Suffolk girls: It's anyone's game in 'AA'

With no upper-echelon Division I player for the first time in a few seasons, the Suffolk Class AA girls basketball race is wide open. Northport is always a perennial contender, but hasn't won a championship since 2006 and the Tigers just are one of the favorites.

Northport returns four starters led by senior Stephanie Leon, a 6-4 center who will play at Delaware. Senior guard Megan Marinelli is the Tigers' best defensive player and guards the opposition's top player. Senior guard Kellie Cortina is an excellent shooter, sophomore forward Allie Clarke is a good complement to Leon inside and senior Chrystal Pope will move to point guard. Northport has depth.

Whitman is a team equipped to win it all with three returning starters, including senior forward Alexandra Leftridge, who can score inside or outside, sophomore guard Kelly Bilodeau and senior forward Erica Scott. Sophomores Essence Casey and Rachel Perea will also play key roles. Whitman is athletic and gets up and down the floor well. It has six players that could play the two, three, or four positions, which shows its versatility.

Sachem East is the defending state Class AA champion, but has a different look. Kelsey Ferguson and Emily Hansen are out for the season because of torn ACLs and junior Meagan Doherty has a sore left knee that is expected to keep her out until the beginning of league play. The Flaming Arrows are young relying on sophomore guard Emily Carmel, a transfer from Stony Brook, freshman forward Kathleen Everson, freshman guard Katie Doherty, and senior Victoria Hassett.

North Babylon lost in the county championship last season and will have a young, but talented squad. Freshman point guard Charise Wilson is playing for the third year on varsity and is extremely quick and a good shooter. Freshman guard Tamara Simpson is an excellent defensive player and eighth-grade guard Brianna Jones is one of the most talented players on the Island. The leadership of seniors Mary Chisholm and Casey Fillipone will be key. The Bulldogs are a very quick team with excellent shooters.

Lindenhurst made the playoffs for the first time in 18 years last season. Players to watch are juniors Colleen Ames, Stephanie Ingenito, Shannon Crehan, Sammy Martinez, and sophomore Val Oyakilome. Lindenhurst shoots well and plays physical.

Riverhead is very athletic with speed, led by a dynamic backcourt of junior Jalyn Brown and sophomore Shaniece Allen.

Senior Chelsea Williams is one to watch for Copiague as is senior Monique Walker for Floyd.Harborfields will attempt to win its third Suffolk Class A championship in four years. The defending champion returns four starters. Sophomore Bridgit Ryan, a 5-10 sophomore, is an excellent shooter and a tough matchup. Senior point guard Lynn Zhong led the team in scoring last season, junior guard Lexi O'Connor should become a scoring threat, and junior forward Kasey Stolba is a good rebounder.

Glenn returns all starters with linchpin Allison McKenna leading the way. The 6-1 junior forward averaged 18 points and 13 rebounds last season. Senior point guard Danielle Evers, sophomore guard Emma Klis, freshman guard Mackenzie Sivilli and senior forward Monica Eugene round out the starting unit.

Kings Park lost in the finals last season and could return. Senior point guard Meghan Eckel, senior guard Marion Kawecki, sophomore forward Brittany Mueller, and junior forward Danielle Buoncore form the nucleus for a team that will be aggressive and fast-paced.

Class B

Center Moriches looks to win its second consecutive Class B championship. Four starters return, including senior forward Amber Davis, junior forward Kelsey Glanzman, sophomore guard Takia Plummer, and senior guard Emma Whittle.

Senior guards Lineker St. Hilaire, DeJanae Mike, and Jalicia Robinson anchor a Wyandanch team that is in contention every season.

Southampton is a dark horse with a young team that has experience with sophomore guard Paris Hodges, sophomore forward Kesi Goree, and sophomores guards Carley Guida and Cassidy Guida. Babylon will be in the mix behind the tandem of Emerald Vickers and Mackenzie Vickers.

Senior forward Katherine Wilcenski and senior guard Jackie Berkoski lead Mattituck.Class C

Stony Brook has won five consecutive Class C titles and will rely on senior forward Brannon Burke and senior guard Jessica Winston. Pierson/Bridgehampton returns all starters, including senior forward Sami James and senior guard Sarah Barrett.

Class D

Ross and Shelter Island are the only Class D teams.