The old adage, "passing the torch," couldn't be more appropriate for the 2013-14 Schuylkill League girls' basketball season.
Two of the three teams that won their divisions in the league last year lost the majority of their starters, including District 11 Class A and PIAA Class A champion Tri-Valley.
Pine Grove, Tri-Valley and Marian, last season's champions of Divisions I, II and III, respectively, only return a combined six starters among them.
This would certainly be no time to doubt the ability of the Cardinals, Bulldogs and Fillies to rebound from graduation losses, but even their respective coaches must agree that the 2013-14 season is wide open, and fresh for the taking for any program that wishes to win their division, and perhaps, much, much more.
Meanwhile, additional favorites emerge to challenge the defending champions. Whether or not they'll take away the torch remains to be seen.
Division I
Last year's Schuylkill League and Division I champion Pine Grove brings back only one starter.
But if there was ever just one starter to return, coach Chris George is glad it's senior Becky Evans. The 1,000-point scorer who was a first-team All-State selection last season, is surrounded by a much younger team than was seen a year ago.
"Our motto is 'defend 'til the end,' " George said. "Even though we lost four out of five starters, we feel as though the league title is within our grasp."
The Cardinals don't believe their youth will be a weakness.
"They play the right way and do the little things, which is why we've had so much success," George said. "We defend, share the ball and stick together. We probably won't go 13-1 in the league this year, or win 16 games in a row, but we just want to focus on getting better at the right time."
A lot of the coaches in Division I are putting their teams on high alert to North Schuylkill, which has emerged as a preseason favorite to take the division.
The reason why is simple: Where other powerhouses lost a lot of talent, the Spartans bring back three big returnees in Nadya Spotts, Carly Gregas and Tiffany Lapotsky.
"We have one of the more experienced teams in the league this year," coach John Rizzo said. "Nadya Spotts is a three-year starting guard and Carly Gregas and Tiffany Lapotsky were our two leading scorers last year.
"I have several veteran players who feel this is the
year to take the program to the next level and put a banner on the wall."
One team that will stand between North Schuylkill and a league-leading 14th title is Blue Mountain.
After a below-.500 season last year, the Eagles are in a good position to make a push toward the top.
Blue Mountain brings back seven letterwinners, including seniors Caitria Bowen, Corinne Foster, Joelle Moyer, Olivia Shpakovsky and Cassandra Woleshock.
Coach Ruth Weidman has been working with her squad on improving the basics - turnovers, scoring, foul shooting - and could have the Eagles challenging the top tier of the league.
"I believe that this group of athletes is ready to test their skills against the very best of competition that is seen every game within the Division I schedule," Weidman said. "We have several athletes that have improved their skills since last season and are very eager to see how far this team can take itself."
Most coaches also noted they couldn't discount Pottsville.
The Crimson Tide is coming off a 12-11 season that resulted in a District 11 Class AAAA playoff berth, and coach Rich Wojciechowsky believes his team's offseason accomplishments could lead to more winning, despite having just one returning starter in sophomore Sadie Cresswell.
"We have a very young team, but with super chemistry," Wojciechowsky said. "We're looking to benefit from players' strong work ethic and commitment to improvement during the offseason that included open gyms, team camp, summer league and tournaments."
Panther Valley has the only new coach in the division, Brad Hurley.
Despite qualifying for the District 11 Class AA playoffs last season, the Panthers finished just 3-9 in Division I.
Some aggressive basketball, particularly at home, could help PV get in contention for the division.
"We want to create an up-tempo, fast-paced style on the offensive end, and, on the defensive end, we want to make the opposition feel as uncomfortable as possible," Hurley said. "When people come into our gym, we want them to know that they're going to have to fight hard for every loose ball, rebound and bucket."
Hurley expects senior point guard Madison Blasko, junior guard Macy Markovich and sophomore guard-forward Jamie Mikovich to be the impact players for the Panthers in his first season.
Tamaqua, which finished third in last year's Division I standings, suffered similar graduation losses to the league's champions. Gone are the team's two leading scorers in Christine Streisel and Maria Streisel.
The Blue Raiders have just one starter, Paige Demetriades, back from last year's team.
