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By MIKE MATHISON
NEW MANCHESTER - The Oak Glen girls' basketball team returns five seniors, but also has a new head coach.
Veteran John Leary takes over for Ryan Wells, who is now an assistant with the boys team.
The Golden Bears finished 12-11 a year ago after losing to North Marion in sectional play.
"We have a mixture of veteran returners and young kids," Leary said, who coached the Toronto boys team the last five seasons.
"We should be pretty solid squad but young kids are going to need to step up quickly to provide us with depth."
The five seniors are Maisie Witherow, Taylor McKay, Dominica Price, Allison Click and Amber Grotenfend.
They are joined by juniors Emmy Severs, Lizzie Orenuck, Kaylee Moore and Kinsey Beaver, and sophomore Maggie Kovalcik.
"My style is to always try and push the ball and that isn't going to change," Leary said. "We want to play fast and take advantage of our athleticism.
"The girls have had to learn and new system and that's always a challenge.
"However, they've been working hard and adapting to things in a real positive manner."
The Golden Bears also have freshmen Alexa Andrews, Emily Ashcraft. Sophia Felger, Brittney Giogini, Kailie Kell and Kaylee Travis.
"I'm very optimistic about the season," Leary said. "I believe the girls are willing to put in the work necessary to make the team successful."