Only one starter — and one team — returns from the top of the Northeastern Athletic Conference. Defending champion Keith (21-6, 8-0) will not field a team after graduating three star seniors last year and seeing many of the underclassmen deciding to play club volleyball, according to athletic director Rob Nunez.

Runner-up Rockford Christian (19-6, 6-2) brings back just one starter.

But that starter is a 6-foot-5 sophomore, and the Royals surround Emily Nylen with three multisport athletes. Tri-captain Holly Williams (5-8 Jr.) was a star on the Royals’ sectional championship volleyball team, while Bryn and Haley Kittle excel a season-opening win against Polo.

“We’re going to build on the momentum that has been created. Our expectations are still real high,” McIlroy said.

Rockford Christian has zero seniors. Williams, Bryn Kittle, Jaime Street and Ally Johnson lead the junior class and freshmen Sydnie Smith and Haley Kittle are expected to play immediately.

“We’re going to be known as a team that owns the rebounds and leads the league in steals,” McIlroy said.

Here’s a look at other area girls basketball teams that don’t play in the NIC-10, Big Northern or NUIC conferences:

Christian Life (12-14) should be a strong contender for the NAC title along with Rockford Christian. The Eagles were 4-4 in the conference last year. They are led by 5-6 senior Lydia Box, who was fifth in the area in scoring last year with a 17.6 average. She also averaged 8.2 rebounds.

Rochelle (18-11) starts with four-year starting point guard Katie Schwartz (5-10 Sr.). Shanna Metzger gives the Hubs another 5-10 returning senior starter.

The additions are even taller. Cassidy Ziech (6-2 Jr.) and Michelle Dobbs (6-0 Soph.) give the Hubs two six-footers among their top eight players.

“We have a good mix of post and perimeter talent and we also have seven experienced seniors,” coach Kay Dobbs said.

The Hubs are the preseason pick to finish third behind DeKalb and Morris in the new Northern Illinois Big 12.

Dixon (7-21) returns all five starters, including two with good size in Holly Nicklaus (5-11 Sr.) and Catie Cox (5-11 Jr.). Also returning are Brittlyn Dillow (5-3 Sr.), Susie Hicks (5-7 Sr.) and Liz Greenwalt (5-5 Jr.).

Sophomores Emily Rains and Kacie Dillow will also see playing time and freshman guard Brooke Bailey was Dixon’s second-leading scorer in its season opener. The Duchesses may struggle early, with two of their three 5-11 girls nursing injuries and no one else taller than 5-7.

“We are a very scrappy team that likes to pressure the other team,” first-year coach Brett Nicklaus said.

Rock Falls (12-17) is ready to move up after taking its lumps with three freshmen starters a year ago. Paige Last (5-7 Sr.), Jordan Giddings (6-1 Soph.), Addesyn Nailor (5-4 Soph.) and Morgan Mammosser (5-7 Soph.) give the Rockets four returning starters. Lauren Haas (5-10 Jr.) teams with Giddings to give Rock Falls good size.

“We will get up and down the court,” coach Craig Mammosser said. “We have a lot of people who can score.”

Sycamore (15-13) returns starters Jessica Pluhm (6-0 Sr.), Ashley Berlinski (5-6 Sr.) and Lake Kwaza (5-5 Jr.).

“In the past, we have not always made open shots,” coach Ryan Picolotti said. “Our execution and ball-handling should be pretty good. “The key for us is just a matter of us making those open shots.”

Sterling Newman (20-7) returns its top three scorers in Sarah Cesarek (5-3 Sr.), Kayla Moore (5-7 Sr.) and Brianna Richardson (5-10 Sr.). All three averaged between 11 and 14 points as juniors.

“We should be strong again,” coach Jay Howell said. “The key for us is being able to push the ball.”

Hiawatha (5-20) is led by 6-2 junior Randi Maynard and also has a three-year starter in 5-3 senior Michele Novelli, but the Hawks need to learn to hang on to the ball. They had 38 turnovers in a regional loss to Durand last year.

-- Matt Trowbridge, rrstar.com