Coach: Tammy Gallant (second year)

Last year’s record: 12-7, lost in Western B prelim.

Returning players: Seniors — Brooke Dolloff (5-10 forward), Makenzie Gallant (5-8 forward), Darbi Brown (5-7 guard), Addy Gorham (5-11 center); Juniors — Katie Puiia (5-4 guard), Brena Brown (5-5 guard), Jena Plourde (5-11 center), Nichole Couch (5-5 guard).

Key losses:  Ayla Allen (forward), Chrissy Briggs (guard), Kaitlin Armstrong (guard), Makayla White (guard).

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Kaitlyn Virgin (5-6 forward), Shannon Laubauskas (5-5 guard); Sophomores — Abby Parent (5-6 forward), Adelle Oswald (5-4 guard); Freshmen — Sydney Petrie (5-9 forward), Karen Flaherty (5-4 guard).

Outlook: The Falcons graduated four experienced seniors, including Allen, one of the top players in the MVC. Mountain Valley hopes to make up for the losses with more transition baskets and some solid defense.

Coach’s comment: ” We want to focus on tough defense because it leads to more transition offense. I want the girls to play a north/south game, not an east/west game. We will focus on doing basics well. I want them to shoot the ball and not be afraid to deviate from the play if they have an open look. Our goal is to be in better shape than our opponents. So conditioning within drills will be a big focus in practice.” — Coach Tammy Gallant