In the 2016-2017 campaign, the New England girls basketball team ended in the middle of the pack with a 5-6 record, but made a name for itself with defense.
This season, the Tigers want to incorporate a stronger and more consistent offensive threat into their game.
"We had all the stuff, the offense, the plays. We really broke it down to the fundamentals: footwork, limiting turnovers, travels," head coach Jordyn Mason said. "We have a really good defensive team. That's going to stay there. Offense, offense, offense is the number one thing on everyone's mind."
The more balanced team will be led by four seniors, Paige Ehlis, Hailee Kuske, Victoria Jalbert and Jordan Kass, all who are expected to lead the team and put in the most minutes. Ehlis, who has played point guard for New England for three years, will likely be the biggest asset for the team.
"She's such a great leader on and off the court. When she's doing well, everyone plays their best."
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Ehlis and the Tigers have plenty of experience in their ranks with Elizabeth Kaufman, the only junior on the team and sophomores Molly Rayhorn, Rachelle Kathrein, Hadley Binstock, ShyAnne Allen and Emily Dinius.
After losing just two seniors in Kassi Lara and Adrienne Roller, Mason is confident sophomores and freshman can fill the rolls.
"Over the past few years we've been growing. A lot of players have experience and confidence now. We have great leaders and team chemistry. Some of these girls have been playing together since fourth grade."
A few newcomers will come to the mix, but the biggest difference from last year's team will be confidence.
"Over the past few years we've been growing," Mason said. "A lot of players have experience and confidence now."
