A frustrating loss to Battle Mountain in the NIAA/U.S. Bank Divisional playoffs ended an injury-ridden 1999-2000 season for the Wolverines varsity girls’ basketball team.

This season eight players, including key starters Heather Shove and Laruen Gordon, return to the court for coach Mike Merriman.

The young squad is “healthy and ready to play” according to Merriman and is currently focusing on different offensive sets.

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Junior Lauren Gordon was named to the all-league team last year despite being plagued by knee problems. This year she has returned to her leadership role on the court and will be a force to watch in league play.

Emily D’Carlo also struggled with a knee ailment and was forced to sit out the entire 1999-2000 season. This week D’Carlo was back practicing with the team and looked strong and determined to get into play once again.

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Merriman attributes a lack of leadership on the court, and numerous injuries to the girls disappointing loss last year, and is optimistic about the presence of experienced players like Gordon, Shove and D’Carlo on the court. Kyle Carola has also shown immense improvement since last year and will be starting at point guard for the Wolverines when play begins this week.

“League competition will be tough this season,” Merriman said, as Lowry, Manogue, Yerington and Spring Creek have traditionally posed aggressive and skillful teams.

The Wolverines will be looking to improve their rebound game, focusing on the fast break for quick and easy points.

The girls will face two 4A schools before beginning regular league play next week.

“These games will be the real determinant of how good our team really is,” said Merriman.

With league realignment taking effect this season, Merriman added, “It is also difficult to assess the competition until we begin play.”

Girls’ Varsity Basketball Schedule 2000-2001

Nov 28 South Tahoe at Truckee

Dec 8 Hug at Truckee

Dec 12 Loyalton at Loyalton

Dec 15 Whittell at Truckee

Dec 16 Dayton at Truckee

Jan 3 Yerington at Yerington

Jan 5 Lowry at Lowry

Jan 6 Spring Creek at Spring Creek

Jan 10 Fernley at Fernley

Jan 12 Manogue at Truckee

Jan 19 North Tahoe at North Tahoe

Jan 20 Dayton at Dayton

Jan 23 Incline at Truckee

Jan 26 Manogue at Manogue

Jan 27 Yerington at Truckee

Feb 2 Lowry at Truckee

Feb 3 Spring Creek at Truckee

Feb 7 Fernley at Truckee

Feb 10 North Tahoe at Truckee

Feb 15-17 League Tournament TBA

Feb 21-24 State Tournament TBA