"We're certainly in a big rebuild," coach Joe Berezwick said. "Ninety-five percent of our offense is gone from graduation. We're a young team. We've got to grow up pretty quick. If we don't, we're going to be in for a long season."
Tamaqua will also get some experienced help from returning letterwinners Vanessa Solt and Jaclin Valasek.
Jim Thorpe will get a fresh slate to correct some problems from last year's 1-21 finish, including both the emergence of some talented freshmen and the return of every starter from last year.
Seniors Danielle Becker, Alyssa Rubarsky, Cat Condly, Nikki Ennis and Brittany Doughty return for the Olympians, who hope to get a boost from sophomore Rebecca Cressman and freshman Alexys Naranjo, who will both see significant time in the backcourt.
"This team added a few pieces in Naranjo and (freshman Kaitlyn) Ohl, who will both play varsity instantly," coach Rob Kovac said. "Add in the returning cast and we suddenly have a team with some depth. Hopefully from this depth, a few scorers and leaders emerge.
"We feel this is year two in what we thought would be a two-year rebuild process. Our goal is to get better, continue to lay a solid foundation for the future and hopefully become a competitive basketball team as the season progresses."
Blue Mountain
Head coach: Ruth Weidman (8th season)
Last year: 8-14, 4-8 D-I
Returnees: Caitria Bowen (sr., F), Corinne Foster (sr., F), Joelle Moyer (sr., G), Olivia Shpakovsky (sr., G), Cassandra Woleshock (sr., G), Erin Ebling (soph., G-F), Abigail Fanelli (soph., G)
Newcomers: Madeline Connors (jr., G), Emily Smith (jr., G-F), Emily Steinhilber (jr., G-F), Angelica Kaledas (soph., G), Abigail Kramer (soph., G), Julia Kutz (fr., F), Jillian Moyer (fr., G), Mallory Sanders (fr., F)
Outlook: The Eagles are looking to rebound and reach the postseason after a below-.500 season last year, and have the returning letterwinners to do just that. Areas needing improvement are turnovers, scoring and foul shooting.
Jim Thorpe
Head coach: Rob Kovac (7th season)
Last year: 1-21, 0-12 D-I
Returnees: Danielle Becker (sr., C), Alyssa Rusbarsky (sr., F), Cat Condly (sr., G), Nikki Ennis (sr., G), Brittany Doughty (sr., G), Gabbi Binder (jr., F), Rebecca Cressman (soph., G)
Newcomers: Alexys Naranjo (fr., G), Kaitlyn Ohl (fr., F)
Outlook: Kovac believes that his team needs to take better care of the basketball and become more efficient on the offensive end to be successful. The emergence of young guards in the program could help the Olympians do just that.
North Schuylkill
Head coach: John Rizzo (3rd season)
Last year: 20-5, 10-2 D-I. Division I wild card, District 11 Class AAA semifinalist
Returnees: Nadya Spotts (sr., G), Lauren Damiter (sr., G), Justine Paul (sr., F), Vanessa Zimmerman (sr., F), Carly Gregas (jr., C), Nina Marone (jr., F), Chase Stokes (jr., F), Tiffany Lapotsky (soph., G), Waverly Snyder (soph., G)
Newcomers: Leanne Long (jr., G), Jess Yeneskie (jr., G), Anya Spotts (soph., F), Kelly Damiter (soph., F), Rachel Bell (soph., F)
Outlook: North Schuylkill returns six players who have starting experience, including the team's two leading scorers from last year. With several veteran players coming back, Rizzo believes this is the year to take the program to the next level.
Panther Valley
Head coach: Brad Hurley (1st season)
Last year: 11-12, 3-9 D-I. District 11 Class AA qualifier
Returnees: Madison Blasko (sr., G), Jessica Jacobs (sr., G), Sam Jones (sr., F), Macy Markovich (jr., G), Taylor Vance (jr., F-C), Amy Corby (jr., G-F), Megan Marouchoc (jr., G), Kailee Smith (jr., F), Jamie Mikovich (soph., G-F), Brianna Picht (soph., G-F)
Newcomers: Chloe Markovich (fr., G), Johnna Weaver (fr., G-F)
Outlook: A fast-paced offense and stingy defense being deployed by first year coach Hurley could be what Panther Valley needs to get back to the district playoffs and out of the Division I basement.
