"I feel like there are a lot of expectations internally within our program to come back and have the success that we had last season but there is a target on our back," said head coach Gina Johnson.

During the 2019-20 season, the Mustangs went 29-1 and were considered by many as the favorites to capture a state title before the season was shut down during the state playoffs.

"Even though we have a lot of players returning we still have a long ways to go. We aren't the same team as we were in 2020 and our girls are going to find out that every team is coming ready to play," said Johnson.

One of those players back is the team's leading scorer Donja Payne who averaged 14.5 points per game and was named California Co-Player of the Year. Also back is Alicia Jones after averaging 11 points per game as a freshman.

"She's more mature as a young lady," said Johnson about her leading scorer coming into the season. "She's more focused and expects more. She's more of a leader."

While she was the third leading scorer Alicia Jones will see more work this season with the ball in her lands looking to set up the offense while running point more. Other returners include Sarah Ruiz who averaged 8.4 points per game and Trena Rathjen who averaged 7.8 points per game in 2018-19 before missing the 2019-20 season.

Some of the newcomers expected to make an impact include transfers Breeana Grigsby and Loretta Kakala and freshmen Maya Chelini.

Grigsby is expected to bring strong defense with an aggressive mentality while Kakala when healthy is expected to combine with Payne in the paint to make a big impact and things difficult for opponents to try and get anything at the basket.

With some of the top teams in the state coming to Stockton this weekend the Mustangs will open up the Jocelyn Mancebo Classic on Friday night against Feather River at 7 pm.