A scrappy group of seniors led Lisbon to the Class B South preliminary round in 2016-17. They set the tone, but on the court were mixed in with several players who return this season.

“(We) return a strong core with some experience,” seventh-year coach Julie Petrie said.

Giana Russo had a standout freshman season at point guard, averaging 9.4 points (second on the team), 4.6 assist (third in the Mountain Valley Conference) and 4.4 steals (best in the MVC).

Russo will likely be looked at to play and even more prominent role this winter, but the same can be said for junior Morgan Fenderson and juniors Mallory Fairbanks, Valerie Doucette and Carly Drischler and sophomores Kiley Merritt, Charlee Cox and Siara Martin.

Defense will again probably be an important part of the Greyhounds’ plans after they ranked fourth in the MVC by allowing only 36.7 points per game.

The Greyhounds will rely on their speed by amping up their tempo.

“They will look to improve with each game with the playoff goal in mind,” Petrie said.

Coach: Julie Petrie (seventh year)

Conference: Mountain Valley; Class: B South

Last year’s results: 9-10 (lost in preliminary round)

Returning athletes: Senior — Morgan Fenderson; Juniors — Mallory Fairbanks, Valerie Doucette, Carly Drischler; Sophomores — Giana Russo, Kiley Merritt, Charlee Cox, Siara Martin.

Key losses: Kaylin Le, Jasmin Le, Kipri Steele, Bree Daigle, Ali Sult.

Promising newcomers: Savannah Fisher, Anna Willey, Kirsten Dunn, Sydney Plourde, Destiney Deschaines.

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