Pine Grove
Head coach: Chris George (4th season)
Last year: 24-5, 11-1 D-I. Division I champion, Schuylkill League champion, District 11 Class AA runner-up, PIAA Class AA quarterfinalist
Returnees: Becky Evans (sr., G), Brittanie Whitman (jr., C), Morgan Edge (soph., F), Carlee Conrad (soph., G)
Newcomers: Brianna Felty (jr., G), Hayley Wolff (jr., F), Breanna Mabry (soph., C), Faith Shiffer (fr., G), Jen Kaufman (fr., G)
Outlook: The Cardinals only bring back one starter from last year's team, 1,000-point scorer Evans. Though a young team surrounds her, defending and continuity could be Pine Grove's best allies.
Pottsville
Head coach: Rick Wojciechowsky (3rd season)
Last year: 12-11, 5-7 D-I. District 11 Class AAAA qualifier
Returnees: Julie Bulino (sr., G), Lindsey Moser (sr., F), Meghan Cleary (jr., G), Olivia Connors (jr., C), Nikki Eckley (jr., G), Jodecie Hook (jr., F), Ashley Purnell (jr., F), Macie Roos (jr., G), Hanna Burnhauser (soph., G), Sadie Cresswell (soph., G), Alyssa Kondrack (soph., F), Madelyn Tarconish (soph., G), Cierra Zelanko (soph., F)
Newcomers: Kayla Drasdis (fr., G), Marguerite Ortiz (fr., G), Kyra Schenk (fr., F), Madison Sherakas (fr., G), Sierra Watkins (fr., G)
Outlook: Coming off a winning season and district playoff berth, the Tide sport a young team this season. But, according to Wojciechowsky, a strong work ethic during the offseason has the Tide's chemistry soaring. Looking to improve on last season's accomplishments.
Tamaqua
Head coach: Joe Berezwick (17th season)
Last year: 17-7, 9-3 D-I. District 11 Class AA semifinalist
Returnees: Jaclin Valasek (sr., F), Bailey Hartung (jr., G), Brianna Wittig (jr., G), Emily Pratka (jr., ), Paige Demetriades (jr., G), Vanessa Solt (jr., F), Allison Pedersen (soph, F), Abby Machay (soph., G), Kaelyn Boran (soph., G), Madison Davis (soph., F), Samantha Shamonsky (soph., F), Alexis Baddick (soph., F)
Newcomers: Holly Paceley (soph., F), Alexa Hromyak (fr., F), Isabella Ligenza (fr., F), Kayla Holland (fr., F), Stefenee Mickey (fr., G), Mackenzie McVicker (fr., C)
Outlook: A young team, Raiders bring back only one starter and two additional letterwinners from last season's third-place finish in Division I. Growth needs to occur quickly if the Blue Raiders don't want to get behind out of the gate.
Division II
Being the defending District 11 and PIAA Class A champion obviously comes with a big target.
For Tri-Valley, which only brings back one starter from last season's run to Hershey, that target may be even larger.
Reigning Republican-Herald Coach of the Year Bob Felty said the two weaknesses his Bulldogs have this season are inexperience and lack of height.
But the strengths that typically coincide with those weaknesses are speed and depth, which Felty admits his team has both this season.
Senior Kylie Spickler is the lone returnee among last year's starting five, but she'll get a big hand from another returnee who came off last season's bench in senior Brittany Smeltz.
Some 15 miles to the east of Hegins is Minersville, where the Battlin' Miners are prepared to unseat the Dawgs at the top of the division.
Coach Jared Homa's squad returns three starters in 1,000-point scorer Reighly Melochick, Alyse Ryan and Leah Leshko, and will be bolstered by the return of Hannah Rinaldo, who missed last season due to injury.
Add Rachel Sterner and Meg Schwalm and 10 new freshmen, and the Miners could be one of the deeper teams not only in Division II, but the entire Schuylkill League.
"We have a good group of incoming freshmen that should push for minutes," Homa said. "Hopefully, we can compete for the division and go deep into districts."
Williams Valley is in a similar situation, bringing back all but one starter from last year's team that qualified for the district playoffs for the first time in six years.
