Coming off a state runner-up season the Mustangs will have a much different look to their lineup but the expectations are still high for the 2022-23 season which tips off on Friday evening as they host the Jocelyn Mancebo Classic.

 

"We are starting the season excited because we are young and improving," said head coach Gina Johnson as the Mustangs will have a new look to this year's team with just three players back from last season's 30-win team.

 

"We don't have any returning starters so everyone is new in a sense of carrying the team in a leadership role. Andraya Perez is one of the most experienced players back," said Johnson as her team lost three all-state players from last season. Perez averaged 6.7 points per game as she saw playing time in all 33 games last year. Kamania Griffin and Keyara McCoy are the other two returners as they return from injuries that limited their freshmen season.

 

"I'd love to see us win it (Big 8 Conference) again and three-peat. We have the ability to do that but it's just a matter of how much we improve. This team is eager to get better and they come in on their off days to put up shots and continue to improve."

 

With depth expected to be a strength of the team this season, they will get to test that early on as they will be without Mary Cotton this weekend as the team is dealing with some injuries to start the season.

 

They will open up their 2022-23 season at home on Friday night at 7:00 pm against Shasta and will play through Sunday as they host the season-opening tournament. All home games during the regular season this year will have free admission.