ARLEE - Arlee started three freshmen last year and that

experience should pay off for the Lady Scarlets this season.

ARLEE - Arlee started three freshmen last year and that experience should pay off for the Lady Scarlets this season.

"I think we did pretty well considering we were a really young team," head coach Richard Bachmeier said.

Arlee went 9-13 last season and with plenty of returners, this year's team should be much improved.

"We're actually five weeks ahead of where we were at this time last year," Bachmeier said. "We're in pretty good shape."

The Scarlets return allconference Mahalia Hendren along with a blend of guards and post players.

"We'll be a little different than last year," Bachmeier said. "We'll be able to be more of a running team and we will be able to go with a big or small team."

Senior Melissa Ivanoff and junior Becca Nelson will hope to continue their momentum from the volleyball season. Ivanoff is still getting her shoulder diagnosed after an injury in the fall.

Kayla Desjarlais, Kristyn Adams and Tiffany O'Neil also return and look to improve on last season's progress.

"I think we are a lot stronger than last year," Bachmeier said. "I think we'll be a lot better simply because of the experience."

This will also be the first time in the past half decade that the Scarlets will get some coaching consistency as Bachmeier returns for a second year. His system has now be implemented and the girls know what they're doing.

There is still a lot of youth, as 12 players coming out for basketball are either sophomores or freshmen.

"We're young, but we're not going to use that as an excuse," Bachmeier said.

Looking around the conference, it appears that the Scarlets don't have to look far for their main competition, the Charlo Lady Vikings.

"That rivalry has been there for years and years," Bachmeier said. "When I came here in 1970, it was a rivalry then and it hasn't lessened. It's kind of one of those things that can make your season."

And with the players suiting up for Bachmeier, it appears that Arlee will have a good opportunity to make their season this year.