SOUTH WAYNE —  In her first year as head coach, Cora Lierman (Holland) led the Warriors to an 18-7 overall record and co-conference Six Rivers East title with Albany. She and Albany’s coach Derik Doescher were Co-Coaches of the Year.

Lierman expects nothing less from her team this year.

“My goal is to achieve a conference championship this year, and make a strong playoff run,” Lierman said. “We are a seasoned team, with a lot of experience returning. We are hoping to capitalize on that this year.”

Seniors Tara Wellnitz and Raylin Peterson, each getting attention from college coaches, will be key players this season for Black Hawk. Last season, Wellnitz was a first-team all-conference selection, averaging 14.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 3.1 steals per game—all of which led the team. Peterson made the all-conference second team, trailing Wellnitz with 11.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

The Warriors out-rebounded their opponents 699-409 last season and look to keep that trend this year.

“Our inside game is going to be really important to us,” Lierman said. “We have girls that can crash the boards, and rebounding is going to be a big part of our offensive and defensive game.”

One area the team looks to improve upon is its free throw shooting. The Warriors went to the line 349 times last year, making 190 of their shots for a .544 percentage.

Lierman expects another tight conference race with Albany.

“In our conference, we, Black Hawk, are fighting to earn a top spot,” Lierman said. “We are hopeful that if we can get in and get things done, we will be somewhere at the top of the conference. Albany will be up there as well, I believe. They have a very skilled, fast-pace team. They have many key players returning this year, and they will be a difficult opponent.”