In all, the Vikings return seven letterwinners, including at least four with starting experience in Hannah Nestor, Rayanne Hawk, Cassidy Pinchorski and Kate Whelski.
"We have a really positive outlook on the season with making districts last year," coach Christina Thompson said.
Lourdes, too, lost little to graduation. However, two of last year's three seniors were starters.
Senior Rachel Schultz is within reach of 1,000 career points, especially if she puts up a total similar to her 421 last season.
A potential key addition to the 2013-14 Red Raiders is freshman Carmella Bickel, who averaged 17.8 points as an eighth-grader.
"We have three starters returning and we are looking for who will be our leaders," coach Mike Klembara said. "The team has a great blend of personalities, showing some poise and character during the summer open gyms and preseason.
"It is the feeling of the staff that we must stress defense, reducing turnovers. And returning players must step up their game, particularly Bailey Trell and Katie Funk."
Schuylkill Haven brings back just four upperclassmen - seniors Theresa Hillbish and Julia Speciale and juniors Emma Schweigert and Cheyanne Reichert - from last season's 2-11 league performance.
However, the Hurricanes sport large sophomore and freshmen classes, a combined 12 players, on this season's roster.
"We are looking forward to a core group with a lot of athleticism," coach Nick Reichert said. "Our biggest challenge will be seeing how quickly our freshmen and sophomores can mesh and be able to apply defensive pressure all over the floor."
Lourdes
Head coach: Mike Klembara (30th season)
Last year: 22-6, 9-4 D-II. District 4 Class A champion, PIAA Class A quarterfinalist
Returnees: Rachel Schultz (sr.), Gabbi Long (sr.), Angelique Pennypacker (sr.), Alexa Wheary (sr.), Bailey Trell (jr.), Caitlyn Funk (jr.), Jessica DeLong (jr.), Samantha Smith (jr.), Krissy Komara (soph.), Maya Khanna (soph.), Kendall Krebs (soph.), Corine Matusack (soph.)
Newcomers: Carmella Bickel (fr.), Keley Connor (fr.), Chrese Kulik (fr.)
Outlook: The Red Raiders will sport a couple of big scoring threats, and should be in solid position offensively. But two big focuses will include improving defense and reducing turnovers to keep production to a maximum.
Minersville
Head coach: Jared Homa (4th season)
Last year: 18-6, 11-2 D-II. District 11 Class AA semifinalist
Returnees: Leah Leshko (sr., F), Reighly Melochick (sr., G), Hannah Rinaldo (sr., G), Alyse Ryan (sr., G), Brianna Smulley (jr., G), Meg Schwalm (soph., G), Rachel Sterner (soph., G)
Newcomers: Maura Bentz (fr., G), Mallory Ebert (fr., G), Adrienne Kroznuskie (fr., G-F), Reiley Lonergan (fr., F), Kriston Lowe (fr., F), Emily Mealey (fr., C), Maddyson Melochick (fr., F), Alli Polinsky (fr., F), Sarah Nawrocki (fr., G-F), Abby Schoffstall (fr., G)
Outlook: With three returning starters and more than a few experienced players either off the bench or returning from injury, the Battlin' Miners believe they have a good chance to compete for the division title. And they'll have a large group of freshmen to supplement their returning talent.
Schuylkill Haven
Head coach: Nick Reichert (3rd season)
Last year: 7-15, 2-11 D-II
Returnees: Theresa Hillbish (sr., F), Julia Speciale (sr., G), Emma Schweigert (jr., G), Cheyanne Reichert (jr., G), Darian Stripe (soph., G), Corrine Zimmerman (soph.), Rebecca Werez (soph., F), Brittany Hillbish (soph., G), Tatum Lutz (soph., G)
Newcomers: Sarah Donati (fr., G), Sarah Personette (fr., G), Lexy Canfield (fr.), Calista Carl (fr., F), Cierra Reichert (fr., G), Nikki Schnoke (fr., G), Alyssa Gerber (fr., F)
Outlook: With a small number of upperclassmen coming back, a lot of attention will be paid to the large sophomore and freshmen classes, and how quickly they can mesh.
