New uniforms, new coaches and new talent signal a new beginning for the girls basketball team.

The team has taken the opportunity for a fresh start to improve their record and their postseason prospects beyond those of previous seasons.

Last year’s team went 7-15, with no advance in the postseason. But with experienced players and young talent working together, the team has improved its performance to a 7-7 record as of Feb. 5.

“Every season is different,” said head coach Jeff Dickson, who is in his second year coaching the team. “They continue to build on the foundation of former teams.”

The team began improving its game even before the season began. The group started conditioning soon after last season ended, and many played on the same club team.

Veteran players like senior Alexis Boyd said the team’s cohesion and camaraderie have made a positive impact on their record.

“I feel like they play really well,” she said. “We all play together and don’t take selfish shots.”

The team will be looking to improve its record further and pick up a high post-season seed.

The team was being helped along by their experienced Varsity players like juniors E’Lease Stafford and Skylar Drum. Dickson said Stafford is one of the highest scoring players in the state of Kansas.

The team underwent a change in coaching, with Naura Cosker coaching the freshmen team and social studies teacher David Platt, former head coach of the girls basketball team. Cosker is the new to the program, while Platt has coached basketball in the past.

As far as rivals go, the LHS girls view Free State as their biggest competition. The Lions narrowly beat Free State 49-48 at the Dec. 18 match-up.

Although the team lost to Wichita Heights 49-51, freshman Chisom Ajekwu said Wichita was one of their favorite places to play. She said walking around the Wichita State campus was a huge bonding experience for the girls.

Ajekwu attributes some of the team’s bright outlook to the new uniforms. The uniforms are a black background with crisp, red lettering.

“I love the new uniforms,” she said. “It’s always great to have new uniforms. Everyone feels great when you put them on.”

Everyone on the team has high hopes for the this year’s group of freshmen players.

“I love the new people on the team,” Ajekwu said. “I played with all of them in basketball club.”

Overall, the team is expecting big things from this season, with familiarity on their side.

“I think my teammates are awesome players,” Ajekwu said. “Great people. No one feels excluded. We’re all really helpful, we’re all really good friends.”