The Port Washington girls varsity basketball team will host the 10th annual Lady Vikings Tournament tomorrow and Saturday at Schreiber High School. The four team tournament will pit Levittown Division and Sewanhaka in the 5:00 game while Port Washington will play Carle Place at 7:00 on Friday evening. The consolation game will be played on Saturday, Dec. 11, at noon, with the championship game to be played at 2:00.

This year's Lady Vikings team returns six players with five new players joining the squad. Of the veterans returning for Coach Stephanie Joannon's team are sophomore sensation and three-year starter Sarah Walsh, and three year players , seniors Stephanie Castillo and Erin Cohen. Seniors Karen Hansen, Chantelle McCurty and sophomore Kim Greene begin their second varsity season. Coach Joannon looks upon their experience as being key to the Lady Vikings success in the pre-season. "Our veteran players have been part of such big games and that experience to draw from will only help us in the pre-season," says Joannon. "When almost half the team is new we will need the guidance of the older players to help bring the new players along."

The new players on the team have Coach Joannon very excited about the team's prospects. Juniors Caitlin Braken and Sharmila Chardavoyne played two years on the junior varsity. They come in with an understanding of the program and the knowledge of how to contribute. Freshmen forward Lisa Vogeley and guard Deirdre O'Connor bring summer camp experiences, strong work ethic and great enthusiasm to the team. Junior transfer Erica Hawkins brings basketball experiences from playing in California last year and has been a nice surprise for Coach Joannon.

"There is no doubt this team is as deep as we've ever been. On any given day there can be a different combination of starters. What is most impressive about this team, especially this early in the season, is their ability to learn and work well together. They are playing hard and learning how to play with each other on the floor. Most of all they seem to be enjoying the whole process."

The team plays a highly competitive schedule this season beginning with the Lady Vikings tournament. Come down and see the team this weekend. Admission is free.