Beginning his 18th year in coaching (237-149) and fourth season with Warriors, Enos knows the game has changed for his competition, but his style remains somewhat constant.

"I've always employed pressure, but when I began out in Lewis, my style was kind of unique," Enos said. "But the speed of the game, the quickness of the game and the fact more people are using pressure tactics is just a part of the game now."

One thing that hasn't changed is the rule that the team with the most points wins. Enos thinks this year's team will not only score more points but make it more difficult for its opposition to score.

"Our scoring potential will be up from last year and our defensive skills should be improved," he said. "Rebounding was good for us last year and that should only improve this year."

His positive expectations come from a core group of three returning senior starters and a host of other contributors from last year's team that finished 8-13 overall and 2-8 in the Mid-Central Activities Association.

"With Megan (Hudson), Allie (Maddox) and Toni (Gordon), we have a good nucleus to continue down the path I want to go down," Enos said. "Those three girls are our leaders."

Heading that group is Gordon, who at 6-foot tall casts an imposing shadow on most opponents. She average nine points per game last season.

"Toni has the height that lots of teams wish they had, plus she's got both a nice inside and outside shot," Enos said. "She also has good shot-blocking abilities and she's a good rebounder.

"Toni realizes this is her last season (in high school) and also knows she's being looked at by a number of colleges and she wants to play ball next year," he said. "All that combined will make this an excellent year for Toni."

Megan Hudson (5-6) returns to run the point-guard position this year after averaging nearly six points per game last year.

"Megan also wants to play more ball next season," Enos said. "Last season, she was new to the system and it took her awhile to figure out what was expected of her and where she fit in. But she's pretty comfortable in the role we're asking her to play.

"Megan handles the ball extremely well, hustles extremely well and she'll put a lot more points on the board for us this year," he added. "She has a nice shooting touch but needs to develop confidence in her shot."

The third member of the trio is Allie Maddox (5-8). Despite being hampered by injuries, she still managed to score nearly eight points per contest.

"We're hoping this year Allie is done fighting injuries and that she forgets she had surgery on her knee," Enos said. "That was a big concern for her last year and made her kind of timid.

"Her knee bothered her enough that I think it affected her shot, and I don't see that happening this season," he said. "She's an excellent outside shooter and wants to play some ball next year, so she's looking to put up some nice numbers not only for the team but for herself as well."

Another senior, Adrienne Chamberland (5-6), will add depth.

A talented junior class, led by Erin Carr (5-9) and Kari Tajchman (5-9), will be called upon to supply quality minutes.

"Those two will probably help us quite a bit," Enos said. "Kari is a guard/forward with a good outside shot. She handled the ball quite a bit in our summer league games and she'll be able to spell Megan at the point."

Enos also is looking for contributions from juniors Morgan Cady, Ericka Geis and Jandee Sharp.

"This junior class has a good amount of talent and a lot of speed," Enos said. "They just need to realize they're part of the varsity team now. With our depth, these girls are going to have to step up and play."

Enos said three sophomores-Kimber Hardey, Lauren Helmer and Kalaya Jackson- "might earn some varsity playing time."

Enos hopes effective outside shooting from Hudson, Maddox and Carr will "open things up inside for Gordon."

"I really like the potential for our inside/outside game," he added.

One obstacle the Warriors will need to overcome is their mental approach to the game.

"We played a number of teams close last year and lost close games because we'd get close near the end and we'd scare ourselves that we were that close," he said. "We need confidence, and that comes with winning.

"If the kids quit worrying about the whole game and just focus on doing their own individual part the outcome will be amazing. They just have to trust the system."

Enos said the team attitude has improved from a year ago.

"I saw a big difference between our practice for summer camp and last year's practices," he said. "It was like night and day because these girls were enthusiastic and really wanted to get out and play.

"These girls first need to think they can win and then they just need to go out and do it."

One area Marion must improve on is turnovers.

"We averaged over 20 turnovers last year but that was because of our ball handling and our lack of concentration," he said. "Our speed and tempo really didn't cause that many."

Team chemistry is much improved, Enos said.

"Team chemistry is great this year," he said. "We have more competition for positions, but the girls all get along really well.

"The fact that we don't have as many players will actually work in our favor," he added.

"Our competition in practice ought to be really tough, so that should make us a better all-round team because we'll be able to get more repetitions for the kids who need them."

Enos will be assisted by first-year coach Jill Hudson.

What the season holds in store won't be known until February rolls around, but Enos already has expectations.

"I want to get to Hutchinson, obviously," he said. "But I also want the girls to understand that hard work really does pay off, not just at the end of the season but also during the season.

"One thing I expect out of my seniors this year is that there won't be any conflict," he said.

"I want them to take care of business both on and off the court and focus on basketball. We need to play focused basketball."