The Jefferson City Lady Jays bring a veteran group in to the basketball season. Kristie Douglas-Wiley, new to the Jefferson City program, is a veteran coach.
The team is hoping all that experience meshes to pay off with a successful season.
"They're learning what I want from them and that's going to take some time," Douglas-Wiley said as the Lady Jays prepare to open the season tonight at Fleming Fieldhouse against the Sullivan Lady Eagles.
"We know we're a work in progress and we're committed to getting better. We're excited about the potential this group has this season."
The Lady Jays return three full-time starters from last year's team that finished 12-15 last season, falling to eventual state champion Rock Bridge in the district semifinals.
"Some of these girls have been battle-tested," Douglas-Wiley said. "They've gone through their lumps and their bruises. I'm trying to help them turn those into a successful season."
The group is led by junior Megan Foster, a two-time all-district selection. Foster (5-10) regularly was in double-digits to lead the Lady Jays in scoring last season
But Douglas-Wiley said the team will need to find other options on the offensive end this season.
"If we only have one option, that is likely going to make it a long night for Megan," Douglas-Wiley said. "We need to have five options to score on the floor."
Nicole Martin (6-1, jr.), who along with defensive specialist Tayler LePage (5-7, jr.) are the other returning starters, figures to be among the top other options.
Two years ago, the Lady Jays ran a high-paced attack on offense. Last year, they shifted to a more slowdown style.
Douglas-Wiley wants them to pick up the pace again.
"We have some athletes and I think we need to let the horses run," she said.
Kaley Ruff would have been a returning starter for Jefferson City. But the rare three-sport athlete - the senior runs cross country in the fall and plays soccer in the spring - Ruff will miss the season after undergoing hip surgery last week.
"That really hurts," Douglas-Wiley said. "She would have been a four-year player who would have done a lot for this team."
Ruff's absence may affect the Lady Jays on the defensive end. Douglas-Wiley likes her teams to play man-to-man, but depth may not allow that to happen. Jefferson City had just nine players dressed out for last Friday night's Jamboree.
"We have the athletes to do it," Douglas-Wiley said. "But you have to make adjustments, especially with our limited numbers right now."
Douglas-Wiley isn't settled on a starting lineup just yet.
"Oh, no," she said with a laugh. "Oh, no."
Destinee Milton (5-10 sr.) and Sidney McMillan (5-10 sr.) rounded out the starters at the Jamboree. Lexy Haug (6-0, soph.), Louisa Nylander (5-8, sr.) and Alexis Roberson (6-1, jr.) all saw extended minutes off the bench.
"We're working on competing and bringing 100 percent every day," Douglas-Wiley said. "Our intensity has to be there every day, we can't afford to come in flat some days, take some days off.
"We have to work hard every day to get better."
The Lady Jays hope to reap the benefits of their hard work starting tonight against the Lady Eagles. Sullivan finished 22-5 last season, falling to St. Francis Borgia in its Class 4 district championship game.
"It's for real, we're ready to get going," Douglas-Wiley said.
The junior varsity game will start at 6 p.m., followed by the varsity contest around 7:30 p.m.