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By TRACY WATSON
McMECHEN -- Entering his third season on the bench with Bishop Donahue, Coach Shawn Martin was expecting to have all five of his starters back for the 2016-17 season.
That isn't going to happen with one player transferring and another opting to play a different sport, but Martin still has a pretty good three-girl nucleus to build around.
"I have three returning starters and there are also three seniors on the roster who have been with me all three seasons I have been here," Martin said. "I felt like we took a big step forward with the program last year and we are looking to take a big leap this year."
The Bishops are coming off a 17-5 season, after winning 14 games in Martin's first season as head coach.
Returning starters include seniors Jewell Purpura and Cassidy Campbell, along with sophomore Josie Purpura, Jewell's little sister, who takes over at point guard. The three combined to score more than 40 points a night last season.
There are three key players battling for starting spots, including senior Morgan Padlow (5-7, wing) and sophomores Emily Nelson (5-8, wing) and Sarah Heller (5-5, wing).
"Morgan Padlow did a great job for us last year and Emily and Sarah have been playing really well and fighting for the spot," Martin added.
Other girls who will get the opportunity to help coming off the bench include senior Tessa Bauer (5-5), who will see time at the point, juniors Jamie Emery (5-8, post), who missed last season, Kenzie Bauer (5-6) and Melanie Kwitkowski (5-6). Maddie Menendez (5-5) is another sophomore, who Martin says is very fast and will be a huge help, while freshmen include Abbi Martin, a 5-6 shooter, Alice Jones and Kendra Dobbs.
"We started with 17 girls, had a few decide they didn't want to play, but we also have one of those girls that we are expecting back any time," Martin said. "We also lost a couple of starters for reasons other than graduation, but I think we have some girls who can step in to those roles.
"I think we are going to be able to do some different things this year, like run and down the floor, but if we need to we are going to be able to get some size in the game and go big.
"These girls took a step forward the last two years with these seniors, who were sophomores when I started. Another big thing is the fact that I have had to ask younger girls to be leaders in the past, but this year I have some senior leadership.
"We have some younger girls that can really shoot the ball and play who will get some spot playing time, but it is really up to the older girls to get them ready for that."
Martin will be assisted by Ed Metz and Donny Anderson.