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Ipswich Girls Basketball Preview

Last year's record: 14-8 (lost to Swampscott, 76-63, in Division 3 North quarterfinals)

Coach: Mandy Zegarowski (5th season)

Key returnees: Amber Smith, Jr. F; Audrey Shaughnessy, Jr. C; Tess Falabella, Sr. F; Stephanie Sutherby, So. G; Lyndsay French, Sr. G.

Key departures: Lauren McCarthy.

Strengths: Experience and a go-to player in Smith. The Tigers return 10 players from last winter and Smith leads the group as a dominant force on the offensive end. The 5-foot-9 Smith has added a jump shot to her repertoire over the past two seasons to nearly complete her offensive game.

Concerns: The point guard position and balance. French tore her ACL during the spring lacrosse season and she will miss time to start the year. That makes Ipswich inexperienced at the point, and the Tigers need to find some offensive balance to give Smith room to operate.

Coach's outlook: "One of the goals is to win the league. We're just trying to take it one game at a time and trying to prepare (for the league), but postseason play is always something to look forward to."