2004 Record: 20-4 (6-1 vs. NEMC as independent)

Returning players: Kelli Barriger, sr., Kaylon Leslie, jr., Theresa Janish, jr., Julie Janish, so., Catherine Daniels, jr., Erin Grezeszak, sr.

First time on varsity: Stephanie Aviles, Amber Estes, Erica Loomis, Robin Sievers, Kayla Wilson.

Going their way: Cards have four starters returning from 20-4 team that won first district in 10 seasons. Barriger, Leslie and Janish sisters combined for more than 40 points per game, 240 assists, 400 rebounds and 275 steals. “They all know each other well,” Barb Janish says. “They know what to expect, who is going to cut, where each other is going to be. It’s an advantage that teams without a lot of playing time under their belts may not have.”

Something to prove: Cardinals’ shooting percentage was lower than their coach would have liked through last season, though W-P was at the top of its game during the district playoffs. “We still have a lot to work on,” Janish says. “We need to improve our shooting percentage and make some better decisions. Our motto is to fear none, but respect all. The ‘respect all’ is the key part of that to me. Anyone can beat us if we aren’t ready to play.”

X-Factor: W-P joins the North East Michigan Conference, playing mostly Class B teams before heading to the Class C state playoffs. They’ve played most NEMC teams before, but it will be different with title on the line. “The NEMC should toughen up our schedule,” Janish says. “When we set team goals, we have to understand we’re not playing the same schedule as last year. We have to adjust to playing in a league. But that should make it a little more interesting, a little more fun.”