ESPN RISE

Girls' Soccer - McKinney Boyd

Thanks to many athletic, speedy and determined players, the Broncos ran circles around their competition last season en route to a Class 4A state title and the No. 3 position in the NSCAA/adidas national rankings. That athleticism was never more evident than in the team's seven-match run through the playoffs when Boyd outscored its opponents 33-3. "It's hard to believe, but we're going to be even more athletic this year,"coach Jimmie Lankford says. "We're going to be able to put pressure on people from all angles." That extra boost should come in handy as the Broncos move to Class 5A and into the same district as powers Allen, Plano East and Plano West. With 62 goals and 50 assists over the past two seasons, midfielder Emily Reid is the team's playmaker. The junior Oklahoma commit is joined in the central midfield by senior Lindsay South, a strong player who seems to win every 50- 50 ball. Sophomore forward Kelley Monogue is back after notching 32 goals last year. She will get a boost from senior forward Jordan Sickman and newcomer Caity Heap, a freshman whom Lankford expects to play a large role. Another freshman, Amanda Elertson, will see playing time at one outside midfield position, while sophomore Lauren Katada will hold down the other outside midfield spot. A pair of dynamic players lead the defense in senior Hailey Shelpuk and sophomore Meghan Streight. With the addition of a pair of skilled freshmen and so many returning stars, watch for Boyd to contend at the 5A level right away.

Football - Allen

Allen fans were feeling déjà vu when star quarterback Matt Brown suffered a season-ending injury in the team's second-round playoff game. During the 2006 playoffs, the Eagles lost their starting QB to an injury and a promising season quickly soured. This time, Allen didn't miss a beat. Junior backup Tucker Carter led the Eagles to four wins, including a regional finals upset of Euless Trinity. Seniors Jeremy Reeves, Steven Terrell and Nate Bonsu were key contributors for Allen, which finished No. 2 in the ESPN RISE FAB 50.

Girls' Swimming - Plano

Few Texas teams in any sport have been as consistently successful as the Wildcats since the turn of the century. Plano has won nine consecutive regional crowns and hopes to close its decade of dominance with a 10th straight in '09. State glory has eluded the Wildcats throughout their run, but they have managed a trio of top-three finishes in that time. Senior Kelsey Konicke and sophomores Deanna Marks, Shirley Wang and Marissa Konicke lead this year's squad.

Boys' Cross Country - Argyle

The Eagles valiantly defended their Class 3A state crown, cruising to a second consecutive title in the fall. Senior Stephen Curry, an ESPN RISE All-Area first team pick earlier this year, stormed to the individual championship in 15:49. Sophomore Jake Roberts was integral in the victory with a fifth-place finish in 16:15. Following Curry and Roberts across the line were junior Thomas Dagg (16:51) in 25th, junior Connor Hughey (16:58) in 29th and sophomore Austin Lyles (17:10) in 37th.

BREAK OUT TEAMS

BOYS' SOCCER  ARLINGTON
Senior twins Rogelio and Jose Funes are a high-octane offensive duo for the Colts.

GIRLS' BASKETBALL  NAAMAN FOREST
ESPN RISE All-Area picks Jasmine Godbolt and Krystal Johnson have the Rangers on the rise.

FOOTBALL  PROSPER
Unheralded to start the year, QB Hunter Nix and LB Drew Morris led the Eagles to a Class 3A state title.

GIRLS' SOCCER  BIRDVILLE
Reigning District 5-4A MVP Shelby Hartweck is one of five All-District picks returning for the Hawks.