With their leading scorer and rebounder returning, along with a core group of experienced players, the William Byrd girls' basketball team are looking to bring home some hardware this season in the Blue Ridge District.

"The 2009-2010 Lady Terriers are returning a lot of experience from last year," said head coach Fran Recchia. "With this experience comes a group of girls who know how to work hard and realize what it will take to compete for a district championship."

Returning starters for the Terriers this season are Sammi Webster (5-11, Post, senior), Lauren James (5-6, G, senior), Brittany Mattox 5-7, G, senior) and Emily Hanna (5-6, G, senior).

"We return our leading rebounder and scorer form the past two seasons (Webster), as well returning three players (Hanna, Mattox & James) who have spent time at point the past two seasons," stated Recchia.

The coach went on to say this about three players who will make an impact for the Terriers this season. "Webster – Senior post, who signed to play basketball at Concord University next year.  Returning leading rebounder and scorer from the past two seasons. Mattox – Senior guard, a  natural shooter from the outside with the ability to get to the rim and make a play, and top defensive player. Lauren James – Senior point guard,  Ability to get into the lane and make a play.  Very good court vision, makes her teammates better.

Also donning the William Byrd uniform this season are Shaniqua Anderson (5-2, G, junior), Jaclyn Hayden (5-8, F, senior), Haley Overstreet (5-8, F, soph), Ashley Smith (5-7, G, junior), Lindsey Carver (5-10, G, fr), Jodi Overstreet (5-6, G, junior), Jessica Rhodes (6-0, Post, junior) and Kam Hagins (5-10, Post, soph).

"I am very excited for the 2009-2010 season to get started.  I believe that we have a lot of experience and a wealth of knowledge coming back to the team this year, we have a team that understands what it will take to win basketball games," mentioned Recchia  "Our seniors are proving to be great leaders for this team and continue to build on the success that we saw at the end of last season.  They have worked very hard in the off season to make this year one to remember."

According to the coach, experience, post play and physical style of defense are the strengths, while bench depth and outside shooting are a weakness.

The top games for the Terriers this season will be against district foes Lord Botetourt and Staunton River.

"The Blue Ridge District will be a battle this year," added the coach. "We must show up to play every night, win games at home and steal games on the road.  Our challenging “pre district” schedule will help prepare us for the type of defenses, intensity, and offensive sets we will see during district play.  It will be a race to the finish for all five teams."

William Byrd opens its season Wednesday night, as they host Cave Spring in a varsity game only starting at 6 p.m.