• FAVORITE: Federal Way.

• CONTENDERS: Kentwood, Kentridge.

• SLEEPERS: Auburn, Jefferson.

• LEAGUE OUTLOOK: The South Puget Sound League North Division has become arguably the state’s toughest and deepest on the boys basketball court. Last year, league frontrunner Federal Way won the Class 4A title and many believe the Eagles will repeat this season. Kentridge also has been a major factor at the state level the last several years. Last season, led by Shaquielle McKissic and Gary Bell, the Chargers took third at state. In addition, Kentridge was just one of two teams to knock off Federal Way. Surprisingly, Kentwood, despite the presence of big man Josh Smith, failed to make it to state last year. That fact speaks more to the depth and talent of the district tournament than any disparity at Kentwood. The Conquerors missed state by one game, falling to Kentridge at the district tournament. Kentwood was the only team to beat both Federal Way and Kentridge last year. While the league graduated a handful of top-tier players, the bulk of talent that made it so good a year ago remains. Smith, the league’s two-time MVP and UCLA-bound senior, will again dominate the paint. He averaged 24.1 points and 14.5 rebounds per game last year. If the Conquerors can develop an outside game to complement Smith’s inside presence, this is a team that could win a state title. Federal Way will have plenty to say about that and Kentridge can never be overlooked. The Chargers graduated three starters, but Bell is one of the state’s best all-around players and should get the team back to the postseason all by himself. Bell will be aided by forward Dylan Zylstra, one of the most unselfish players around. And, at 6-5 and 225 pounds, Zylstra can bang with most big men in the league. … Auburn graduated its top three scorers — Carlo Lavoie, Isaiah Johnson and Jay Payne — but returns enough talent in Iszia Johnson, Kevin Henderson and Trey Grant to be a factor. … With sharpshooter Ryan Rogers (18.1 points per game last year), Dustin Hegge and Roman Tymchuk back in fold, Auburn Riverside can’t be overlooked. … Kentlake lacks size, but has speed to burn this season and will be considerably guard heavy. The Falcons graduated big man Ryan Budinich (Montana State University), but return three of its top playmakers in Mike Salazar, Eric Smith and Daniel Landram. … Expect Kent-Meridian to be a factor this season for the first time in a while. The Royals return the majority of last year’s team, enjoyed a strong summer and go nine deep. The Royals also return the team’s leading scorer from last year (forward Barento Ahmed, 12 points per game) and standouts Sid Verma, Davonte Hoffman and Jordan Thompson Walker.

• ON THE WEB: If you’re looking for statistics go to the covingtonreporter.com and link to the www.spslb-ball.org. In addition, www.mickwhite.org/kvs is a tremendous site that keeps up with Kent-based teams along with those around the state.

– Erick Walker/Reporter