After a several year hiatus, the North Cross girl’s basketball program will be restarting this season under first year head coach Sharon Yopp.

"We are rebuilding the varsity program back up after a few years without one," said Yopp.

Hitting the hardwood for the Lady Raiders this season will be Victoria Langhorn (Sr, C), Lynsey Barker (Jr, PG), Gussie Revercomb (Jr, F), Jiwon Danielle Jung (Jr, F), Ann Ickers (Soph, C), Sydney Stephens (Soph, F), Urmila Bharathan (Soph, G/F), Asia Stephens (Fr, G/F) and Sarah Maurer (8th grade, G).

Barker, Langhorn, Asia Stephens, Revercomb and Maurer are the probable starters when North Cross starts its season on Dec. 1.

Yopp sees Barker, Langhorn, Asia Stephens and Revercomb as being her top players who will make an impact this season.

"We have strong guards who can control the tempo of the game. Our post play is aggressive and will only get better. We may lack confidence as the season starts, but that will only improve as the season continues," added Yopp.

North Cross sees its top games as those with Roanoke Catholic on Dec. 7 and Feb. 3, 2012.

"I am excited about the new vision and direction that the program is taking," said Yopp. "The girls on this team are very hard workers with tons of talent. All of the coaches and players are giving 100 percent at each practice and are determined to make this year a success."

The Raiders open their season on Thursday, Dec. 1 when they host Timberlake Christian School.