The Spartans have made the Region 4 tournament semifinals four straight seasons, but have yet to break through to the finals.

This could be the year, with an experienced group led by senior guard Amaya Lasley.

The Lady Lakers emerged as dark horses last season to claim the school’s first Region 4 crown.

Russell County might not have to wait very long for title No. 2, with four starters back from last year’s championship team. The biggest questionn will be how the Lady Lakers replace Kailey Coffey.

Calvin Head arrives from Russellville to guide the Lady Purples after the dismissal of longtime coach LaVonda Johnson in August.

Head will have big shoes to fill, guiding a program that won 254 games and four region titles in 10 years under Johnson.

The road to the Region 4 title game has gone through District 15 with at least one team from the district represented in the title game for seven straight seasons.

That streak could continue with a trio of teams returning key players, and Monroe County also hoping to be in the mix.

The Lady Cougars have held a stranglehold on the District 12 title, with 13 straight tournament championships.

Grayson County is again the favorite in the district, and also a Region 3 contender, but Edmonson County came close last season and looks to take the next step with an experienced group.