Slippery Rock junior guard Morgan Siebka (11), last year's Butler Eagle Girls Basketball Player of the Year, returns to lead the Rockets on the floor under a new coach this season.

Moniteau has everybody back. Mars has no starters back.

Butler, Seneca Valley and Karns City seek a return to respectability, while Union looks to maintain a steady tradition.

It's Butler County area girls basketball, the 2011-12 season getting under way Friday night.

Here is a look at the prospects of area teams:

<B>Coach:</B> Dorothea Epps, ninth year<B>Last Year:</B> 4-17 overallThe Golden Tornado have re-committed to defense — and will need to improve there to overcome a critical preseason injury.Junior point guard Caitlin Baxter, last year's leading scorer at 15 points per game, tore her ACL in mid-November and is lost for the season.“That was tough because Cait works so hard and is the leader of this team,” Epps said. “But the rest of the girls are looking at this as a challenge. It's something we have to overcome.“We gave up 59 points per game last year. That's not Butler defense. These girls have been drilling hard to get our defense back to where it was.”The Tornado have three starters returning in junior forward Mackenzie O'Donnell (8 ppg), senior guard-forward Jasmine Bailey (8 ppg) and junior guard Sam Marak. Other probable starters are senior guard Makenzie Huey and Jennifer Barry.Top players off the bench are freshmen Alyssa DiPippa (guard) and Julia Baxter (forward), junior guard Natalie Barkus and sophomore forward Lauren Bresnahan.“Our strength should be at the defensive end of the floor and in experience,” Epps said. “We'll use a committee of point guards now, with Sam Marak taking the leading role.“Our concern is scoring points. Cait's production is a lot to make up. Overall, we feel like we can get to the playoffs. The girls are anxious to turn this thing around.”

<B>Coach:</B> Rob Lombardo, third year<B>Last Year:</B> 7-15 overallOnly time will tell, but Lombardo's third season as SV's coach just may be the charm.SV went 9-33 over the last two years. Lombardo's optimism heading into this season begins with the height SV will bring to the floor.“In a couple of fall shootouts, I had a lineup on the floor that included (just one girl shorter than 5-foot-10),” Lombardo said. “We never had that kind of height before.”The size begins in the Raiders' backcourt as 5-10 junior Amanda Geiger will be the team's shooting guard.Senior guard/forward Alex Karika (5-10), junior forward Brooke Clifford (5-11) and sophomore center Abby Trzeciak (6-0) will also make rebounding very tough on opponents.Karika averaged 12.1 points and eight rebounds per game as a junior.“(Geiger) is our best overall basketball player and (Karika) is the best overall athlete in the school,” said Lombardo. “Those two girls will play about 30 of 32 minutes per night for us.”Lombardo believes his squad is in good hands with senior point guard Karlei Fronzaglio.“(Geiger) was our point guard last year, but she broke her foot with eight games left,” Lombardo said. “Karlei stepped in and I saw a girl who is a vocal leader and understands the game.“If the floor is unbalanced, she will go get the ball and set up the next play, making sure everyone is where they need to be.“This senior class is determined to make the playoffs,” he added. “That's the next step for us.”

<B>Coach: </B>Sean O'Donnell, second year<B>Last Year:</B> 5-18 overallThe Knights are a little undersized in O'Donnell's estimation, but return five players who were at least part-time starters a year ago.“The big thing is our players will have the same coach for a second year,” O'Donnell said. “That's going to help in the continuity of the program and what we're trying to do.”Curt Vasas coached Knoch's current seniors — Brooke Armahizer, Amber Henzel, Kate Miller and Rachel Neff — when they were freshmen. Rob Greenleaf coached them as sophomores before O'Donnell took over last year.All four seniors will be in the rotation this year. Junior Samantha Logan and sophomore Celina Sanks are the team's top returning scorers at seven points per game.“We had a problem with scoring last year and that solution can't fall on the shoulders of one or two players,” O'Donnell said. “As a team, we need to be more aggressive taking the ball to the hoop.”Molly Freehling, a junior swing player, and 5-foot-10 sophomore forward Savanna Steffen round out the Knights who should see significant varsity playing time.“We've got athletes who are willing to work and run the floor,” O'Donnell said. “They're good kids and that's a plus. Our goal is to improve our section standing over last year.”