Tri-Valley
Head coach: Bob Felty Jr. (11th season)
Last year: 28-3, 13-0 D-II. Division II champion, Schuylkill League runner-up, District 11 Class A champion, PIAA Class A champion
Returnees: Brittany Smeltz (sr., G), Kylie Spickler (sr., G), Katie Dietrich (jr., G)
Newcomers: Brianna Wiscount (sr., F), Jade Troutman (sr., G), Katie Dietrich (jr., G), Taylor Header (jr., G-F), Taryn Wilson (jr., G-F), Maddie Scheib (jr., F), Kelly Romberger (soph., F), Paige Doyle (soph., G), Wendy Header (fr., G)
Outlook: Having just one returning starter, Spickler, returning from last year's state championship team, a lack of experience and lack of height will be weaknesses. But a deep bench and quick players can make up for both.
Williams Valley
Head coach: Christina Thompson (4th season)
Last year: 13-10, 5-8 D-II
Returnees: Cassidy Pinchorski (sr., G), Olivia Ancheff (jr., C), Maura Kreiser (jr., F), Haley Nestor (jr., F-C), Hannah Nestor (jr., G), Emily Wessner (jr., F), Alyssa Reho (jr., F-C), Jenna Daniel (soph., F-C), Rayanne Hawk (soph., G), Cassidy Schorr (soph., G), Kate Whelski (soph., G)
Newcomers: Autumn Rautzahn-Calnon (fr., G), Caitlyn Pinchorski (fr., G), Haylee Sweigert (fr., F)
Outlook: The Vikings can turn last year's district playoff appearance into a postseason streak with nearly all of their starters returning this season. With some Division II teams rebuilding, Williams Valley could challenge for the top spot come the end of the season.
Division III
Unlike Pine Grove and Tri-Valley, defending Division III champion Marian has a veteran group returning.
The Fillies have four returning starters in Gabby Green, Lindsay Nemeth, Emily Sofranko and Savanna Krusinsky, and also picked up two key transfers in junior forward Abbey Whildin from Panther Valley and sophomore guard Vanessa Whitecavage from Minersville.
Whildin was the 2011-12 Republican-Herald Rookie of the Year.
"We're basically a small team, so we're going to try to up-tempo the game as best we can," coach Paul Brutto said. "We have four starters returning and we have some newcomers between freshmen and transfers that we hope can give us some depth and some playing time. We feel we have the numbers to be able to play at a higher tempo."
Most coaches selected Marian as the division favorites again this season, but Brutto noted the difficult road of the Division III schedule makes stops at Shenandoah Valley and rival Nativity.
"Nativity is always a threat to win the division," Brutto said. "We've been rivals forever. They have a very nice starting five, but in terms of depth, they're trying to build some of that. I think we have a little advantage in terms of depth."
Shenandoah Valley nipped at Marian's heels in the Division III standings last season, and will have the resources to be near the top of the table once again this year.
The Blue Devils have a pair of returning letterwinners in juniors Abigail Snitzer and Kristina Nieddu around which to build, but will need to develop a supplemental cast to continue last season's successes.
"Both (Snitzer and Nieddu) have been key contributors since their freshman year and both have worked hard in the offseason to take their game to the next level," Devils' coach Chris Conroy said.
Shenandoah should be able to get production from sophomore center Marcella Creasy in the paint and senior forward Erin Buchanan to run the floor.
"After that, we'll be very inexperienced," Conroy said. "If we can get some consistent contributors behind Snitzer and Nieddu, we have a chance to be alright."
Nativity not only has four starters returning from last year's season, it also will get a defensive boost from a familiar face.
Emily Field was the Green Wave's leading rebounder her sophomore year. After not playing a season ago, she'll be back in the paint.
And the defensive boost will be welcomed after the Golden Girls struggled in that facet of the game last season.
"I was satisfied last year how we did offensively. We were in the top third of the league," coach George Forney said. "I thought defensively, we really had one of the poorest years we've had in a while. If we're going to beat the better teams this year, we're going to have to improve tremendously on defense."
The Golden Girls will be seeing many of what Forney believes are the better teams in the Schuylkill League.
"Marian is the team to beat," he said. "They were good to start with, then with the good transfers they got, they have to be the favorite for sure.
"North Schuylkill, Marian and Minersville are the three best teams in the league I think, and we have to play Marian and Minersville twice."
