Delta ready to erase memory of last season's tough ending

It was certainly a bittersweet season for Delta's girls last year.

The Bobcats had another sensational campaign, winning their first 26 games.

But the year ended in disappointment as Delta lost to Scott County Central in the Class 1 sectional round to finish with a 26-1 record.

Delta had beaten Scott County Central three times during the regular season, but all three contests were close.

"Any time you're having that type of year, you sure don't want to see it end," Delta coach Randy White said.

But that's all in the past. White is now focused on continuing the tradition he started of placing Delta among the state's premier Class 1 programs.

Despite losing some of their top players, the Bobcats expect the success to continue.

"We've always got high hopes," said White, who two years ago led the Bobcats to a 28-2 record and a third-place state finish.

Delta graduated its leading scorer, all-state guard Kaci Menz, who along with Shea Smith are playing basketball at Three Rivers Community College.

Three players with starting experience return in 5-foot-10 senior center Jodi Menz, 5-8 senior forward Sara Blattel and 5-5 senior guard Sarah Keys. They all averaged about seven or eight points per game last year.

Other returning letter winners are 5-4 senior guard Amanda Drew, 5-6 senior guard Jessica Kidd, 5-8 senior center Alison Burger and 5-7 senior forward Rebecca Cox.

Also back is 5-4 senior guard Brittni Deprow, while 5-6 junior guard Amanda Seabaugh and 5-5 sophomore guard Taylor Smith are up from the JV.

White believes the Bobcats can again be a strong defensive team after they allowed about 27 points per game last year.

"These kids work hard at it," White said.

Overall, White is optimistic.

"Right now our concern is just to work hard, have a good attitude and just see how things develop," he said. "We're going to have a lot of new faces starting, but these players really aren't new faces because they've been in the program and were a big part of it last year."