Monmouth ranked first in the Mountain Valley Conference last year in scoring offense (52.3 ppg) and third in scoring defense (30.5 ppg). The Mustangs went 18-3 and reached the Class C South semifinals.

Here’s the interesting part: a majority of the nucleus of that team was mostly sophomores. That means that this year’s squad are only juniors (in fact, there isn’t a senior on the team).

So the Mustangs are back (literally) and should be dialed in offensively and defensively.

Point guard Tia Day highlights the returners. She led Monmouth in scoring (10.9 ppg), assists (3.8 per game) and 3-pointers made (1-8 per game) last season.

The Mustangs have the depth to maintain fresh legs while playing an uptempo offense and a full-court pressure defense.

“We’re deep,” coach Scott Wing said. “I can play nine or 10 pretty comfortably.”

The Mustangs were without Hannah Anderson, their second-best offensive threat, and Maddie Amero for most of the preseason, but without them they managed to beat Oceanside and play Brunswick close.

Coach: Scott Wing (seventh year)

Conference: MVC; Class: C South

Last year’s results: 18-3 (lost in Class C South semifinal)

Returning athletes: Juniors — Abbey Allen, Maddie Amero, Hannah Anderson, Tia Day, Emily Grandahl; Sophomores — Abbey Ferland, Julia Johnson.

Key losses: Sidney Wilson, Haley West, Mikayla Cameron, Bri Gonzalez, Maddie Stevens.

Promising newcomers: Juniors — Emma Vierling; Sophomores — Kaeti Butterfield, Destiny Clough, Kayla Brooks; Freshmen — Libby Clement, Audrey Fletcher.

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