Look for quickness and teamwork from Polk County High School’s women’s basketball team this season.

Four starters from last season’s team that went 13-14 overall, and 6-8 in the Western Highlands Conference, graduated this past spring.

Coach Craig Culbreth has some solid returning players, and good performers rising from the JV level.

Key players include sophomore Haley Kropp, up from the JV team. Kropp, a good shooter, was last season’s second leading scorer, averaging 11 points per game, along with 4.3 rebounds.

Also up from the JV team is sophomore Savannah Ross, one player running the offense. Others joining the varsity level are Jessica Bently (sophomore), junior Katelyn Miller, Kennia Simpson (junior) and freshman India Godlock, a “very quick guard.”

Two others are senior Lyric Flood (5 points per game) and Sarah Phipps (junior, 3 points, five rebounds per game).

Culbreth, who’s in his fourth year as Wolverines’ coach, admits the Wolverines face stiff competition.

“We are in one of the toughest conferences around,” said Culbreth. “There are definitely a lot of good girls’ basketball teams in our conference, with Avery and Mountain Heritage being the top teams.”

The team, even in this rebuilding season, should give others a run for their money, Culbreth said. Returning players Janada Carson (senior) and sophomore Ashley Love, will add some experience.

“Both girls improved their games this summer, and I look for good things from them,” Culbreth said.

This season’s squad won’t be the tallest in the mix, but appears to have other attributes.

“We are going to be a very young team, with only two seniors,” said Culbreth. “Our team is mostly made up of sophomores. With the loss of five players, it’s going to be a rebuilding season. But this team really gets along well with each other, and they work hard in practice, so we keep getting better each week.”

We’re going to use our quickness, as we don’t have a lot of height. We’re going to try to play a fast-paced game. So, conditioning is important, and it’s going to be interesting to see how it all comes together.”

Upcoming games include Dec. 3, when the Wolverines host North Henderson; Wednesday, Dec. 4, when Chase visits (varsity only – game-time is 6 p.m.); Friday, Dec. 6, when Landrum visits Columbus; and next Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Landrum.

The regular women’s varsity game-time is 6:30 p.m.