ESPN RISE

Girls' Swimming - Radnor

Since coach Steve Ludwig took over four years ago, he's noticed a drastic change in team chemistry. "The team has gone from kind of a disjointed group to a team that does everything together," he says. "Our success has come from our unity." That culminated in a runner-up finish at last year's PIAA Class AA state meet as the Raiders finished just behind Oakland Catholic. Despite the loss of two talented senior captains from last year's team, Ludwig is optimistic. "Our capability is even greater than last year," he says. "We have great leaders who want to return and contend again."Senior captains Galen Fisher, Sarah Hirschfeld and Lara Kaiserian will look to push the Raiders to the next level. Fisher was a sprinter at last year's state meet but is very versatile, according to Ludwig. "She's one of the fiercest competitors I've ever met," he says. "In dual meets, she will swim anywhere. She just loves to compete." Hirschfeld joins Fisher in the defending state champion 200 and 400 free relays. "She has a true love for swimming," Ludwig says. "She's always excited, not just for herself but for her teammates as well." Hirschfeld and Kaiserian are both inspirational leaders for the team, as Kaiserian  a fellow relay swimmer  is also one to cheer on and energize her teammates. Look to junior swimmers Alexandra Dardaris, Erin McShea and Holly Walker to help lead the team to big things this season.

Boys' Swimming - W.C. Henderson

With two state champion relay teams and plenty of talented young swimmers returning, the Warriors have a very good chance to improve on their fifth-place finish from last season's PIAA Class AAA state meet. Look for the 200 and 400 free relay teams to continue their title-winning ways, led by sophomore Andrew Kosic, junior David Baldino and senior David McCormack. Baldino is also an excellent 50 free swimmer and could contend individually for a state crown.

Girls' Basketball - Cardinal O'Hara

O'Hara has earned preseason accolades as the No. 11 team in the nation in the ESPN RISE FAB 50 girls'basketball rankings. And the Lions are ready to make a big run into the PIAA tournament. Look for senior Stephanie Holzer, who is the nation's No. 90 recruit in the ESPNU HoopGurlz 100, to lead the way. Fellow ESPN RISE All-Area senior picks Alysha Womack and Alicia Manning will also help to propel the Lions into the postseason with the hopes of a state crown.

Boys' Basketball - Neumann-Goretti

It wasn't long ago that Goretti was blazing a trail to the top of the PIAA, led by some of the state's most talented players. Even in a rebuilding year, such as the 2007-08 season, Goretti managed a solid 14-11 record (and a 14-3 record at home). This season, look for star juniors Tony Chenault, an ESPN RISE All-Area first team selection, and Daniel Stewart, a fourth team pick, to step in and help the Pirates return to prominence. Senior Andre Gillette will add tremendous depth.

BREAK OUT TEAMS

GIRLS' BASKETBALL  BODINE
Junior Chikilra Goodman, an ESPN RISE All-Area pick, can score in bunches.

BOYS' ICE HOCKEY  FATHER JUDGE
Ryan Patch was fifth in scoring in the ICSHL last season and returns as a senior this year.

GIRLS' SWIMMING  PARKLAND
Senior divers Chay Malvasio and Erika Bilenki are among the state's best.

WRESTLING  NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH
At 119 pounds, senior Evan Yenolevich is a state title contender.