Copper Hills Girls Basketball hopes to be competitive in a new region.

The girls basketball team at Copper Hills is looking for improvements over the past two seasons. In 2010-11, the Grizzlies finished last in Region 3, which was the same story as the season before that. But this year’s girls have grown up playing together, four of whom are returning starters, and all are upperclassmen with experience under their belts.

Kehana Grayer, a senior guard who consumed the stat sheets last season, is returning as team captain and tone setter for the squad. Desirae Cruse, senior forward, is also expected to be a leader on the court with her rebounding and defensive abilities. The other two returning starters are senior guard Halley Dornseif and junior Becca Lefler. There are also some younger players who are expected to contribute as the season progresses. Sophomore forward Savannah Sandberg has averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds through the team’s first games.

Not only do the Copper Hills Grizzlies want to avoid finishing last in their region this year, but they want to get into the state tournament at season’s end. According to head coach Ben Morley, their defense will be what gets them there.

“We are relentless defensively,” Morley said. “The girls have committed, and I rarely have to question their efforts.”

The girls stayed in game shape by playing throughout the off season. Grayer played in 60 games since last season ended through various outlets and venues. They are hoping all of their practice improves their shooting. While expecting to play hardnosed defense and being able to stymie opponents’ progress, the team knows they need to shoot well to win. “Shooting the ball consistently will be one of our biggest challenges,” Morley said.

The season opened on Nov. 22 versus Tayorsville. The Warriors were a bit too tough to overcome, beating the Grizzlies 53-43. But Copper Hills bounced back to al game two victory at Hillcrest. The second game of the season went into overtime and the Grizzlies were prepared. They ended up victorious, 50-44, led by Sandberg’s 10 points.

Copper Hills isn’t slated to begin games against Region 3 foes until they square off with Cottonwood on Jan. 10 at Cottonwood. The new makeup of Region 3 looks to be very competitive. Alta won the 5A state title for the 2010-11 season. Brighton and Cottonwood also played in last season’s state tournament.

“It will be fun to compete with new teams for playoff spots,” Morley said. “I feel very confident that we are getting better as each day goes by.”