In a district where everyone has questions, it appears that South Warren has the most answers.

The Spartans return a key group of players, including region player of the year Amaya Lasley, looking to not only win the district again but get the program’s first region title.

Bowling Green looks to be the main challenger again with Lipscomb signee Keely Morrow leading the way. Greenwood hopes to be in the mix as well while Warren Central and Warren East look to play spoilers.

Here is a look at District 14:

Experience could be key for Blane Embry’s Spartans, with Lasley one of five seniors who will look to anchor South Warren this season.

Lasley, a University of Tampa signee, is the leading scorer, but there are plenty of pieces around her. Senior guard Sarah Dennison will look to build off a strong postseason, while senior center Jordan McDonald is healthy after missing part of last season with a foot injury. Senior Peyton Ferry is also back after missing most of last year with an injury, while junior guard Natalie Pearce looks to bring experience in the backcourt.

Embry said sophomore guard Brooke Stevenson worked hard on her game over the summer, while sophomore forward Taylor Enlow has looked good in the preseason. Sophomore forward Lexi Button and freshman center Olivia Steele are also expected to contribute.

Embry said he has seen improvement in the offseason and likes his team and its chemistry, adding he thinks they are ready to have the target as one of the teams to beat in the region.

“That’s what you shoot for – you want to be the best team in the region,” Embry said. “We keep knocking on that door, but we’ve got to knock it down. Hopefully we won’t get in our way.

“There are a lot of good teams in the region still. It’s a long season. Anything can happen. You have to stay healthy, number one, and be playing well at the right time. We will see how it plays out.”

It’s been a quick turnaround for Calvin Head, who replaced LaVonda Johnson in August, but the former Russellville coach enters the season with confidence thanks to a talented group led by Morrow, who led the Lady Purples in scoring and rebounding last season.

Head said junior guard Taylor Ragland is going to be an important piece for the Lady Purples, making the transition to point guard. Freshman forward Znyah Owens and freshman guard Kiyah Gray will be huge sparks according to Head, while sophomore forward Shalyn Whitson and junior center Mariah Gray will add depth in the paint.

Junior Trinity Tardy saw limited action last year, while Head hopes to get junior guard T’Alla Brown back next week after suffering an injury in preseason.

“We have a lot of pieces, but we are going to go as Taylor and Keely kind of lead us,” Head said. “I think our start is going to be a little rocky because we’ve had several injuries and me being hired late.

“I think if we continue to improve and do the things that we are capable of doing … I think we will be playing some pretty good basketball.”

The Lady Gators have some big holes to fill, but also bring back some talent looking to take the next step.

Senior forward Riley Hartis is the top returning scorer, with seniors Chandler Flynt and Abigail Turley also back. Freshman guard Jacqueline Jackson is a three-year starter, while juniors Allison Wheeler and Carly Miller are also returning players expected to contribute.

Sophomore Megan Une has impressed in the preseason, with freshmen Rachel Evans and Haley Gordon also battling for playing time. Freshman Savannah Hartis also could be back after missing all of last year with a knee injury.

Greenwood coach Zach Simpson said he likes his offense, but his team’s play on the defensive end will be the key.

“This district is really tough,” Simpson said. “We are going to make sure we do everything we can to be successful in it and go from there.”

The Lady Dragons begin the year with question marks, with senior forward Zakoria Hill out indefinitely with a knee injury and senior guard Dashia Shanklin still limited recovering from an injury.

Senior point guard Tiffany Taylor will be asked to take a bigger role in the paint, while sophomore center Taelor Leach will be asked to fill the void by the graduation of Karajah Leach.

Head coach Joe Hood said Warren Central will rely on a group of freshmen – Alyssa Conner, Kyleigh Ray, La Aunhi Lewis – and seventh-grader Saniyah Shelton for depth.

Despite the injury to Hill, Hood added he is still excited about this group that will be smaller than last season, but should be a little more productive in transition.

“The good thing about this young group is I’ve got people competing for spots,” Hood said. “The competition level for these freshmen, sophomores can change on a daily basis, so that keeps us having good practices and competitive vibes. By the end of the year we are going to be better.”

New head coach Orlando Hayden inherits a team that loses one player from last year, but is still searching for its first district win since Dec. 30, 2011.

Injuries have already taken a toll on the Lady Raiders. Senior Cressida Duncan is still recovering from a broken foot suffered during volleyball season, but Hayden hopes to have her back this week. Junior Katelyn Joiner is out until at least Christmas with a broken foot, while sophomore guard Kelsey Sparks is out until January with a quad injury.

Hayden expects big things from senior post Elizabeth Young, with freshman forward Caroline Forrester – a Glasgow transfer – adding another post presence.

Sophomores Hailey Hymer and Allison Hendrick will see plenty of time in the backcourt, along with freshman Lucy Patterson. Sophomore guard/forward Olivia Price has played with renewed confidence in the preseason, Hayden said.

“The girls have been working hard and all they have been talking about is winning basketball games and getting out of district,” Hayden said. “Some of these seniors have been here the whole four years and haven’t done anything. They are eager this year. They are hungry and want to win.”