By Kory CarpenterRecord Sports EditorWith three starters returning from a team that won 17 games and captured a district championship last season, expectations are high for the Warrenton girls basketball team.The Warriors have a blend of youth, experience and talent that should help them compete for a Gateway Athletic Conference North title.Head Coach Greg Williams will look to replace two of his top three scorers from last season, Hannah Sutton (14.8 points per game) and Kylie Toebben (5.7 points). Most of the rest of the offensive contributors return though, led by junior forward Jenny Jansen (14.8 points).“They (Hannah and Kylie) did a lot for us last year, especially in district play,” Williams said. “We have to replace that, and we have some young girls that are stepping up.”Despite not being a senior, Jansen has assumed a leadership role on this year’s team.“I’m an upperclassmen now, so I hope the younger girls look up to me,” Jansen said. “I’m trying to be as nice and supportive as I can, and I hope they look at me as a leader.”Amanda LaFaver, one of two seniors on the team, likes what she has seen thus far.“I think we’re definitely starting off better this year,” she said. “During the spring and summer almost everybody was in the weight room and gym trying to get better.”LaFaver averaged three points last season and hopes to pick up the slack left by Sutton and Toebben.“My goal is 10 points per game,” she said. “I know that’s a big jump, but I’ve got to do it. I’m continuing to work and getting it right in practice.”Although Williams admitted to not being a coach who sets specific goals for his teams, there is a standard he hopes to meet between now and February.“St. Charles had one loss last year, so until somebody beats them they’re the No. 1 team,” he said. “We have to stand up to them and see what we can do.”Warrenton was swept by St. Charles last year, losing both games by an average of 21 points.The Warriors did, however, make it one game further in the postseason.St. Charles was upset by St. Charles West in the second round of district play, while Warrenton beat Kirksville to win its district championship.Despite that, the Warriors haven’t forgotten last year’s lopsided defeats.“We got smoked by them both times and we’re really working on our defense now,” Jansen said. “We plan on making it a better game with them and hopefully coming out with a win. Coach talks about it every day. He says, ‘Are you good enough to beat St. Charles?’ That’s what we’re working for.”Kaylee Anderson, who helped the Warrenton softball team capture a state championship in October and averaged 4.8 points last season, believes the experience her teammates have picked up the last 12 months will be crucial.“The softball run showed us that hard work can get you there, so we’re all practicing hard,” Anderson said. “It definitely helps because you’re not as nervous. You’re just ready to play.”LaFaver agreed.“I think it will definitely want us to experience that again, because the softball run was so much fun,” she said. “The whole thing was amazing.”The Warriors begin another run Monday at Orchard Farm at 7 p.m.“The kids have done the work they need to do, they’re prepared and they’re hungry,” Williams said. “I think some good things are in store for us.”

Members of the Warrenton girls basketball team are pictured, front row from left, Emma Tinnin, Kaylee Anderson, Ashtyn Dixon, Jordan Todd, Rylie Cox, Kelsey Heunefeld, Macie Sommer. Back row, Allison Tonioli, Madison Burgmeyer, Jenny Jansen, Kayla Nelson, Amanda Lafaver, Courtney Richardson and Allyson Haller.