When the McLeansboro Lady Foxes take to the court for the first time this season, there will be more on the line than just some basketball games. This season may be the culmination of several season’s work for some of these girls and their coach.

Willie Grubb took over the Lady Foxes program six seasons ago, and since that time, has built the program into one of the best in Southern Illinois.

That effort led to the regional championship last season for the Lady Foxes, the first in the team’s history. This year Grubb will attempt to take his team “Where no Lady Fox has gone before."

With senior standouts Kerri Grubb and Lori Kirsch back to anchor the squad, the Lady Foxes will try and top last year’s 2l-5 record. Grubb and Krisch have been in the starting lineup since their freshman seasons and with the help of some talented teammates, may be able to reach the state tournament for the first time.

Grubb was the Lady Foxes leading field goal shooter last season as she hit over 50 percent from the field by getting plenty of offensive rebounds. That effort under the hoards also made her the Lady Foxes leading rebounder of the last campaign by cleaning the glass for 245 for an almost 10 per game average. Grubb averaged almost 10 points per game on offense as well.

Kirsch was the ultimate in point guards last season as she not only scored 16.4 points per game, most of them on long range bombs from the outside, but led the squad in assists with 92 and steals with 84. Grubb and Kirsch both appear to be potential all-staters this season.

Lost from last year’s squad will be Frieda Rapp who combined with Kirsch to make a solid back-court combo. Rapp was second in both steals and assists only to Kirsch.

But Grubb's squad has plenty of depth this season as other returnees pave the way for the future. Tina Thomas, a 5-10 junior, is returning for her third season with the Lady Foxes. Since joining the Lady Foxes starting lineup as a freshman, Thomas has established herself as one of the better inside scoring threats around. Thomas scored almost 12 points per game last season and was second in rebounding to Grubb. Thomas’ strength lies on the offensive glass as she led the squad on the offensive boards with 83 for the year.

The lady Foxes are also the recipients of an early Christmas present as 5-l1 Cherri Coy will join the club for the first time since her freshman season. Coy will be used as a defender and rebounder for her new club.

"As far as size goes, we’re in good shape," Grubb said as he discussed his 5-10, 5-10, 5-11 front line. ‘‘Wingo will see some action as well’’

Grubb was referring to Wendy Wingo, a 5-11 sophomore who will not only see plenty of action for assistant coach Lewis Winemiller on the JV level, but will get some court time for the varsity squad as well.

Denise Bowers, a third year junior for Grubb, will take the off-guard spot, Bowers hfrit for 4.2 points per game last season while hitting over 70 percent from the charity stripe and has seen plenty of action and will take experince to the spot.

Sharon Bowman also will he returning to the squad after missing her junior season. Webb is one of the top outside threats for the Lady Foxes and is deadly from the baseline. Grubb feels he has the personnel to take it to the opposition as he has done in the past.

"We probably won’t change much this season," Grubb said, “We will play our man-to-man defense and try to push the ball up and down the floor”

But Grubb doesn’t want his team getting too fast and losing control of the game.

"We need to be patient.” Grubb continued, "Take the break when its there, but don’t force it. Our experience will be our biggest factor.”

Holly Sloan and Paula Mitchell also will be big pluses for the squad as both return for their junior season. Sloan saw plenty of action last season as a soph and will give the Lady Foxes extra depth at the guard position as she can fill in at the point or offguard spots. Mitchell will also give the girls help at the forward spot should foul trouble take its toll.

Grubb feels his team has as good a shot as anyone to make it to Champaign this year.

"It will help us now that Massac is gone" Grubb said, referring to Massac County which was pushed into AA this season. "Their coach said that they may be better off in AA this year and that might be right. There are a lot of good teams in Class A."

The Lady Foxes opened play Tuesday night at home against Pinckneyville and will stay home for a Friday night contest against Flora before travelling to Massac on Monday.