CARTERVILLE – John A. Logan women's basketball coach Amanda Shelby feels that a strong returning group blended with some talented newcomers will lead to a very competitive team.

"We have three returning starters in Destiny Cozart, Shaniya Whitsell, and Miriah Donelson as well as all-conference and all-region Kailie Bacon who missed last year with an injury," Shelby said. "Cozart gained all-conference and all-region honors while averaging 14.1points per game.

"As we start practice after a month of conditioning, I think we are much better than last year. This group wants to improve and win. We have a close-knit family mentality."

Talented newcomers include one of the top scorers in Illinois high school basketball, Morgan Griffith of West Frankfort, Hannah Groutage of Herrin, Nia Marshall of Marion, and Skylar Miller and Johnecia Kyles of Carbondale.

Logan was 16-13 overall last season and 11-7 in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference.

The Lady Vols will compete in the Southwestern Illinois Jamboree on Oct. 22.  They open the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 4, hosting the Lindenwood-Belleville JV squad.