The Northern Oklahoma College Enid Lady Jets open the 2019-20 season Monday hosting Mid-America Christian JV at 5:30 p.m.
Last year, NOC Enid (28-4 last year) reached the NJCAA National Tournament losing to Northwest Florida in the first round. It was the 5th NJCAA National Tournament appearance for the Lady Jet program).
There may be some holes to fill from last year's squad but a number of quality performers return.
Sophomore center Sarah Griswold (Geary), Kaylee Hurst (Woodward) and Hayden Freeman (El Reno) return along with Tanara Combs (Fairview) and Eurasia Brown (Edmond). Combs and Brown missed last season with injuries.
Other sophomores include Peyton Watkins (Oklahoma Bible Academy) and Taelor Parker (Hooker).
"I'm really pleased with this group," said coach Scott Morris who is in his 19th season. "We are ahead of schedule, especially offensively. Defensively, we are making strides as well but I like this group's potential."
Griswold was named 3rd Team NJCAA All-American as a freshman and was the Jets' leading scorer in 2019, she'll key the Lady Jets in 2020.
"Sarah has really worked on her game," Morris said. "She is always looking for ways to improve. She is very versatile and that is so important for us offensively."
Morris said he likes this team's depth.
"We'll be deeper at guard and in the post," he said. "I like that we'll be able to play more combinations this year."
Freshman include Shelby Black (Frontier), Cayti Moeller (Enid), Tonijah Fortune (Putnam City), Abbey Phibbs (Tulsa), Hollie Wood (Pryor), Madelyn Hankins (Blackwell) and Lauren Wade (Marlow).
"I like this freshman class a lot," Morris said. "There is a lot of potential in this group."