When it comes to girls basketball in the Cincinnati area, very little has changed since the 1996-97 season.

        For the fifth consecutive year, Mason was voted No.1 in The Cincinnati Enquirer's Division I preseason poll. Mercy, Colerain, Sycamore and Princeton round out the top five.

        Five of the top 10 teams are from the Greater Miami Conference and four are from the Girls Greater Cincinnati League.

        Unlike Division I, the Division II-IV preseason poll is crowded at the top. No.1 McNicholas totaled 121 points and edged Springboro and Hamilton Badin, who tied at No.2, by one point. Wyoming is No.4 and within striking distance at 106 points.

        Although Mason, ranked No.9 in the USA Today Super 25 poll, was a unanimous choice, the Comets may not be as dominant as in past seasons.

        With Michelle Munoz and Jere' Issenmann the only returning starters from last season's state championship team, coach Gerry Lackey must rely on many players without varsity experience.

        “It's hard to say, but we may be very overrated,” Lackey said. “There's so many good teams in Cincinnati and the state and there's not much difference.”

        Munoz, a preseason All America who has signed with Tennessee, averaged 20 points and eight rebounds last season. The University of Illinois-bound Issenmann, who averaged 10 points, four assists and three steals, is the Comets' outside threat.

        “Michelle and Jere' will be the bulk of our offense, especially early on,” Lackey said. “Once the other girls get experience, they will become more comfortable.”

        Junior Nicole Stein has assumed the point guard position, and Rachael Minnich is at the shooting guard spot. Stacy Shull, who was used frequently last season, will start at forward.

        “Staying out of foul trouble and remaining healthy are concerns,” Lackey said. “Defense will be a key. We may not put as many points on the board, but we're going to be a good team.”
        Mercy No.2

        The strength of this season's Bobcat team will be on the inside, with returning starters Angie Heintz, Melissa Clavier and Siobhan Zerilla, along with Kim Stern. Starters Jennifer Winright and Erin Mullen return at the guard positions.

        But the Bobcats have not been able to work together much.

        “We're two to three weeks behind because of the success of the soccer and volleyball teams,” Huismann said.

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