Roach, 6-1, Sr., F; Derek Hardin, 6-1, Jr., G; Rodney Spriggs, 6-2, Jr., F; Paul D'Imperio, 6-0, Jr., G; Sean Ryan, 6-5, Sr., C.

Outlook: After two successful seasons (36-4) as JV coach, Golder replaces Hank Kuzma (15-31 in two seasons) as head coach and is excited to say the least. "You have no idea how fired up I am, " said the 27-year-old English teacher. It was always his goal to become a head basketball coach and now he's finding out along with his players the difference between JV and varsity. "The kids are learning it's not JV anymore and they have to learn when to play up-tempo and when not to, " said Golder, who has coached all the players on his roster at the JV level. The new coach says his team has very good speed and is counting on leadership from Roach and D'Imperio.

Broadneck Bruins

1998-99 record: 16-9

Coach: Ken Kazmarek (270-111)

Top players: Jason Burton, 6-6, Sr., F; Stephan Sharps, 6-3, Jr., F; Gerald Stansbury, 6-0, Sr., G; Pat Cording, 6-5, Sr., F; Jeff Sapp, 5-11, Sr., G.