The Fairview girls basketball team is looking to reach the next level in its 2009-10 campaign.    

The Warriors  won the District 2-C title and took third at the Eastern C Divisional tourney the past two seasons and are now determined to make noise at the state level.   

“The expectations are high. We know it’s going to take a lot of hard work to accomplish our goals,” second-year head coach Mark Thompson said.    Experience is expected to be a major asset for the 13-player squad. The Warriors, who lost one player to graduation a year ago, welcome back four full-time starters and several other players who saw significant playing time.    

Fairview gained even more experience with the addition of transfer student Stephanie Murphy. The 5-8 senior forward earned All-State honors a season ago at Charlo. Warrior post player Katie Hardy and guard Morgan Klose also made the All-State team last season.   

“We are really looking for Stephanie to be another scorer and rebounder for us at forward. Teams aren’t going to be able to just key in on Katie down low any more,” Thompson said.   

Along with Hardy and Klose, senior forwards Kelsey Johnson and Erica Riedel were starters for the Warriors last season.

Thompson expects a pair of sophomore guards to have solid seasons for Fairview. Jordan Gifford, who saw some starting time a year ago, and Tiffany Kittleson will provide quickness and ball handling in the back court for the Warriors.   

“This is the most balanced team we’ve had in the three years I’ve been here. That should be important for us,” he said.   

Defensive intensity has been a major point of emphasis in the first practices of the season.   

“I think we should be able to score this season, but defense will be what determines our success this season,” Thompson said. “We’re looking to bring up our energy up a notch or two this season.”   

The district will again feature several teams with returning experience and talent. Thompson expects Culbertson, Circle and Savage to be near the top of the standings.   

“Culbertson is still very young, but they return some very talented girls. Circle always seems to put together a good basketball team,” Thompson said. “And Savage returns a lot of experience. They played us tough both times we played them last year.”   

The Warriors won’t have to wait long to kick their season off, as Fairview hosts Plentywood Saturday.   

“I am really looking for us to play with a lot of intensity on defense and control the boards,” Thompson said. “Plentywood has a lot of experience returning from last year.”   

In its second game of the season, the squad will travel to play Saco Dec. 11. The Panthers defeated Fairview in the challenge game at divisionals to advance to the state tourney last season.   

“That game will really be a measuring stick of where we’re at in the division,” the coach said.   

With a balanced attack and tons of experience, the Warriors are ready to kick off the season.   

“We’re just really excited about this season,” Thompson said.

sports@sidneyherald.com