The buzz word around the Weatherly girls’ basketball practices this fall has been potential.

Weatherly has a number of returnees from last year’s 4-18 squad, and the Lady Wreckers are confident they can take the next step.

As his team embarks on another campaign, second-year head coach Jason Kane has one returning starter back in the fold, but has plenty of depth to develop along the way.

Or, to put it simply, potential.

“We have a number of girls who saw time last season,” said Kane. “It will be a matter of them seeing more minutes in bigger roles this season.

“But we’re young and inexperienced because we lost four seniors last year.”

Junior post player Kelly Reiner, who is the team’s leading returning scorer and lone starter back after averaging 5.5 points, has a positive outlook in spite of understanding that the task ahead can be a daunting one.

“I see this team with a lot of potential,” said Reiner. “There is a lot of work that still needs to be done. We are young and this is our rebuilding year.”

Reiner is ready to undertake a leadership role.

“I view myself as a leader, and someone who can always help when the girls have questions,” she added. “Since I’ve been a starter on varsity these past two years, I have more experience and know the game well.

“I believe that over time we will get better and grow together. Practices have been good, and the new girls are showing signs of growth.”

Kane believes she can flourish in the role.

“We expect Kelly to have a breakout season,” said Kane. “As our lone returning starter, Kelly will be our leader. She brings two years of starting experience to the floor.”

Along with Reiner, Kane will look to junior Abby Weston to develop in her role.

“Abby has the next most playing experience of the group,” added Kane. “She was the first player off the bench last season.”

Sophomore Jillian Russell should help on both sides of the ball, while sophomore Courtney Snyder and junior Bria Gordick are expected to present a presence in the paint.

Freshman Mya Binder has been a pleasant surprise, and will be counted on to utilize her height and prior experience as a post player.

Senior Mackenzie Rhodes and junior Olivia Marasco are first-year players to the program, but Kane believes their overall athleticism and talents in other sports can lead to some prominent minutes this winter.

Yet, Kane is approaching the season with cautious optimism. Replacing four starters will be challenging. The Lady Wreckers averaged 22.4 points per game while allowing 45.6

“We are improving from practice to practice,” said Kame. “Most of the girls haven’t played in a regular game together.”

Still, the potential for the Lady Wreckers is there.