Marian Catholic leads group of eight teams that finished with 20-win records last season, including Homewood-Flossmoor, Lincoln-Way Central and Lincoln-Way East.

Top 10 Teams

1. Marian Catholic (28-7)

One might think that as senior guard Madison Davis goes, so go the Spartans, but look closer. She’ll get plenty of help from three returning starters in juniors Taylor Bolton, Gracie Jensen and Alainna Poisson. Also keep eye on Ty Jackson, an excellent defender who averaged 14 minutes as a freshman.

2. Homewood-Flossmoor (21-8)

Young Vikings will be led by senior point guard Jaeda Murphy, who averaged 11 points, four steals and 3.4 assists last season, and pair of sophomore standouts in guards Jenesis Moore and Aunyai Deere. The most intriguing newcomer will be Ihuoma Ozoh, a 6-foot-2 sophomore post player.

3. Lincoln-Way Central (24-10)

Knights, who won second straight Southwest Suburban Red title last season, will be paced by senior guard Gracen Gehrke, who averaged 8.9 points and 3.5 rebounds. Backcourt boost comes from senior guard Gianna Amadio (St. Xavier), who added 4.8 points and 3.5 rebounds.

4. Lincoln-Way East (21-11)

Griffins are senior-heavy team, with all five starters returning. Group is led by 6-6 forward Hayven Smith (Illinois) and Lana Kerley, who established program’s 3-point record last season. Another key will be senior point guard Makayla Kelly (St. Xavier), who set program’s assist record.

5. Mother McAuley (21-13)

Second-year coach Curtis Lewis said success will depend on how Mighty Macs jell. Senior forward Morgan Feil (McKendree) and senior guard Grace Gambotz (Saginaw Valley State) were all-conference last season. Senior guards Maeve Egan (St. Xavier) and Mary Gruber (St. Ambrose) are in the mix.

6. Providence (24-11)

Celtics want to improve collectively at each position instead of trying to replace graduated Annalise Pietrzyk, who averaged 19 points. Senior guard Gabi Bednar (Joliet St. Francis), who averaged 10.7 points, and junior point guard Molly Knight, who averaged 8.5 points and 3.1 assists, lead way.

7. T.F. South (27-5)

Senior guard Cherish Boothe is back from torn ACL and will be big addition for Red Wolves, who also can count on senior guard Rayvan Rush and senior guards/forwards Jaiden Thompson and Gigi Dillon. The X-factor could be G’Yah Capers, a sophomore transfer from Ames, Iowa.

8. Lincoln-Way West (24-10)

Underclassmen will be crucial for Warriors. Junior forward Caroline Smith, who averaged eight points and seven rebounds, will get support from sophomore guard Molly Finn. Keep tabs on pair of freshmen guards in Kenzie Roesner and Reagan McCracken.

9. Sandburg (18-11)

Senior forward Juliana Paddock, who tore ACL in January, is back and so are her 14 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Noor Ali will be bigger scoring threat, while Abby Janociak is junior post getting lots of looks from NCAA Division III schools.

10. St. Laurence (17-16)

Senior point guard Clare Allison (Edgewood) is the leader for Vikings under first-year coach Claire Austin, and she’s not afraid to shoot. If she misses, senior center Ariana Vaitkeviciute will be there to gather rebounds. Another key post will be junior Reaghan Galvin.

25 Players to Watch

Clare Allison, St. Laurence, senior, guard.

Elizabeth Badke, Marist, senior, forward.

Veronica Bafia, Lockport, senior, forward.

Gabi Bednar, Providence, senior, guard.

Keira Clancy, Oak Forest, senior, forward.

Iyanah Crosby, Richards, senior, guard.

Madison Davis, Marian Catholic, senior, guard.

Aunyai Deere, Homewood-Flossmoor, sophomore, guard.

Grace Gambotz, Mother McAuley, senior, guard.

Gracen Gehrke, Lincoln-Way Central, senior, guard.

Maeve Hassett, Oak Lawn, senior, guard.

Da’Jha Johnson, Hillcrest, sophomore, guard.

Kayla Johnson, Thornwood, senior, guard.

Lana Kerley, Lincoln-Way East, senior, guard.

Molly Knight, Providence, junior, guard.

Isabel Lopez, Reavis, senior, guard.

Jaeda Murphy, Homewood-Flossmoor, senior, guard.

Juliana Paddock, Sandburg, senior, guard.

Kamryn Porter, De La Salle, senior, guard.

Lexi Reyna, Lemont, junior, guard.

Rayvan Rush, T.F. South, senior, guard.

Ameli Sanchez, Stagg, senior, guard.

Caroline Smith, Lincoln-Way West, junior, forward.

Hayven Smith, Lincoln-Way East, senior, forward.

Mikayla Summey, Andrew, senior, center.