<B>Coach: </B>Tony Howard, fifth year<B>Last Year:</B> 14-9 overallHoward sees the potential in his team this season. The challenge for the veteran coach is finding the right mix of production and continuity on the floor.The Planets graduated all five starters from last year's team — guards Alexa Lee, Carly Clark and Lizz Tumminello and forwards Meghan Kelly and Kelsey Pelles.This year's varsity roster includes 10 underclassmen, including three sophomores and seven freshmen.“We're definitely a young team, but there's a lot of talent here,” said Howard. “A lot of the girls are brand new to the system and it's a matter of finding where they fit on the court.”Senior guard/forward Randi Francis has the most varsity experience. Last year, she averaged 2.7 points and three rebounds per night.“She was our best player off the bench last season,” Howard said of Francis. “There will be a lot of responsibility on her shoulders this season.”The Planets' starting five is not yet set, but, along with Francis, there are many players hoping to make an impact.Senior forward Brinsley Maughan-Evanson could be a key contributor in the team's frontcourt, along with sophomores Daniella Paras and Ally Bucklew and freshman Ali Goetz.Junior Teresa Dallatore could end up running the show at point guard, while Alyssa Mathews and Sarah Getsy may also see crucial minutes in the backcourt.“Our lineup could change from game to game,” said Howard.One thing not in question is the style of play Howard wants to see.“We're going to be at our best when we're playing fast,” he said. “Defensively, we want to do a lot of trapping.”

<B>Coach: </B>Christin Miller, first year<B>Last year: </B>10-12 overallThe Rockets' season very well may hinge on how well junior guard Morgan Siebka plays.Pinning hopes on the defending Butler Eagle Girls Player of the Year isn't such a bad thing to do, however.“Morgan makes everyone who is on the court with her better,” Miller said. “It's a completely different style of ballgame whenever Morgan is out there. She's not only a leader verbally, but also when the ball is in her hands.”Siebka has improved markedly on her outside shot. Always a threat to drive to the hoop and score, Siebka may now be just as dangerous spotting up for a 3 or pulling up for a short jumper.That should be a scary thought to Slippery Rock's opposition this season.Siebka averaged 15.7 points last season as a sophomore.This year, her supporting cast may also be improved, Miller said.Sharpshooter Haley Angerett, a 5-foot-9 junior, has improved her skills in going to the hoop.Angerett started out the season strong and ended up averaging 9.2 points per contest last season.Angerett and Siebka have helped each other.“She is the opposite of Morgan; She's the outside shooter trying to become and inside presence,” Miller said. “Her first step has gotten about a half-second faster than last year, which is just about what I need for her to do. It's real nice, because Morgan and Haley are learning from each other.”Slippery Rock received a blow last spring when 5-11 senior forward Bre Northcott suffered another knee injury.Northcott may not be back until January at the earliest.But Miller has some post players to call on in Northcott's absence.Nicole Papley, a 6-0 sophomore, and Emily Cambell, a 5-10 sophomore, have both impressed in practice and figure to play significant minutes.Senior 5-11 forward Ellie Shaw will also see plenty of floor time.Senior Anna Cessar and sophomore Riley McGonigle will start at the guard positions.Despite a new coach and some unknowns. Miller has high expectations.“Last year they were 10-12. Anything better than that will be deemed a successful season,” Miller said. “But I really think we have the ability to go 16-6. I think that's our stretch goal. That's something that's realistic and we should shoot for.”