The other two teams in Division III will have new coaches this season.
R.J. Gilgore takes over at Mahanoy Area, which has three returning letterwinners in Shana Leshko, Erin Davidson and Macey Brown.
After going 1-12 in league play, Gilgore is looking to change how his team plays the game.
"Adding the quickness and speed of our point guard Laura Bisco and our aggressive style of forwards Maddie Lawrence and Kiera Van Horn, we are looking to create havoc on the court with our scrappy style of play," Gilgore said.
For Weatherly's first-year coach, Will Frantz, the task of turning the program around will be a different one.
Frantz has coached AAU basketball for nearly 40 years, but this will be the first time he tries his hand at coaching within the Schuylkill League.
"I'm not fully familiar with the league, or even my own team yet," Frantz said. "I can tell you, however, that we are an extremely positive and close-knit group with a tremendous attitude and limitless enthusiasm."
Without much size, numbers or returners, Frantz's attentions are turned to forming a new identity for Weatherly basketball.
And he'll have senior Dominique Adamczyk and juniors Jessica Polchin and Kelly Parker with which to do just that.
Mahanoy Area
Head coach: R.J. Gilgore (1st season)
Last year: 6-15, 1-12 D-III
Returnees: Shana Leshko (sr., G), Macey Brown (sr., G), Ruby Rodgers (sr., F), Maddison Lawrence (jr., F), Katie Babinsky (jr., G), Courtney Levy (jr., G), Erin Davidson (jr., G-F), Kelsey Conroy (soph., F), Laura Bisco (soph., G), Kiera Van Horn (soph., F), Jennie Neifert (soph., F)
Newcomers: Jayda Byrne (fr., G), Corrine Scalamonti (fr., F), Zoe Strouphauer (fr., G-F)
Outlook: The Bears will have three returning letterwinners in what first-year coach Gilgore says will be a rebuilding season. But the combination of quick guards and aggressive forwards doesn't mean Mahanoy can't put the District 11 playoffs out of reach.
Marian
Head coach: Paul Brutto (23rd season)
Last year: 16-9, 9-4 D-III. Division III champion, District 11 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Emily Fannick (sr., F), Gabby Green (sr., G), Ericha Holman (sr., C), Lindsay Nemeth (sr., G), Paige Nilsson (sr., F), Emily Sofranko (sr., G), Monica Baranko (jr., F), Ashley Fannick (jr., F), Savanna Krusinsky (soph., F), Kaylee Mahon (soph., G)
Newcomers: Abbey Whildin (jr., F, transfer from Panther Valley), Vanessa Whitecavage (soph. G, transfer from Minersville), Brenna Karnish (fr., F), Brianna Raabe (fr., C), Madison Stoyer (fr., F)
Outlook: Returning four starters from last year's divisional championship team has the Fillies as favorites again. Some key transfers and incoming freshmen give Marian the ability to push the tempo with great depth.
Nativity
Head coach: George Forney (9th season)
Last year: 11-12, 6-7 D-III. District 11 Class A qualifier
Returnees: Erin Luckenbill (sr., F), Olivia Andrefski (sr., G), Keegan White (jr., G), Rachel Souchak (soph., G), Allison Warren (soph., G), Ashley Strausser (soph., G)
Newcomers: Emily Field (sr., F, skipped junior season), Maria Grosser (jr., F), Lindsay Lord (soph., F), Bailey Shockley (soph., F), Jordyn Simons (soph., F), Desiree Riegel (fr., G), Maddi Ulsh (fr., G), Amanda Farr (fr., G)
Outlook: The Wave picked up a big addition in the paint in Field, back after not playing her junior year. Add in the high number of returning starters, and Nativity will be a contender again in top-heavy Division III.
