Last season the girls’ varsity basketball team had another successful campaign, winning the Mountain League with a record of 20-2.

Unfortunately the team made an early exit from the playoffs, losing to seventh seeded Marion Center 43-36.

Individually one of the season’s highlights was junior Kasey Engle reaching the 1,000 career point milestone against the Bellefonte Red Raiders.

While the Lady Eagles lost a few starters and key players including Amber Gill, Finnley Christine, Madison Noll and Marissa Sprankle, seniors Kasey Engle and Alexis Cannistraci will return in leadership roles for the 2016-2017 campaign, which opens on December 2 at Cambria Heights.

“I want to do whatever it takes to be the leader of the team and get us as far as possible,” said Engle. “My biggest challenge will be to keep my emotions in check.

Cannistraci hopes to continue her good defense and have an expanded offensive role this year.

“[I’ve set] a personal goal to average 15+ points a game and double digit rebounds,” said Cannistraci.

The team was more dedicated in the off-season in hope that the extra time will pay off.

“We worked out so much more this year than past years. I can see an overall increase of strength within our team,” said Cannistraci.

“[My goal is to] play my role on our team the best that I can, become a leader and help our team in every way I can,” said returning starter Emily Lehman.

“Everyone is getting stronger this year so we have a lot of tough competition within the team,” said sophomore Brooke Welsh, “I hope to start varsity or get a lot of playing time and help the team out the best I can.”

The Eagle Eye asked Head Coach Luke Rhoades about their upcoming season. Here’s what he had to say:

Eagle Eye: What some expectations for this season?

Luke Rhoades: “Each year we have high expectations. We want to get better each day and compete for the league championship, make the playoffs, and compete for a district title.”

EE: Whst is your biggest challenge this season?

LR: “We have a very tough and demanding schedule.”

EE: Who will be your toughest opponents?

LR: “Three-fourths of our opponents will be expected to beat us.”

EE: Who will need to step up this season?

LR: “We have 14 solid girls. I am expecting all of them to give us solid minutes.”

EE: What will be the main focus for the newcomers?

LR: “Learn the system and do the little things right and practice hard everyday.”