<B>Coach:</B> Bill Burkart, fifth year<B>Last year:</B> 12-10 overallThe Yellowjackets might be one of the most experienced teams in the WPIAL this year.Getting out of Section 1-AA with a playoff berth, however, might still be a tall order.“We have a very experienced section,” said Burkart, who has guided the team to the postseason two of the past three seasons.“I'd give the early nod to Deer Lakes and Elderton. Any other time of year I'd be excited, but the other teams have a lot back. Ford City lost two seniors and Burrell is up-and-coming,” Burkart added.Still, the Yellowjackets look to hold their own, led by seniors and four-year starters Jessica McFadden (8.7 ppg, 20 3-pointers) and Taylor Schrecengost (6.7 ppg) as well as senior Lynsey Gugino (7.4 ppg, 18 3-pointers), who was the first player off the bench her freshman yearThrow in three-year starter, junior Jess Aulicino (9.4 ppg), as well as Michaela Bowser and Macy Smolic plus seniors Kaitlyn Minyon and Caitlin Chaffman and Freeport will offer a variety of looks to its opponents.“It will all depend on who we play,” Burkart said. “We've been around with experienced players. Now we have to use it. That will be the real key.“The year these seniors didn't make the playoffs (2009-10), it felt like an incomplete year to them,” Burkart added.

<B>Coach:</B> Mark Yeager, 11th year<B>Last Year:</B> 11-11 overallWith everyone back from a season ago, Moniteau hopes it can challenge for some championship hardware.Last year's squad — which was ousted in the District 9 Class AA semifinals — didn't have any seniors, but the Warriors boast three this season.Katie Brehm and Krista Snyder figure to play prominent roles in the post at 6-foot-1 and 6-foot, respectively, while fellow senior Amanda Sloan (12.4 ppg) gives Moniteau a sharpshooter from the outside.The three seniors are expected to fill out most of the starting five, but the rest of the lineup could be in flux throughout the year.Junior Ashley Brehm would be a lock at point guard, but the two-year starter is battling injury.“I'm not sure what we'll get out of her, but hopefully, she gets healthy,” said Yeager. “It's pretty hard to replace a two-year starter.”If she misses time, Emily Rider is expected to step into the starting role. Juniors Heather Porter (5-7) and Nikki Yeckel (5-7) figure to see a lot of minutes and sophomore Fontaine Glenn (5-8) will likely emerge as a contributor.“I expect to get more scoring out of Heather and Nikki will be right there, too. They're dead even right now, which is a good problem to have,” said Yeager. “The younger girls need to step it up.”If the Warriors can stay healthy, Yeager doesn't see a team on the schedule that Moniteau can't challenge.“We would like to be in contention for a KSAC and D-9 title,” he said. “Cranberry is going to be really tough, Keystone is going to be really tough and Union always has a good team.I expect it to be a very competitive league.”

<B>Coach:</B> Dave Kerschbaumer, seventh year<B>Last year:</B> 3-18 overallAfter consecutive 18-loss seasons, enough is enough for the Gremlins, who are hoping to turn the corner and return to better days.“The last couple of years, we've not been up to par,” said Kerschbaumer. “The kids have made a pact after last year, the seniors down to the freshmen, that we're getting back to respectability.”The seniors — Erin McCue (7.1 points per game), Kara Kerschbaumer (4.0 ppg) and Allyson Olkowski — have been instrumental in preparing a freshman group coming up, one that accounts for six of the 13 players on the roster.“The freshmen, surprisingly, have been taken in by the seniors. That's good for team morale,” Kerschbaumer said. “This is their first taste this year and the varsity experience will help them get their feet wet.”The freshmen will be led by Annie Hegedus, Shanel Preston and Emily LoPresti with the others looking for playing time.Throw in junior forward Leah McGuire (4.0 ppg) and sophomore Emily Schumacher into the mix and the Gremlins hope the growing pains will not last long.“Emily's been a pleasant surprise this year and so have the others. The attitude's been great.”It's the seniors, however, that will set the tone for the season, according to Kerschbaumer.“They want to leave here winning,” Kerschbaumer said. “They've heard all these stories about past teams. These three made a pact. They're great leaders, all three of them. They've taken the younger kids under their wing, not just on the court but off it.”

