"We had five quality seniors last year," said veteran coach Dave Schlabach, whose team defeated Columbus Africentric for the Division IV state title.  "We started missing them as soon as the season was over and we continue to miss them.

"We lost a four-year starter in Jena Stutzman (now playing at Kent State) and four others that were pretty good in that class."

That doesn't mean the Hawks won't field a team this year.

"Knowing where we want to go is the easy part," Schlabach said.  "Our goals and expectations never change.  We have tremendous challenges ahead of us and we never concede anything.

"You set yourself up for big disappointments when you have high expectations, but we have competent kids and it's their turn to step up.

The Hawks have five returning lettermen, but just one senior on the team.

Returning to lead the team will be senior Karli Mast (5-7), while juniors Hilary Weaver (5-7), Mykeila Mast (5-7), Jessica Stutzman (5-7) and Katelyn Stuckey (5-11) also lettered last season.

But, as always, the Hawks expect to be more than five deep.

Junior Noelle Yoder lettered at West Holmes last year and will be playing for the Hawks this season.

As for the rest.

"We're not 10 deep yet, but we plan to be," Schlabach said.  "We're not ready to play 10 or 11 kids, but that's how you develop depth.

"Having depth is a decision you make early in the year.  You have to play young kids that aren't ready to play and continue to play them a lot."

Joining the mix for the Hawks will be sophomores Ashley Weaver (5-8) and Arrianna Schrock (5-8), along with freshmen McKenzie Miller (5-8), Meagan Hall (5-9), Melissa Mast (5-10) and Hannah Stoneman (6-2).

The first of the goals for Hiland will be competing in the Inter-Valley Conference, which many feel will be balanced this year.

"We lost a lot of kids, but Garaway and Strasburg will be really good," Schlabach said.  "They've both got a lot of size and return a lot of kids.

"Strasburg's got everybody back and Ridgewood and Sandy Valley will be right there as well."

The Hawks will be hosting Classic in the Country Challenge again this year.

"I say this every year, but I think this is the best lineup of teams we've ever had," said Schlabach, whose squad will be playing St. Wendelin and Twinsburg in the event, as well as non-league games against West Holmes and Northwestern.

"This will be a tremendous weekend.  Last year, 12 of the 20 games were sellouts and there were 190 college coaches there.

"It's a great opportunity to see some tremendous basketball."

New Philadelphia, Garaway, West Holmes and River View will also play in the event.