Veteran girls basketball coach Denise Zunno has a tall order on her hands. With only two returning starters and a freshman point guard, the Lady Mustangs will no doubt be battling more experienced teams throughout the 2006-2007 season. Preaching teamwork and maintaining a high level of confidence will be keys to success. Zunno and assistant Katherine Hock will be perfect complements to a season with a solitary goal of becoming better by season's end than the group that took the floor in pre-season workouts.

Junior forward Jamie Medlock and senior guard Gigi Alas, in their captains' roles, will be the glue that holds this quintet together. Medlock, an All-Division selection last year, is the main offensive weapon in addition to providing a constant supply of rebounds. Alas is a perimeter threat. Freshman point guard Samantha Stavish, who has tremendous speed, quick hands and defensive intensity, will also be a player to watch. Tri-Captain and senior guard Melissa Magalhaes will aid a fast paced offense designed to keep opponents on their toes. Rounding out the starting five is junior forward Nicole Wissler, who has an excellent jump shot.

Zunno, admitting this is one of her youngest teams ever, has a spirited bunch with a strong sense of camaraderie. Their greatest attribute is a knack for supporting one another. Juniors Nicole Reardon and Jenny Paredes exemplify this tenet with unselfish defensive drive. Every loose ball will go Paredes' way while Reardon's ability to anticipate will create multiple steals. Classmate Vicky DosSantos will be a rebounding force off the bench. Sophomores Maryanne Sanderleaf and Ashley Benbow will receive valuable minutes to allow the future of the program to grow and prosper. Sanderleaf's tendency to see the floor and Benbow's athletic nature evidences great potential over the next few years.

The key to this season will be a four-game homestand in mid-season against difficult rivals such as Manhasset, Garden City and Jericho. The close of the stretch will be Mineola's premier winter event, Reggie Carter Night, on January 26. Non-league games against Wheatley, Oceanside, Lawrence and Carey along with a trip to the Great Neck South Tournament served as excellent tune-ups before the league schedule begins.

Assists: The injury report reared its ugly head early as Medlock sprained her left ankle and will be sidelined over the Holidays...Sanderleaf enters her second varsity sport in as many seasons as a soph...Hock returns to lead the JV at her alma mater... Girls will be the prelude to the boys on Reggie Carter Night at 6:30 p.m...The boys and girls teams are loaded with talented underclassmen, only three seniors among them, and have solid upside for Mustang hoops.