With the start of the high school basketball season for the Greene County girls and boys just one week away, there is reason for optimism. Both teams have realistic expectations to increase the win totals from last season. The girls were 3-19 in Tori Ogden’s first season at the helm while the boys under the direction of veteran coach Chris Nelson were 9-13.

The girls are without last season’s leading scorer and rebounder Brianna Habben due to graduation, however Coach Ogden returns an experienced squad. The other letter winners are back including the other four starters from last season and most of the top reserves.

The boys graduated three starters, but back to lead the way are seniors Richard Daugherty and Jesse Miller. Daugherty has twice been named to the Heart of Iowa Activities Conference all-conference second team. He’s averaged more than 15 points a game over the past two campaigns and Miller was an honorable mention HOIAC selection as a junior. He’s by far the tallest Ram at 6′ 6″.

The Rams open with non-conference opponent Ogden on Nov. 28 in Jefferson, followed by a non-conference road trip to Panora on Nov. 29 vs. Panorama. Both are girl/boy doubleheaders starting at 6 p.m. and both can be heard on KG98 and streamed on www.raccoonvalleyradio.com.