When the Roanoke Valley Christian School girls basketball team takes to the court this season, they will be returning six players off of last year's second place team, as they look to compete for the VACA SW title this year.

Looking to improve on last year's second place finish and 15-4 mark are Sarah Anderson (Jr, 5-6, SG/SF), Lindsey Barton (So, 5-6, F/PF), Brittany Galop (Fr, 5-8, F/SF), Hope Hasenbeck (Jr, 5-11, C/PF), Abby Johnson (Jr, 5-9, F/PF), Elizabeth Jones (Jr, 5-9, PG/SG), Jordan Maddox (Jr, 5-5, SG/SF), Bonnie Powers (So, 5-10, C/PF), Amanda Puckett (Jr, 5-5, SG/PG), Emily Weaver (Jr, 5-5, G/SF) and Brittany Wright (Sr, 5-6, SF/F).

Jones and Puckett, who were the team's leading scorers last year, are back as guards, while Johnson, who was a reserve lasy season, is expected to provide more contributions this season.

"Although we only return two starters, we so return six lettermen from last year's team," said head coach Bert Galop. "That combined with girls moving up from our undefeated JV team, makes us optimistic about the coming season."

When asked about the team's strengths and weaknesses, coach Galop replied, "Our strength is our speed. We return a number of girls that can play up tempo. Our weakness is our size. We are not real big under the boards."

"Half the team returns from last year and half are new, which includes two new girls to the school," stated Galop. "Chemistry is always a big part of team success and while that is developing, it is difficult to predict how successful we will be."

Roanoke Valley Christian, who already have one game under its belt, return to the hardwood on Friday, Dec. 3, when they host Dayspring Christian Academy.