Juniors Lucy Fearday and Anna Faber will also start.

Fearday was also a second team all-conference selection. She averaged a double-double at 14 points and 10 rebounds a game. She opened this season with a 21-point, 10-rebound performance in St. Anthony’s 51-36 win over Dieterich.

“Lucy has played in the post, but her game has evolved,” Rios said. “She can step out and shoot the three now. Plus, she’s a beast on the boards; probably the best rebounder in our league. We’re expecting big things from Lucy.”

Faber is another guard.

“She has shown great improvement offensively,” the coach noted. “She’s expanded her game. She can put it on the floor and get to the basket. She’s also a good defensive player.”

The other starter figures to be sophomore Abbi Hatton, a 6’1” forward that transferred from Neoga.

“We’re excited to have her as part of our program,” Rios admitted. “She is an excellent defensive player that rebounds really well. She’s also a good shooter and a good passer.”

Other contributors will be senior Izzy Hakman; junior Cameron Rios; and sophomores Stacie Vonderheide and Maddie Kibler.

Hackman brings energy off the bench and provides a spark defensively. Rios is the quickest player on the team and can change the momentum of a game. The coach said Vonderheide is probably the best shooter on the squad and is a strong on-the-ball defender. Kibler, at 5’10”, is a physical rebounder and defensive player with a lot of athleticism.

Also on the team are freshmen Addi Nuxoll, who is out with a knee injury right now and expected back sometime in December, Ava Faber, Addison Rios and Kallie Kabbes.

“We should be a strong defensive team with more offensive tools than we’ve had in the past,” Rios said. “We will have good guard play, but with 6’ and 6’1” inside, we should be able to score in the paint as well.

“I also like our leadership,” the coach added. “That’s a big part of what we’re trying to build here. Plus, you just can’t be successful without strong leadership.”

Rios said his team needs to be more competitive when it comes to rebounding.

“With our size, there’s no reason we can’t control the board,” he emphasized. “That’s what I’m expecting.”

When looking at the National Trail Conference teams, Rios has tabbed Neoga, the reigning champion, and Altamont as the early favorites. The Lady Indians feature guard Grace Nelson, considered one of the best point guards in the state.

“There won’t be any easy games in the conference,” Rios said. “I think we’ll be right there to compete as well.”

The Lady Bulldogs will have their home opener tonight (Thursday) against Sandoval. They will then compete next week in the Robinson Thanksgiving Tournament.

“This is the most talent we’ve had,” Rios noted. “I believe the program is moving in the right direction. I know we’ll get good effort every night. It will be up to us to execute the game plan. By the end of the season, I think we’ll have the opportunity to be playing our very best basketball.”