Graduating five players last May, including three players 5′ 10″ or taller, is among the challenges the Washington Demon girls’ basketball team is facing this winter. The Demons finished last season with a record of 10-11 overall under first-year head coach Jordan Bentley. That senior class, made up of Amber Salow, Morgan Kimball, Addie Pacha, McKayla Miller and Brynna DeLong accounted for 68 percent of Washington’s offensive production, scoring 660 of the team’s 965 points.

Returning players Sarah Nacos, Taylor Dicks, Morgan Brinning, and Brooke Stout are guests on KCII’s Winter Sports Preview show and they discussed overcoming their height deficiencies. None of the four returning upperclassmen measure above 5′ 10″. In order to repeat or improve upon last year’s record, the quartet said they’ll need to play strong defense. Opposing offenses averaged 49 points per game against Washington last year. Dicks, the Demons’ lone senior, wants the squad to force turnovers defensively to provide additional fast break layup opportunities.

Girls’ basketball practice begins Monday across the state. Hear an interview with Nacos, Dicks, Brinning and Stout of the Washington girls’ basketball team on the KCII Winter Sports Preview show, tonight at 6 p.m. on AM/FM KCII.