Girls Basketball: Rio Americano Kicks Off Season

varsity girls basketball coach Jeff Hart says this year's team is young but is his most athletic group of players in the three seasons he's been at Rio.

Coming off a 16-12 season last year, the Lady Raiders have one senior, Jaime Dixon, a forward and co-captain.

"She's improved the most over the summer," Hart said. "She brings a strong defensive presence."

Dixon said she has to represent as the lone senior.

"Our teams looking spectacular," she said. "We are all more athletic have better team chemisry and know each other's strengths and weaknesses."

There are five returning players but for the juniors, it's their first year on varsity.

"We're going to be small but quick," said guard Elizabeth Moulton, the other co-captain. "As long as we work hard, we'll do well."

In the mix is Fie Brandt, a guard-forward who joined the team following the season. Brandt is a foreign exchange student from Denmark.

"It's been a very different experience here (in America)," she said. "But all the girls are nice and are being patient with me."

The Lady Raiders opened their season Monday with a 45-33 win at Lincoln. Today Rio hosts Manteca at 7:15 p.m.

The next month brings tournaments, including one in Seaside near Monterey the week after Christmas, before league play begins in January.

But players and Hart say they have their sights set on rival .

"The league is pretty open this year but El Camino is probably the team to beat," he said. "I think we're athletic enough to compete with anyone in the league."

Rio players said they agree.

"Our team's main goal for the season is to win league but I would have to say my individual goal is to beat the record for most steals in a game," Dixon said. "The biggest opponent I'm looking forward to is playing El Camino High School. They have been our biggest competitiors since my freshman year and I'm ready to take them out this year."

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