<B>Coach:</B> Dave Sherman, second year<B>Last Year:</B> 6-14 overallSherman likes his team's nucleus this season and he's hoping it can lead the Falcons to an improvement on last year's finish.Senior guard Tricia Kerlin and junior forwards Meredith Snyder and Kelsey Boocks will shoulder much of the responsibility this year.“We will look to those three for the majority of the scoring,” said Sherman. “(Kerlin) is our top 3-point shooter, but for the most part, our offense will start inside and work its way out.”Kerlin made 18 trifectas a season ago and averaged 8.9 points and nearly three rebounds per game.“Our height is a big advantage,” Sherman said, specifically of Snyder and Boocks, who stand 5-foot-10 and 6-0, respectively. “We're not just big, we're also athletic.”Freshman Erin Logue is projected to start at point guard, while Emily Quaill, Racheal Viertel and Danielle Kaufman will all see time in the backcourt.Hanna Hetrick and Sadie Longo will contribute in the frontcourt.“Defensively, I'd love to go man all the time, but that's not realistic,” said Sherman. “We'll throw in some zone. The girls have done a good job of adjusting.”A postseason berth is a realistic goal for this year's Falcons.“We were playing pretty decent at the end of last year (winning three of the last six games),” said Sherman. “We seem to have picked up where we left off and I'm excited to see where we can go.”

<B>Coach:</B> Josh Meeker, 10th year<B>Last Year:</B> 22-5 overallLosing one talented senior can be difficult.Union faces the difficult challenge of replacing three from its District 9 Class A runner-up team from a season ago.Tina Lipps and her 15.4 points per game have departed, along with Mariah Winchester (10.4 ppg) and Ashley MacKinlay (9.5 ppg).Sierra Smith (9.0 ppg) will play a large role in filling the gap. The senior guard is expected to emerge as Union's top offensive threat.“I'd like to see Sierra be my leading scorer. Last year, she was more of a distributor,” said Meeker. “Usually there's a little bit of a transition. That's a tough thing to ask, but she's a senior this year and she's had experience. I think she's capable of doing that.”Returning starter Delani Priester, along with senior forward Daneka Stuart and junior forward Mackenzie Divins will be big factors for Union, as well.Divins is Union's tallest player at 5-foot-10, so the Golden Knights will look to take advantage of their speed and quickness.“We're going to be small, so we're going to have to outrun teams and outhustle teams, said Meeker.Smith, Priester, Stuart and Divins are projected as starters, while sophomores Sydney Varner, Danara Hawk and Kassie McGarrity will vie for the final spot in the lineup.Despite multiple players stepping into new roles, Union expects to be a contender in the KSAC, especially with the experience garnered from last year's run.“We have some holes to fill right now, but some of these girls got a taste of what it was like to be on a championship-caliber team,” said Meeker. “I think they're ready to carry on that torch.”

<B>Coach: </B>T.L. Eller, sixth year<B>Last year: </B>10-13Thanks in large part to a 50-49 win over Slippery Rock late in the season, the Eagles qualified for the District 10 Class AAA playoffs.It was supposed to be a rebuilding year. But off the strength of that season, Grove City wants more.Much more.“By the end, we were much better than we started,” Eller said. “(Making the playoffs) just gave us momentum going out of the season and into the spring and into the summer and gave the girls something to be excited about.”This season, most of the players who made that playoff trip possible are back.Seniors Brogan Foster and Vanessa Sprando return as does sophomore Corianne Hyduchak, who will be counted on to score more this season.Scoring may be the Eagles' weakness this season.“Last year (Hyduchak) scored a lot of points for us very quietly, very efficiently,” Eller said. “This year we're trying to get her to buy into taking more shots.”Defense, though, shouldn't be an issue.“Last year we started playing a little faster and trying to press more,” Eller said. “But against the really good teams, we had trouble scoring on those nights. We're hoping we can get to the point where we can pressure everyone, force turnovers and get some easy points. We are fast. That's definitely our strength.”