The Lakeland High School girls’ basketball team is hoping to build on its three-win season from last year.

Lakeland heads into the 2019-2020 season with a still-young team. The team mostly consists of freshmen and sophomores, but with the experience the team gained last season, they are hoping it will translate into this year.

Daryl Rountree is back at the helm for a third straight season and likes what the Lady Cavs are capable of this season.

“I feel pretty good about this group we have returning,” Rountree said. “I think they are ready to take the next step this year.”

Despite their record finishing with only three wins, the Lady Cavs were more competitive then what their record showed. They had several games that were decided by fewer than eight points. Lakeland hopes that this year, those types of close games end up in wins.

Kemonye Canady headlines the Lady Cavs team this season as an All-District selection from last season. Zaria Green-Pope is expected to be a solid contributor this year as well, along with Jamauri Demiel. Rountree sees the goal this season is just trying to reach the next level in the development of the team.

“Our thing is to start strong and to finish strong,” Rountree said. “We feel good about stepping up another level this year. I always make sure to let them know that this year, we should be able to rise above what we did last year. We feel like we are equipped to do that.”

In the next 14 days, Lakeland will play about six games. It is a chance for them to get off to a strong start and win some games.

“I’m looking forward to how we come out of the gate,” Rountree said. “We want to be competitive this season, so these first few games will give us a chance to see where we are and what we could possibly do this season. We just want to go out there and trust the process.”