There is a quiet sense of optimism pervading the Plains High School gym these days as the Trotters prepare for the upcoming girls basketball season.

The optimism behind a large player turnout, including several key players from last year, is somewhat tempered by the loss to graduation of a trio of senior starters who kept the Trotters competitive throughout the season.

But they return several promising seniors and a state champion discus throwing junior to what shapes up as a tall, competitive team for the 2023-24 season.

Gone to graduation from last year’s squad is senior guard/forward Carlie Wagoner, a multiple sport standout who often led the Trotters in scoring and rebounding and was known for her scrappy on-court demeanor.

Also graduating were seniors Kassidy O’Keefe, and Izzy Crabb, a hard-playing forward.

But returning for another season on the court are five seniors who saw substantial playing time: Payton Wasson, Teeirainy Bellinger, Rilee Keys, and former Thompson Falls Lady Hawk Blakely Lakko, who gives the Trotters a second force underneath the basket to go with junior post Lexi Deming.

Deming, who last Spring won the state Class B discus competition, is a solid 6-0 presence in the middle.

Other varsity members who are expected to be counted on for significant contributions are: junior Trystan Larsen; sophomore Randi Kilgore, and a group of freshmen, including: Ava Lawyer, Aubree Butcher, Emila Rivinious, Taryn Meredith and Claire Lakko.

“We have several players who are solid perimeter players looking to make an impact,” Sanford added.

Several members of this year’s basketball team played instrumental roles in the recently concluded and successfulTrotters volleyball season.

Sandord and his coaching staff, JV coach Mike Tatum, C-squad coach Charity Jerymyn and volunteer assistant Ana Sanford are pleased with the large turnout this year.

“The girls have been bringing a ton of positive energy to practice and they are quickly learning a new system,” said coach Sanford, who was head girls basketball coach at St. Regis High two years ago. “These girls are excited to get the season underway”.

Plains opens this weekend with a pair of games at the Hamilton Tip-off event Friday and Saturday. They take on Valley Christian at 11 a.m. this Friday to open their 2023-24 campaign.

“The level of competition in practice should make us very competitive on the court and we are looking forward to a successful season,” Sanford added.

    Junior post player Lexi Deming gets in some dribbling work during practice this past week as the Trotters prepare for their season opener this Friday in Hamilton versus Valley Christian. (Chuck Bandel/VP-MI)