Why does head coach Scott Schramm believe this could be the first time Grace women's basketball team could see a .500 record since the 1991-92 season?

The answer to that question can be somewhat complex.

First, there's the experience factor.

You won't find many teams with fewer seniors that have as much experience as this club.

Although Schramm has brought in numerous freshmen, his squad will have players that have been through the wars.

Junior Amy Doron has played in all 60 games the Lancers have played over the past two seasons, averaging more than 31 minutes per game. Junior Eve Arthur has played in 54 games, averaging more than 34 minutes per game.

"I've really grown to admire those girls (Doron and Arthur)," Schramm said. "They were part of my first recruiting class. They were the ones that caught a vision with me, believed what we were doing here and came.

"They both could have gone elsewhere to some good programs and played. I think they're going to see some dividends this year."

Along with those two players, senior Kristi Keilman played in all 28 games last year in her first year as a Lancer, averaging almost 33 minutes per game, while sophomore Allison Davis averaged more than 33 minutes playing in all 28 games last year.

Those four players have shown more than an ability to play the game of basketball, but also an ability to play an inordinate amount of minutes.

And that brings up reason No. 2 that Schramm feels his team will be much improved over last year's 3-25 record. Those players won't have to play more than 30 minutes a game.

Schramm has brought in an impressive group of newcomers that are more than capable of letting those three girls, along with returners Sarah Orem, Carolyn Scott and Allison Davis, take a breather on the bench, which also happens to be reason No. 3 for a surprisingly good Lady Lancer squad.

Those newcomers will provide more than just a few minutes here and there. They will give the Lancers a chance to compete down the stretch against teams that would have worn them out last year in the final 10 minutes.

And they provide versatility for Schramm, who can now put together a lineup of size and strength or a lineup of speed and quickness.

Schramm's two new transfer players, Tiffany Alberts and Tracey Mantegna, both symbolize what he wants to see out of his players.

"If I had to choose sides, I'd choose to be on Tiff's side because she's going to do everything humanly possible not to lose," Schramm said. "The girls have instant respect for Tracey because of the way she carries herself and the attitude she has. She's very quiet, but confident. And she shoots the lights out."

Former teammates at Leo High School, freshmen Kari Helmuth and Danielle Mowery, will provide plenty of time. Helmuth will try to find time at the point guard position along with Arthur and Alberts, while Mowery will have a chance to produce as a forward.

"Danielle may be my surprise of the year," Schramm said. "Every year you get one girl that you think, 'Well, she's going to be OK.' Danielle's going to be a great ballplayer. She's fast, she's smart, she can handle the ball, she can hit the 15-foot jumper and she's strong inside."

So Schramm feels that this could be his best squad in his four years as head coach. With the help of other players like freshmen Andria Parker and Eleanor Marquis, sophomore Carolyn Scott and junior Sarah Orem, this Lady Lancer squad has the pieces to the puzzle, they just need to all fit together.

"Our game plan is to go at people and use the depth that we now have," Schramm said. "Let's run the full floor, play hard for 40 minutes and run people in and out. If our starters only have to play 25-30 minutes, we'll get better results out of them than if they have to play 40 minutes like last year." [[In-content Ad]]