Lack of size is often a problem for high school girls basketball teams.

Not at Seneca Valley.

Three of the Raiders' five projected starters stand at least 5-feet-10, including the team's leading scorer from last year, Ashley Turici.

A junior forward, Turici averaged 8.3 points per game for a squad that finished 5-19.

"She's continuing to grow into the position," said Seneca Valley coach Todd Schoeffel. "It is so tough to score against her because she is so strong and players have a hard time gaining position on a post-up.

"We're definitely looking for her to be a catalyst on offense and defense."

Joining Turici in the front court will be 6-1 sophomore Amanda Johnson, who scored 96 points as a freshman last season.

"Her play has improved tremendously," Schoeffel said. "We are going to be a physical team. I think we'll be able to play defense and rebound well."

Just as important as the frontcourt play, the Raiders' backcourt also returns some play makers.

Junior shooting guard Tina Mangola led Seneca in 3-pointers last year with 26 shots.

"We're hoping Tina can double that number this year," said Schoeffel. "She's got a year of experience under her belt and we're looking for her to be one of our offensive leaders."

Senior Val Johnson was supposed to be a spark plug at point guard last season for the Raiders, but a right knee injury kept her out the entire year.She returns and will be looked upon to be a leader on and off the floor."Having her back will hopefully mean less turnovers for us," said Schoeffel. "She's a true point guard and can handle the pressure that comes with playing the position."Her presence on the floor will settle the other girls down, and we're hoping that will lead to more opportunities on the offensive end."Chelsey Pavlick, a 5-10 junior, will be a third guard, as the Raiders will not play a center.Sophomore guard Kelsey Spencer and senior forward Laura Ness will also figure into the mix for Schoeffel."(Ness) has fantastic basketball sense," he said. "We're looking for her to give us a bucket here and there, a few rebounds and to spell some of the other girls on the defensive end."Other than Ness and Spencer, Seneca's bench remains an unknown."There are a few more girls who could possibly help us out," said Schoeffel. "But they are going to have to step up."Seneca Valley's Section 3-AAAA opponents include Butler, Pine-Richland, North Allegheny, North Hills, New Castle, Shaler and Fox Chapel."After you get past Pine-Richland, Butler and NA, everybody else is pretty even," said Schoeffel. "Our number one goal is to make the playoffs."

2004-05 Girls ScheduleDec. 3-4-at Franklin Tip-Off Tournament; Dec. 6-HAMPTON, 6 p.m.; Dec. 7-at Mars, 6 p.m.; Dec. 9-at Montour, 6 p.m.; Dec. 13-at Shaler, 6 p.m.; Dec. 16-FOX CHAPEL, 6 p.m.; Dec. 18-MT. LEBANON, 2 p.m.; Dec. 20-NORTH HILLS, 6 p.m.; Dec. 23-at North Allegheny, 3:30 p.m.; Dec. 28-29-SENECA VALLEY HOLIDAY TOURNAMENTJan. 3-BUTLER, 6 p.m.; Jan. 6-NEW CASTLE, 6 p.m.; Jan. 10-at Pine-Richland, 6 p.m.; Jan. 13-SHALER, 6 p.m.; Jan. 17-at Fox Chapel, 6 p.m.; Jan. 20-at North Hills, 4:30 p.m.; Jan. 24-NORTH ALLEGGENY, 6 p.m.; Jan. 28-at Butler, 6 p.m,; Jan. 31-at New Castle, 6 p.m.Feb. 3-PINE-RICHLAND, 6 p.m.; Feb. 5-at Hempfield, 12:30 p.m.; Feb. 7-HOPEWELL, 4:30 p.m.