Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

With a strong unit returning, Richmond Hill head girls’ basketball coach Sarah Jones is anticipating a solid season ahead.

The Wildcats (10-16) ended last season in the Class 7A Region 1 playoffs with a loss to Camden County. It marked the first time since the 2021-22 season the Wildcats didn’t make the state playoffs. They struggled in district play last season, as they finished with a 0-10 slate.

This season, Jones is initially looking to returnees Bristol Machgan, Mackenzie Smith, Raelena Headley, Elyza Shuman, and Victoria Wallace, all of whom saw meaningful varsity minutes last season.

Machgan is the team’s leading returning scorer. She averaged 6.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season. Machgan was a second-team, all-region selection last season.

But Jones also likes what she has seen from newcomers, and she is looking forward to their development.

“At this point, being early into practice, we aren’t sure how much of an impact they will have immediately,” she added. “But we do feel if the hard work continues that they will have an impact.

Jones has been impressed with her team’s work ethic and their ability to bond, as they have continued to work toward the start of the season.

“We have a lot of returnees within our program, but we also have a good number of newcomers as well,” said Jones. “So we have really focused on trying to create a solid foundation with everyone together, making sure we are disciplined and doing the little things correctly.”

With plenty of work in the offseason, Jones is anxious to see how the process takes shape.

“We had a good summer of growth and hard work,” stressed Jones. We expect to get out and compete, play hard, and be disciplined each day.”

The Wildcats have a scrimmage against Liberty County Nov. 11, and they will host Groves in their season opener Nov. 14.

Despite plenty of promise, Jones is staying cautiously optimistic about the season.

“We know our schedule is tough this season and with PSR (postseason rankings) being a factor, all games matter, not just region games,” said Jones. “We have high expectations this season and look forward to getting better each day.”