VIDEO PREVIEW: Many new players but same goals for Lady Panthers

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL

Mascot: Lady Panthers

Conference: Cape-Atlantic United

2016-17 Record: 25-4 (CAL playoff tournament and South Jersey Group II finalists)

Head coach: John Leahy

Assistant coaches: Brandee Day, Jordan Sykes, Brynn Caraballo, Renea Wing, Megan Russ

Returning players: Juniors – Victoria London (5-6 G), Nadine Coyle (5-7 F); Sophomore – Kira Sides (5-6 G)

Top newcomers: Seniors – Brianna Armstrong (6-0 F), Taliah Anderson (5-7 F), Elise Fiore (5-6 F), Bridget McLaughlin (5-10 F); Junior – Paige Fox (5-6 G); Sophomores – Madison Barber (5-2 G), Aubrey Hunter (5-10 F), Natalia Rulon (5-8 G); Freshman – Kate Herlihy (5-7 G).

Strengths: Defense, toughness, perimeter shooting

Weaknesses: Inexperience, post play

Outlook: Middle lost quite a bit to graduation from last year’s 24-win team but is by no means in rebuilding mode. Victoria London, Nadine Coyle and Kira Sides were in the varsity rotation a year ago and were contributors, London and Sides with their shooting and Coyle with her defense and toughness. While the rest of the team is inexperienced, there is quite a bit of depth, as coach John Leahy said his regular rotation may extend out to eight or nine players. Middle should battle Wildwood Catholic for CAL United Conference supremacy and should still be a big factor in the South Jersey Group II Tournament.

Season opener: Friday at Ocean City, 6 pm

— video produced by Matt Ulmer; photos by Brian Cunniff

Victoria London (left) and Kira Sides are two of the more experienced players on the Middle Township High School girls basketball team.