BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

The Wheaton girls basketball team kicks off its season on Saturday, hoping an increase in participation will facilitate a growth in the win tally this season.

Last year, the Lady Bulldogs finished at 7-20, and this year, Coach Jessica Dermott hopes to progress forward.

“We will have numbers this year, considering last year was a struggle,” she said. “All of them are similar and work well together, and the bench play will be important. We will be young, so by the end of the season, hopefully compared to the beginning of it, I want to see a lot of growth.”

Returning for Wheaton are only a few players, sophomores Jayci Park and Raylyn Buckhannan, and junior Bailee Gorman.

“We are very young this year, so we will be learning and growing in all aspects of the team. Jayci and Raylyn came in and did well as just freshman last season. Bailee always plays hard in every area on the court.”

With young talent last season, the trend will continue, as the Lady Bulldogs have six freshmen.

“All of them have a positive impact on bringing something to the team,” Dermott said. “I’m excited to see what they do.”

Being so young, Dermott said it will be key early on for the team to form an identity and build chemistry.

“Learning from each other and working together in tough situations will be essential,” she said. “Working hard no matter what, playing with heart and defensive play will [also] be important.”

As the season fast approaches, Dermott said she’s excited to wee what the Lady Bulldogs can do.

“I’m really excited for this group this season and ready to watch them grow and bring the energy and hard-working effort to the basketball court.”

Wheaton opens play on Saturday in the Verona Tip-Off Classic, and the home opener is set for Dec. 4 against Northeast Vernon County.