Shenandoah Valley
Head coach: Chris Conroy (7th season)
Last year: 14-10, 8-5 D-III. District 11 Class A semifinalist
Returnees: Erin Buchanan (sr., F), Jill Dove (sr., G), Melissa Jones (sr., G), Kristin Florio (sr., F), Abigail Snitzer (jr., G-F), Kristina Nieddu (jr., G), Marcella Creasy (soph., C), Alaina Demalis (soph., G), Julia Najera (soph., F), Sara Hixson (soph, G)
Newcomers: Carly Teaschenko (fr., G), Molly Michalik (fr., G), Olivia Gallo (fr., G), Maryann Morrisey (fr., G), Skye Parker (fr., G), Amanda Lindenmuth (fr., F), Kayla Moncrief (fr., F), Danielle Ye (fr., F)
Outlook: Lost four seniors from last year's district semifinal run. Those four seniors accounted for 24 points and 18.2 rebounds per game. But the Blue Devils bring back two key contributors, Snitzer and Neiddu, to take over the team.
Weatherly
Head coach: Will Frantz (1st season)
Last year: 7-15, 1-12 D-III
Returnees: Dominique Adamczyk (sr, F), Cheyanne Wallish (sr., F), Courtney Lovett (sr., C), Kelly Parker (jr., G), Jessica Polchin (jr., G), Sammy Hartz (jr., C), Tea Heister (jr., G), Catherine Strizak (jr., G), Shelby Berger (soph., G), Lexi Hartz (soph., G), Jackie Gillott (soph., F) Ally Isom (soph., G)
Newcomers: Meg McClintock (soph., G), Tina Caravella (fr., G), Sami Despirito (fr., G), Morgan Gower (fr., F), Gabby Obert (fr., F), Molly Isom (fr., G), Katie Miller (fr., F), Jacki Henry (fr., G), Naloni Lowman (fr., G)
Outlook: A swarming defense and fast transition game could be just the thing to get the Wreckers more wins in the division this season.
Berks League
Put the Hamburg Hawks in any other division of the Berks League and they might be the most experienced squad.
In Section II, however, they have to compete with some of the area's best and deepest teams, like Berks Catholic and Conrad Weiser.
"Our division is very competitive," coach Mike Garman said. "Four of the six teams qualified for the 20 spots in districts last year. Every night's a battle."
Lucky for Garman, he'll have a host of seniors with whom he can go into battle, including Hannah Schoenly, Nikki James, Sydney Lesher, Kassidy Lesher and Courtney Graham who are coming back from Hamburg's 14-9 season last year.
Hamburg
Head coach: Mike Garman (5th season)
Last year: 14-9, 5-5 Section II
Returnees: Hannah Schoenly (sr., F), Nikki James (sr., G), Sydney Lesher (sr., F), Kassidy Lesher (sr., F), Courtney Graham (sr., F), Victoria Kissinger (jr., G), Eliza Kurtz (jr., G-F), Olivia Essig (soph., G), Esmeralda Klahr (soph., G), Isabelle Caruso (soph., G-F), Alex Strausser (soph., G)
Newcomers: Darlene Ruiz (jr., G-F), Paige Lesher (soph., F), Alicia Pursell (soph., G-F), Sierra Wannamaker (fr., G), Erica Lutz (fr., F)
Outlook: Bringing back a host of starting seniors, some of which have played since they were sophomores, the Hawks will rely on experience early while the young bench gets a chance to grow in the tough Berks League Division II.
Tri-Valley League
Upper Dauphin knew when to get hot last season, qualifying for the PIAA Class A playoffs after reaching the semifinals of the District 3 Class A Tournament despite entering the postseason with a losing record.
Three returning senior guards - McKenzie Miller, Taylor Brown and Whitney Rudisill - could be instrumental in getting Trojans back to last year's success at season's end.
"One goal is always simply to work to become the team we are capable of being on a consistent basis," coach Rich Hoffman said. "Beyond that, we always want to, at very least, be a factor in our league. Repeating last year's accomplishments is something for us to shoot for, as well."
Upper Dauphin
Head coach: Rich Hoffman (3rd season)
Last year: 11-16, 8-7 TVL. District 3 fourth-place finisher, PIAA Class A qualifier
Returnees: McKenzie Miller (sr., G), Taylor Brown (jr., G), Whitni Rudisill (sr., G)
Newcomers: Shelyce Lowe (sr., G), Laura Sweger (so., C), Hollen Bellis (soph., G), Kelsey Hoffman (soph. G), Cameron Koppenhaver (soph., F-C)
Outlook: Having three guards that played a lot of varsity the last two seasons will be a big strength, making for a much quicker team. Looking to have a more consistent season than the first two under Hoffman.