The names have changed, but the target remains the same for the Bowling Green girls’ basketball team.

The Lady Purples’ reign as Region 4 champion appeared to be in jeopardy in the final month of the regular season, with two district losses as part of a 3-7 stretch. Bowling Green was able to find its way in the postseason, earning a fifth straight region title and advancing to the quarterfinals of the KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16.

Bowling Green now takes aim at a sixth straight region crown. Several key pieces are gone, but the Lady Purples do return one of the top players in the region in Katy Smiley and a few other significant contributors from last season.

Some may wonder if there is uncertainty with the roster shakeup. Head coach Calvin Head said while his team will be inexperienced, there is not an uncertainty heading into this season.

“I think we are very certain in what we are capable of doing,” Head said. “We just have to put it all together.”

That certainty begins with Smiley. The senior forward led Bowling Green in points (10.2 ppg) and rebounds (5.8 rpg) last season. Head said Smiley brings a lot of versatility to the court, with an ability to post up or play on the perimeter.

Senior point guard NaTaya Wardlow is one of the region’s top defenders whose presence on the court isn’t just in typical statistics. Wardlow missed six games with an injury last season during the stretch the Lady Purples struggled.

The experience level drops after Smiley and Wardlow.

Junior center Aniyah Smith appeared in 24 games last season. Junior forward Kori Ware also saw limited varsity action last season, while sophomore guards Maddie Davenport and Emma Macy are also expected to see bigger roles this season.

“We understand the challenges ahead,” Head said. “We were 4-2 in district play last year, so we know at any given time anyone can get beat. We have a ton of respect for the coaches and the players in the other programs in the district and our region. We don’t disrespect any opponent. We prepare game by game for who we are going to play.”

Smiley said as part of the senior class the expectation remains to keep the region title streak alive.

“It’s our job to add on to what we have done so far,” Smiley said. “I think come March we will be ready.”

Head agrees his team is capable of making another postseason run, but like last year, it might take time to get to that final product.

“We always look at it with the end in mind,” Head said. “It’s a long season and so we want to be playing our best basketball in February. Nothing is promised of course. We just want a chance. If we are playing our best basketball it gives us a chance. That’s all we want is a chance.”