There’s no substitute for experience.

The lack of it may have prevented the Lehighton girls basketball team from making the district playoffs last season.

But with four starters back, head coach Joe Berezwick is hoping for different results in 2020-21.

“We had an eight-win season last year, which was not what we were hoping for,” said Berezwick. “We were hoping to get into districts. We lost a lot of close games ... and it kept us from our goal. But having this nucleus back with four returning starters is exciting.

“(With the experience coming back), you hope that you’re going to win those close games instead of finding ways to lose them. We hope that the experience will result in finding ways to win the games that we lost last year.”

The Indians were just 2-5 in games decided by less than 10 points. If they can reverse that mark, Berezwick’s club should reach the postseason.

“We have nice balance,” said Berezwick. “There’s a lot to be excited about ... If we can build on this year, we can establish ourselves as a competitive program year-in and year-out. That was my hope coming to Lehighton, that we could put together consistency.

“The girls are a year older, and a year stronger. They’re also quicker, and I think we’re tougher.”

Hailey Miller, a junior, is back after leading the team in scoring a year ago. The team’s point guard averaged 11.8 points per game and also knocked down 21 three-pointers. Also in the backcourt will be senior Ashley Marchessault, who hit for 4.3 ppg and provides solid defense.

“Hailey is our catalyst,” said Berezwick. “She’s our playmaker. She’s going to be our X-factor out there. Last year teams were keying on her, and they’re probably going to do the same thing this year. Ashley’s our best defender. She’s really tenacious. She’s just a solid kid, and I can see that she’s a lot more confident.”

The team’s other senior who started last year should give opponents fits in the paint. Alexis Solomon was second in scoring a year ago at 7.5 ppg, and also led the club in rebounding (7.25). Joining her in the frontcourt is returning junior forward Aaliyah Fisher, who led the team in threes with 24 and averaged 6.4 ppg.

“(Alexis) is going to be our anchor in the middle,” said Berezwick. “We’re hoping we can push her points per game average up a little more and also her rebounding. She’s really tough inside, but she can drift outside and knock down the three. Aaliyah is a really good shooter. Her game is improving by leaps and bounds. She’s becoming a better all-around player.”

For now, sophomore Taylor Bowman looks to be the fifth starter, with senior Kelsey Gaston and junior Abigail Meckes likely the first two players off the bench.

“Taylor saw a lot of action for us last year,” said Berezwick. “I’m feeling really good about out three guards (Taylor, Ashley and Hailey). They’re working really well together.

“Kelsey will do anything you ask. She’s very quick and able to get up and down the court with ease, and we’re looking for her to give us a spark off the bench at either end. Abi can also give us a spark. Both of them could be starters, that’s how close the top seven is.”

Others expected to see time and contribute include freshman Charlie McHugh, and juniors Gracie Williams and Cassidy McGee.

“I think the whole team is doing really well, they’re pushing each other, all 14 players,” said Berezwick. “I have a really good vibe about what I’m seeing out there. We’re certainly having to play under different conditions, with masks and everything, but they’re playing through it. We have good team chemistry from top to bottom and as a coach, you feel good about that.”