Players to watch
Hannah Balleza : Severna Park, forward, senior
Balleza is looking to follow up on her breakout season. Using her ability to carry the ball at high speed and blow by defenders to get into the circle, Balleza scored 13 goals and contributed 13 assists a year ago.
Liza Blue : Garrison Forest, defense, senior
Using uncommon defensive instincts to anticipate and thwart opposing offenses, Blue, who moved from midfield to center back last season, earned her second first-team All-Metro honor and was named Baltimore County Player of the Year.
Emily Cain : Garrison Forest, goalie, senior
A year ago, Cain steadied an injury-riddled defense by allowing just four goals and producing a 94 percent save rate. She also had 18 shutouts. She should continue to be a strong, calming influence for the Grizzlies.
Caitlin Dempsey : Fallston, forward, senior
The right wing doesn't depend on innate skill - though she has it. One of Fallston's hardest workers, she leads by example - hustling and diving for balls. She makes everyone on her team pick up their level of play.
Brooke Griffin : South River, midfield, senior
The key playmaker in the Seahawks' midfield, Griffin scored 15 goals and was Anne Arundel County Player of the Year and first-team All-Metro last fall. Her speed, skill and determination make her a leader at both ends of the field.
Courtney Haldeman : Hereford, midfield, senior
Haldeman's speed, anticipation and ball control enable her to advance play downfield and create a transition game that can make a short-, mid- or near-field pass pay big dividends in Hereford's attack.
Paige Hanson : Bryn Mawr, forward, senior
The Baltimore City Player of the Year and All-Metro selection is the catalyst for the Mawrtians, who are aiming to improve on last year's 15-4-1 record. With exceptional stick skills and quick moves, she should again figure prominently in the team's scoring.
Kim Markovitz : Atholton, forward, junior
Opposing teams don't underestimate Markovitz twice. She weighs less than 100 pounds, but her skill level is eye-popping. A member of the Under-16 National Futures team, she has superior stickwork, possession skills and quickness.
Cailie Murphy : Garrison Forest, midfield, senior
Murphy, a first-team All-Metro player last season, uses her size, quickness, tenacity and exceptional footwork to annoy the opposition. Once in control of the ball, she makes precise passes to keep the attack moving.
