Diversity is a word that keeps coming up when describing this year's Carson High girls basketball team.
With a versatile, deep lineup and plenty of size, the Senators have high hopes for the season. Carson could have a team that makes a significant run in the NIAA 4A State Playoffs.
It's also back to the future for Carson with the return of Alana Williams as coach. Carson won six state titles under Williams during her first tenure as coach (1983-85, 88-90). But Williams has stressed it will be much more difficult now to duplicate the kind of success she had in the past.
"It's going to be real difficult because there are a lot of really good teams out there," Williams said.
But Williams likes the talent she has on this year's team. "I think that they're really good players," she said. "I think that they work really hard. I think they have a positive attitude. They're quick learners."
Among the top returners is Katie Kotter, who has signed to play with Division II power Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho. Kotter should be a versatile player for the Senators, who is a top defender that can play several positions.
Williams, though, said she expects all of her players to be versatile. "I really kind of expect all of my players to be more than one-dimensional," she said. "We have a great diversity in our players."
Another top returner is Ciarra Christian, who will likely handle the bulk of the point guard duties. But again, Williams said Christian won't be the only player who can handle the ball.
"There's several players who can handle that position," she said. "We have a plethora of good guards."
Among them are Tabitha Adams, Rosie Nunez and Taleah Reymus. Among the other top players who can go back and forth between guard and forward will be Liz Rankl and Kelly Weyrick.
So the Senators should be able to play an up tempo game, but also should have the size to play a half court style if needed. Nicole Scott, a 6-2 sophomore who played varsity as a freshman last year, returns. She'll be joined up front by Catherine Brekken, Andrea Hoff and freshman Rachel Winters, who should also make an impact. "I've got real strong forwards," Williams said.
Two players up from the junior varsity who should make an impact are Emily Johnson and Sarah Johnston.
Carson, though, could be without Terah Laack, who suffered a knee injury in soccer. It's unknown if Laack will be able to play this season.
"It's not looking good right now," Williams said. "She would have been a wonderful asset."
The Sierra League should be tough again with Reno and Douglas High Schools expected to challenge again. "I think we have a real tough division," Williams said. "I just think it will be a dog fight."
Reed, Galena, Fallon and McQueen are again expected be among the tougher teams in the High Desert League.
Carson will be tested right from the start and will have a chance at revenge when it hosts Fallon at 5 p.m. Saturday. Fallon upset Carson in the first round of the zone playoffs on its way to making the state tournament.
The Senators will then have another test when they travel to Galena on Monday. Carson will also again host its own tournament Dec. 11-13.
Charles Whisnand is the Nevada Appeal Sports Editor. Contact him at cwhisnand@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1214.