The Purdy girls basketball program is back in business.

Unable to field a team in the 2023-2024 season, a dozen years after back-to-back state championships, Coach Stephanie Heman said eight girls are reviving the storied squad.

“We are still getting to know each other and building trust,” she said. “I am just wanting my girls to be ready to compete in each and every game.”

With a gap year in games, experience for the Lady Eagles is minimal, and leadership hinges on a pair of seniors.

“Zoey Webb played her sophomore year,” Heman said. “She understands the game and is a competitor. She brings a great deal of energy each and every day and leads by example.”

“Gracie Patton hasn’t played for several years, and I am glad she has come out in her senior year. She is quick and plays strong defensively. She continues to have a great attitude and works hard.”

Beyond Webb and Patton, Purdy has four freshmen and two sophomores, with only one player playing at the middle school level last season. With the majority of the squad being new, Heman said there’s no shortage of learning.

“We will continue to build on our knowledge of the game,” she said. “Fundamentally, we are getting better each day.”

While game IQ is growing, Heman said the team’s athletic skills will make things easier.

“I believe our strength is our quickness, and it will make us stronger defensively,” she said.

Purdy has 13 regular-season games (8 at home) and a pair of tournaments on the schedule, and Heman said Galena and Southwest are Conference games the squad has circled — the final two games of the season on Feb. 18 and Feb. 20, 2025.

“I think we have a good balance in our schedule this year,” Heman said. “We are trying to build the program and increase the interest with our female athletes.”