1. Scarborough: Yes, it’s an even-numbered year and the Red Storm never win in even-numbered years, right? But they are the best team in Class A South. They have an abundance of pitching, strong hitters up and down the lineup and a deep, deep bench. Lilly Volk (verbally committed to UMaine), Abbie Murrell and Chloe Griffin will share the pitching. Maggie Murphy and Kaleigh Scoville are returning all-staters. Chloe Gorey and Laura Powell return as starters. Hannah Ricker is back at catcher. This is a power lineup and stellar defensive group.

2. Biddeford: The Tigers lost only one starter from last year’s regional semifinalists and loom as a strong threat. Kirsten Lebreaux (5-1, 1.99 ERA) returns as the No. 1 pitcher. Sophomore Brook Davis may be the best catcher in the state, a powerful hitter (.577, seven home runs) with great defensive skills. Strong infield defense will be bolstered by freshman Grace Martin, who can also pitch.

3. Greely: The Rangers are experienced and deep and determined to wash out the bitter taste of last year’s regional semifinal loss. They return their entire infield – Miranda Eisenhart at first, Lexi Faietta at second, Moira Train at shortstop and Sarah Felkel at third – as well as sophomore pitcher Kelsey Currier, who pitched well last year. Kayley Cimino is a top outfielder. And the Rangers can hit the ball hard.

4. Sanford: Start with the return of Jen Jones, last year’s Gatorade Player of the Year who is a dominant strikeout pitcher, then add center fielder Nicole Main, one of the best leadoff batters in the state with a .517 average, and you have the makings of a good team. The Spartans lost only one starter from last year, but it was a big loss – catcher Emily Begin. If they can replace her, this is a dangerous team again.

5. Yarmouth: The defending Class B state champs should be among the best teams again. Pitcher Mari Cooper (15-1) is back, along with most of the cast that made a great run through the playoffs. The Clippers are aggressive at the plate and in the field, and that gives them an edge. They need to replace their catcher, turning to either sophomore Cate Ralph or freshman Cayte Tillotson. This team could go a long way again.

6. Thornton Academy: The Trojans are going to be able to hit the ball, no question about that. They have a powerful batting order led by Libby Pomerleau, Kaylee Burns, Maizie Lee, Kaya O’Connor and Shelby Ross. They’ll be young (four freshmen on the roster) and need to replace their top pitcher, Bailey Tremblay. Sophomores Louisa Colluci and Journey Barnes and freshman Olivia Howe will be in the rotation.

7. Massabesic: The Mustangs return five starters from last year’s quarterfinalists and look to be strong again. Senior pitcher Sarah Guimond and juniors Sarah Howe (second base) and Kyra Cartwright (catcher) are the lead veterans, joined by freshman Grace Tutt and Lacey Bean. The Mustangs open with four tough games, which will tell a lot about them.

8. York: Softball is still a pitcher’s game and the Wildcats have one of the state’s most dominating strikeout pitchers in senior Stephanie Rundlett, who set down 246 batters in 117 innings last year. She also hit .571, and is heading to Division I Fordham next year. The Wildcats have other solid players in the field and at the plate, led by first baseman Sophie Stephens and second baseman Olivia Coughlin. They’ll be in the mix again.

9. Windham: The Eagles can hit the ball, no question about that. Catcher Sadie Nelson (.392) and first baseman Olivia Mora (.447) combined for nine home runs last year and drive the ball all over the field. Danielle Tardiff returns as the No. 1 pitcher and can be tough to hit. If this team plays well defensively, it can make a run in the playoffs.

10. Mt. Ararat: The Eagles return eight starters from last year’s quarterfinal team and hope to make a longer playoff run. The entire infield returns: catcher Kayleigh Temple, first baseman Kate Guerin, second baseman Sara Lamb, shortstop Katelyn Cox and third baseman Zoe Stilphen. Pitcher Alana Weaver is also back, as is center fielder Belle Benner. This is a pretty good defensive team.