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Las Vegas Girls Basketball 2012-2013 Capsule

Head coach: LaShondra Rayford, first season

2011-12 record: 16-7 (12-2 Northeast)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (four)

Top players: G Shomari Harris (Sr.), G Matti Ventling (Jr.), G Shaleea Butler (Jr.)

Outlook: Rayford takes over for Jennifer Brown and has four returning starters, including one of the strongest backcourts in Southern Nevada.

Harris (20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.9 assists per game) and Butler (9.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 4.5 apg, 4.0 steals per game) both have speed to burn.

Ventling (15.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.5 apg) gives the Wildcats a solid outside threat and can carry a team for stretches.

"The team has a lot of depth at key positions, but is very inexperienced," Rayford said. "The team lacks height, so we are looking to capitalize on our athleticism and quickness.

"We are expecting to compete for a conference championship. Defense will be a strong point for this team."

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