Schafer lost two key components from last year’s squad in Meredith Schaefer and Sawyer Althoff. Schaefer averaged nearly 14 points a game and was both all-conference and honorable mention all-state. Althoff was a second team all-conference pick and described as “the heart and soul of the team,” by her coach.

Reserves Krista Phillips and Coralin Ohnesorge were also lost to graduation.

The Lady Hearts will return three senior starters – Ella Niebrugge, Madison Mapes and Marissa Allie – along with three sophomores – Bria Beals, Sidney Donaldson and Sage Althoff – who saw considerable varsity action a year ago.

“We have some experience, talent and a lot of quickness,” Schafer explained. “And we have the potential to have good chemistry again this year. But will that come about or not? That’s the question.”

The coach says this year’s squad plays hard and is unselfish.

“Those were things I really liked about last year’s team and this year’s group is a carbon copy,” Schafer said. “I love the intensity this group plays with. We’ve got good senior leadership and our young kids have a ton of upside.

“Consistency is probably the key,” the coach added. “If we had been a little more consistent, we probably would have won the regional last year. But you can’t shoot 17 percent and expect to win big games like that.

“Offensively, I think we’re a little more talented this year. And this group has a very high basketball IQ.”

The projected starters include Mapes, Niebrugge and Allie, along with Beals and Donaldson.

For Niebrugge, it will be her third year as a starting guard.

“She’s like having an extra coach on the floor,” Schafer admitted. “Not many people out-work Ella. She’s one of our leaders. She can score and is a really good defender.”

Mapes will return as the starting point guard.

“She gets us into our sets and is a tough match-up for teams,” the coach pointed out. “She really came on the latter part of last season and has improved her three-point shot. She has looked very good in practice. I’m looking for a big year from her.”

Allie will return to play as an inside post player.

“She’s the glue to our post defense,” Schafer said. “She does whatever I need her to do. She just wants to be on the floor.”

Beals, who will be the third guard, is the team’s best three-point shooter.

“That’s her role. She’s our zone buster,” Schafer noted. “She can also take the ball to the basket or pull up and shoot the mid-range jumper. She’s been doing everything well so far.”

Schafer describes Donaldson as a “lightning bolt.”

“She could reel off 6, 8, 10 points quickly,” he said. “And she can score in a lot of different ways. We just need her to be more consistent. If she does that, she can be a very good player.”

Althoff is like a sixth starter.

“The only reason she’s not starting is because of her versatility,” Schafer explained. “She can play all five spots. Sage is dynamic and explosive. She can play inside or run the point and she’s an incredible defender. It’s been a while since I’ve had a kid that quick that moves her feet so well. Her versatility gives us so much range of stuff we can do.”

Averie Wolfe, just a freshman, also figures to see playing time at any of the guard positions.

“She’s learning everything very quickly,” Schafer said. “She already has good floor vision, is smart and can handle the ball under pressure.”

Also on the varsity are seniors Taylor Greene, Riley Cunningham, Abby Cunningham and Lily Wise; and junior Olivia Moser.

The Lady Hearts will play three games this week in the tournament at Newton. They will face Flora at 6 p.m. Wednesday and then Altamont at 1:30 p.m. Friday.

“One of the keys for us is how well and how quickly we come together,” Schafer noted. “Can we take steps forward and continue to improve? I believe we can. Like I said, this team has untapped potential.”