Although the season starts this week, the Spanish Fork girls' basketball team has already had to overcome losing players to new schools and a drop down to Class 4A. But coach Aubrey Johnson is confident that although her squad may be young, there are good ball players that want to do well on the court.

"My starters are young, but not inexperienced, which will help us in the season," Johnson said. "These girls are versatile players."

The Dons are led by Erin Redd, who just committed to play volleyball for the University of Utah. Redd plays center and Johnson said she was very strong last season and has developed even more during the off season.

At 5-foot-10, point guard Brynlie Nielsen is not only tall but she's also a very strong shooter and excellent at getting rebounds, something the team is working on to increase over the season, Johnson said. Also in the mix this season is junior shooting guard Jen Huntsman. Huntsman is a fighter, Johnson said, and if she goes in for the ball, she is fighting for it until the whistle blows.

"I am lucky to have a group of tall girls, but also very fast," Johnson said. "We're a very up tempo team, which will make it hard to guard us."

Maple Mountain

Maple Mountain has the opportunity this season to show that just because it is are a new school, that doesn't mean it can't do well. But it will be tough.

Most of these girls have played together in junior high and in recreation leagues, and coach Cory Green said that while they don't have a lot of time on the court together as a team yet, he is confident they will be able to pull it together when it counts.

The Golden Eagles are led by sophomore Baylee Nielson, who excels at propelling the ball up and down the court. Green said Nielson has a great vertical leap and is one of the most athletic players on his team. Forward Sadie Williams is another fast player that Green said he will be counting on this season.

Maple Mountain's starters also include Jayci Peay and her twin sister Wesli, both at guard, Kelsey Lewis and guard and Jessica Benson at point guard. Green said that his starters are strong and hungry to test themselves against the more established teams.