When a team loses its top three scorers to graduation, there is usually some rebuilding to do. That will not be the case in 2012-13 for the Parkland girls basketball team.

Olivia Hassler, Jackie Oertner and Alissa Persichetti lead the Trojans to a 13-8 mark and a District 11 playoff berth last season. Now its up to some others to step up.

Parkland had a nice showing in the summer tournaments at Stellar and Sportsfest, and may have found its identity just in time for a new season.

"I think the summer was good for the girls because that was a question for everybody," said head coach Wes Spence on the new look roster. "The fact that we were able to have success, I think that the girls were able to find more of an identity for who they could be this season."

The Trojans were ousted in the first round of districts last year, and Spence feels that his team needs to shoot the ball better, which has been the Achilles heel for the Trojans over the past two seasons.

"For the first time we're bringing back a lot of seniors," said Spence. "We have six girls coming back this year that have played varsity minutes and that's something that we haven't had. I think that this experience will be a key factor in shooting the ball better."

Allison Cressman, Sierra Derti, Hannah Gombos, Callie Kracjir, Missy Oertner and Elena Pierce are the backbone to this team, and Spence is counting on them to make major contributions this season.

In Spence's fourth season as head coach, this senior class has been with him since the beginning. They know what the expectations are and there is nothing new he needs to teach them.

"We've been able to create a competitive environment," said Spence. "The girls know what they're doing and it has been fun. We have some pretty athletic newcomers. The key will be to blend them in with the upperclassmen."

Lillie Geiger, Abbey Harris and Nikki Wert are other seniors on the roster.

Parkland opens play with a home game on Friday night against Saucon Valley, and then plays in the Yasso tournament at Freedom the following night.