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Pingree Girls Basketball Preview

Last year's record: 14-11

Coach: Steve Carey (first season as interim coach. Sofia Sidmore is out on maternity leave)

Key returnees: Caitlin Doherty, Jr. PG; Jackie Lee, Sr. G; Liv Whitney, Jr. G/F; Lilly Carey, Sr. C; Sam Taylor, Sr. G.

Key departures: Joanna McDonough, Marissa Cerretani.

Strengths: Guard play and depth. Like so many other teams in the area, Pingree strengths is in its backcourt. The Highlanders also have some young talent that will contribute to their depth this season.

Concerns: Inside play and ability to play defense with extended pressure. Doherty is a true leader and a real talent on both ends of the floor. She will be counted on to help the offense run smoothly without a great inside presence, and lead the defense as it applies pressure on the opposition's guards.

Coach's outlook: "We expect to compete for the Eastern Independent League. We know it's something we have to earn, and we'd like to get into the New England tournament. It's going to require that we do well with our outside schedule, but we have a rich tradition of that."