Returning for another season is junior Laken Dawson.

Valley High School lost All-State player Winer Higgins from last season to graduation, but Head Coach Tommy Shannon believes his three returning starters will pick up the pieces and give fans something to cheer about.

Higgins and junior returnee Laken Dawson gave the Lumberjills a nice double look last season that will be hard to replace, however, the Lady Jacks look to have plenty of support for Dawson, a 5-7 guard who can nail the three-pointer or take it to the basket.

“We will be counting heavily on Laken, she is an excellent athlete and the state long jump champion this past spring, she can play inside and out, “said coach Shannon.

The other two starters include Michaela Miller, a 5-5 guard and Alexis Highley, a 5-7 G/F. Both players will add scoring and defense depth for coach Shannon. Miller is a good defensive player and excellent rebounder. Highley is a scorer, plays excellent defense, and cleans up around the boards.

“We have a 10 man squad with no seniors, and I feel good about what we have back in our three junior starters from last season, “said Shannon. “We’ve also got four really good freshmen joining the program who I think will provide immediate relief. Our two sophomores Kynnedi Dallison 5-5, and Aubree Mason 6-2 have seen plenty of playing time and will be heavily counted on. Dallison can score and plays nice defense, Mason with her size will be used underneath and hopefully add another scorer for the team.”

Freshmen Elynn Derby 5-2, Carly Pittman 5-2, Kendra Highley 5-2, and Hailey Barnes 5-2 round out the team.

“We are in the gym everyday in preparation for the season opener against Madonna. The girls are excited to get started and are looking to make this a memorable season. I believe we will be competitive and match up pretty well with most everyone we play, “said coach Shannon.

“We have good size with two girls 6-1, but our strength will come from our guards. They are excellent ball handlers and as a team we will play tight defense. Our hope is to cause turnovers and get points off transition.”

The Lumberjills travel to Paden City Friday night for a matchup with the Wildcats.