First-year head coach Josh Carlson takes over the reins of the program, which compiled a record of 4-16 last year, good for a fourth-place tie in the Lake Region Conference.
Numbers aren't a problem for the Knights, as Carlson said there are 18 girls out this year. Returning players include Tabitha Schrenk, Cydney Wollman and Madison Inches. The Knights have no starters returning.
Carlson is assisted by his fiancé, Hannah Wickard. He believes the Knights have the foundation to steadily improve over time.
"I want to build a strong program, that would be the biggest thing," said Carlson. "One that will be good for years to come. I think we have some pretty dedicated girls."
The squad has half a dozen seniors, although Wollman and Inches are the only two that have played in the past. Schrenk is a junior; the rest are all sophomores or younger. Carlson said there is not a shortage of girls who want to play.
"We have plenty," Carlson said. "We have some girls who played junior high. We will have a 'C' team and a varsity team."
The Knights will focus on the fundamentals, take the season one game at a time and learn as they go, Carlson said.
"Basically learning the fundamentals will be important," he said.
Along with stressing the fundamentals, team unity will also be a key, as Carlson noted the team has gotten together for a pizza party and a Bible study.
Within the Lake Region Conference, Carlson projects both Warner and Northwestern to put the pressure on the rest of the field.
"They are just powerhouses," Carlson said.
Carlson is appreciative of the support the team gets from parents to help make the season go smoother.
"They are amazing, the parents coordinate rides and everyone just pitches in," he said.
Having a small student body also is a luxury the Knights can use to their advantage, as the players are all familiar with one another through their classes.
"It's a pretty small school and everyone knows everyone," Carlson said.
2012-13 Schedule
December - 4, at Edmunds Central; 6, Northwestern; 11, at Hitchcock-Tulare; 13, Leola-Frederick; 15, Wilmot; 18, at Warner; 21, Mitchell Christian;
January - 5, Edmunds Central; 12, at Leola-Frederick; 15, at Wakpala; 22, Waubay; 24, Ipswich; 25, at Sunshine Bible;
February - 1, at Faulkton; 5, at Waubay; 8, Eureka-Bowdle; 9, at Wolsey-Wessington; 12, Langford.