MONTICELLO — After taking a year off, Mark Gustafson is back at the helm for the Ponies. In his four-year tenure, Gustafson compiled a 38-36 record. Before coaching girls’ basketball at Monticello, he coached boys’ basketball at Royall.

As it as in the past, Monticello will struggle with depth again this year with only eight girls on the roster.

Leading the team will be senior Ellie Gustafson, a first-team all-conference selection last season. Dalana Trumpy, a sophomore, garnered all-conference honorable mention recognition last year as a freshman and will also play a large role. Other returners include junior Jaden Zuber and sophomores Karlee and Sadie Wilkins.

Newcomers Angela Cash (SR), Brooke Allison (JR), Molly Olson (FR) and Kennadee Johnson (FR) also join the squad.

Although the team lacks depth, it is full of athletes that have a “solid skill set.” Ellie Gustafson, Trumpy, Zuber, both Wilkins and Johnson took home a silver ball at the Division 4 state volleyball tournament and know what it takes to be successful.

“I expect this team to have fun, work hard and compete as best as we can,” Mark Gustafson said.

The Six Rivers East conference will be a showdown between Albany, Barneveld and Black Hawk, according to Mark Gustafson. His opinions reflect many other coaches in the conference.