The Opp Lady Bobcats hope to capitalize on last year’s experience and hard work during the summer and early fall for the 2009-10 season.

“These kids have worked hard over the summer,” coach Allison Gregory said. “They were in the gym three days a week. We’re still young and we’re going to possibly be starting two freshmen and maybe even a sophomore.

“I think they’ve got a year of experience and are ready to play,” she said. “So, we’re excited about playing. The experience we gained last year was unbelievable. Everybody got some huge minutes. I think it’s going to be a bigger year.”

The Lady Bobcats will have five returning starters coming back this season — two guards and three at the post.

Last year, Opp lost Mychal Drew to graduation.

“She was a key part of the team,” Gregory said.

On the offensive side of the ball, Gregory said the girls are starting to put the ball in a scoring position.

“Basically, we understand the game of basketball now,” she said. “We’re learning positions and spacing.”

Gregory said on defense, the team will use a mixture of schemes throughout the season.

“We’ll change the defense up every time we go up and down the floor,” she said. “We’re going to mix it and throw in some full court and half court stuff.”

The Lady Bobcats are in Class 4A, Area 2 again this year with Ashford, Brewbaker Tech, Bullock County and St. James.

Their first area game is on Tues., Dec. 8, when they will host St. James.

“It’s coming up real quick especially with football running late and having to cancel two games,” Gregory said. “It’s going to be here before we know it.”

As far as what goals have been set for the season, Gregory said that an unrealistic goal of winning every game is in the books.

“Our main goal is to go out and play hard,” she said. “We’re going to go out every game and leave everything on the floor. That’s what our main goal is and then the outcome will take care of itself.

“I’m sure winning every game is unrealistic, but that’s what we’re shooting for,” she said.

The Lady Bobcats will open their season at the annual Straughn Thanksgiving tournament next week. Their first game will be against Pleasant Home on Monday at 4:30 p.m.