1. Mount St. Joseph
Last season: 29-6, ranked No. 1
Ten returnees include point guard Brian Johnson, forward Courtney Thomas and Dejuan Goodwin in the backcourt.
2. Dunbar
Last season: 23-2, No. 3
The defending city and Class 1A state champs are loaded, returning All-Metro guard Nathan Irby.
3. Towson Catholic
Last season: 21-12, No. 12
Three key transfers in Malcolm Delaney, 6-7 Kyle Cannon and 6-8 Lawrence Nwevo make the Owls a BCL and MIAA A contender.
4. St. Frances
Last season: 26-7, No. 6
The Panthers return size, speed and balance to be a legitimate BCL and MIAA A contender.
5. Douglass
Last season: 20-5, No. 4
The defending Class 3A champs return a strong nucleus, led by Troy Smith and 6-2 juniors Arron Jackson and Antoine Smithson.
6. Walbrook
Last season: 19-5, No. 11
Swing guards Velmar Coleman and Edward Tyson will lead the Warriors in the Baltimore City race and the Class 4A North.
7. Cardinal Gibbons
Last season: 27-7, No. 7
The returning backcourt includes sharpshooter Pat Grace and defensive whiz Clinton Sellers.
8. Archbishop Spalding
Last season: 29-8, No. 2
There are three quality Division I signees in guards Justin Castleberry and Marquis Sullivan and forward Lawrence Dixon.
9. Lake Clifton
Last season: 19-5, No. 10
The Lakers boast an outstanding backcourt of Darshall Grade, Anthony Tucker and sophomore Brandon Brown.
10. Aberdeen
Last season: 18-7, No. 14
Seven-foot Robbie Jackson appears to be ready to lead the Eagles, who have depth and speed to defend their UCBAC title.
11. Southwestern
Last season: 15-8, unranked
Back are high-scoring guard Jamal Barney and 6-6 juniors Wayne Dorsey and Randolph Jackson in the paint.
12. Randallstown
Last season: 20-6, No. 13
The 6-2, 270-pound Melvin Aleaze will be in the post surrounded by talented guards Dominic Venable, Shamar Davis and Mount St. Joseph transfer Marlon Johnson.
13. Woodlawn
Last season: 22-4, No. 5
With 6-7 Landon Bussie and Lewis Lambert Jr. under the basket and Andre Fuller and Chris Harris in the backcourt, the Warriors will be tough.
14. Old Mill
Last season: 18-6, unranked
The Patriots have four returning starters and 6-8 Travis Hyman in the paint.
15. Parkville
Last season: 5-16, unranked
Coach Rod Norris has a talented nucleus, led by guard Kevin Palmer.
