The Flagstaff High School girls basketball team only graduated one senior following last season, and head coach Tyrone Johnson expects to cash in on his returners and their abilities.

The Eagles return 13 girls from last year's team and are working on integrating the new players into Johnson's system.

"There has been a lot of learning and a lot of repetitions," Johnson said. The girls attention and effort are there and we're further along at this point of the season than we were last year."

Leading the list of returnees for Flagstaff are Savannah Bix, Rancita David, Shieda Washington and Ashleigh Begay. Johnson said he has big expectations of everybody, but added he'll lean on these girls especially because they're his leaders.

"And for the seniors, they've heard it before," Johnson said. "This is their last hurrah and I think they have a good idea of how they want to go out."

The Eagles hope to execute better on offense and continue to be a defense that stymies opposing teams.

"It's early in the year and we have a lot to build on," Johnson said. "These first few games, we don't expect to see February type form, but we do want to get a few wins and build some confidence."

The Eagles opened the season last week with a 57-47 win over Prescott and will face Sedona Red Rock on Tuesday.

COCONINO

Led by not only one new head coach but two, the Panthers have a lot of work to do in 2012.

Jen Parker and Greta Hanneman accepted the co-head coaching job after the departure of former head coach Kenny Bennet, and the pair looks to build a dynasty of girls basketball at Coconino.

While Parker was the head coach at Sinagua High School, Hanneman spent about 12 year refereeing high school, junior college and NCAA basketball games.

Now the two have come together to bring consistency, stability and - they hope - wins to the Panthers program that has struggled as of late.

"The girls work hard every day, the see the potential in this team and they're committed to get better and are excited to have us here," Parker said.

While there are veterans returning to the team, the coaches have their hands full trying to mix in new kids.

Parker said it doesn't help that a few lingering seniors are on their third head coach; or third and fourth.

"We're going to build a competitive program and we're figuring out where everyone fits in," Parker said.

Returners include Jasmine Golding, Riley Hanneman and Sarah Lutch. One of the new players is Katie Mullings, a senior who moved to Flagstaff from Cactus in the Valley.

Parker said Mullings' type of athleticism is what's going to help put the Panthers over the edge.

"It's an intensity and attitude that we need," Parker said. "She was voted one of the team's captains, and she really pushes people in practice."

After opening the season with a loss to Holbrook, the Panthers look forward to getting back on the floor to play Notre Dame Prep on Tuesday.

NORTHLAND PREP

The Spartans start their season Wednesday against Mingus in Cottonwood as part of a two-game road trip.

NPA also faces Sedona Red Rock on the road in its second game on Dec. 6 before returning to Flagstaff to host Camp Verde and El Capitan before the holiday break.

No further information was available.