ESPN RISE

Softball - McDonough

Over the past three years, McDonough has racked up 51 wins utilizing a simple formula: a star pitcher, a tight core of players abetting the ace and a series of quirky superstitions. The combination nearly produced a state title last spring, but the Rams (18-6) fell to Easton in the Class 2A finals. This year, they hope to build on that run and send the vets off with a state crown. "Getting to the state finals was awesome," says coach Julie Snavely. "It was the defining moment of our season."The Rams will ride the arm of senior Melanie Mitchell, who didn't allow a run in the postseason until the finals. The Virginia recruit averaged 16 K's an outing and hit over .500 at the dish. Supporting Mitchell will be a cluster of players who have seen action since their freshman year. Senior 2B Stacey Tiscione returns after overcoming a knee injury playing soccer, while classmates Jasmine Hairston and Janice Spearbeck have both been key contributors on the diamond. Oh, and then, there's the superstitions. Before home games, players must stand in a designated spot around a tree near the outfield for a pregame speech from Snavely. For road games, the girls make sure to sit in the same seat on the bus throughout the season. And no matter the weather, you can find Snavely near the dugout donning her trademark grey sweatshirt. "We are very superstitious," she says. "I'm sure we will keep up the same (superstitions} this year." And you can bet the wins will follow.

Boys' Lacrosse - Georgetown Prep

The Hoyas entered the spring on a high note after winning the Interstate Athletic Conference's regular season crown last year. The team is loaded with all kinds of star power and several of the top recruits in the country. Prep features the No. 4 player on Inside Lacrosse's preseason Top 50 seniors list in midfielder Pat Cotter. Brian Casey, the team's top playmaker at attack, recorded 39 goals a year ago. Billy Gribbin and goalie John Kemp round out the top returners for the Little Hoyas.

Girls' Track - Largo

Last year, the Lions finished third in Class 3A, just 11 points behind state champ Westlake. Largo returns a talented contingent of tournament-tested runners in juniors Ashley Lindsey and Nicole Middleton and seniors Shamia Barnes, Jasmine Walker and Shaunte Boney. Walker and Lindsey helped the 4x800 team place second at state, while Boney won the high jump crown with a leap of 5-2 and finished fourth in the state in the 100 hurdles.

Baseball - LaPlata

You think the Warriors were ready for the start of the 2008 season? LaPlata kicked off the year with 14 straight wins before ending the season as the top team in Class 3A. Led by veteran coach Dan DeVitis, who will enter his 29th season at the helm, the Warriors will look to defend their title with Seth Donnelly leading the way. The senior slugger clocked a two-run bomb in last year's state finals to lead LaPlata to an 8-2 win over Patapsco.

BREAK OUT TEAMS

GIRLS' TENNIS  PIKESVILLE Lolita Kachay was second at regionals and advanced to state as a junior in 2008. BOYS' TRACK  JAMES RIVER The Rapids, who return senior Davon Ross, took fifth in Class A last year. SOFTBALL  ARCHBISHOP SPALDING Seniors Elaine Nescio and Jennifer Rindone return for the Cavaliers. BOYS' TENNIS  ATHOLTON The Raiders should be strong again this year with junior John Healey in the mix.