OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 12, 2014) – It's fair to say Oklahoma Christian's first two seasons in the Heartland Conference have been reasonably successful.

The Lady Eagles would have finished third if their games had counted in the league standings in 2012-13, then beat all but two teams in the conference at least once last season (and likely would have beaten one of those two had that team made a twice-scheduled trip to Oklahoma City) while finishing 19-12 overall.

So there would seem to be plenty about which to be optimistic headed into the 2014-15 season, which will begin Saturday when OC hosts York (Neb.) in the traditional homecoming game.

Coach Stephanie Findley, who's entering her 30th season at the helm, looks at her team and sees plenty of experience, but also sees a squad looking to replace three starters – Roz Hamilton, Krista Stevens and Andee Wayne – who combined to average 23.4 points and 17.2 rebounds per game last season. It's replacing the latter number that Findley says will be critical for the Lady Eagles this season.

"We really have to have a mentality to go get the ball," she said. "We relied on Roz and Andee and Krista so much last season and they're not here now. Now everyone has to go get the rebound. That will be key for us."

Findley has spent the preseason experimenting with different lineups, trying to maximize production not just offensively, but on the defensive end, too. Rebounding is a major component of the latter, one that could figure into playing-time decisions.

"There are a lot of people in the mix," Findley said. "We've got eight or nine players we've been rotating together. I don't know at what point I will figure it out, because I still don't have it solid in cement what I want to do. Matchups will probably matter.

"We have played a lot of girls the past several years, so those kids have all got game-time and experience, so I'm confident that whomever we put out there is going to do a good job."

Perhaps the major strength of the team entering the season is backcourt depth and versatility. Junior Sydney Hill and senior Logan McKee are returning starters, and while both are capable of playing each guard position, Hill usually is at the point and McKee usually plays at shooting guard.

Hill was the Lady Eagles' top scorer last season at 11.2 points per game, earning honorable mention on the All-Heartland Conference list. McKee averaged 8.7 points per game, shot 88.4 percent from the free-throw line and is a lockdown defender with the ability to make life miserable on the court for the opposition's best guard.

There's plenty of experience on the bench, too. Senior Kaitlyn Morris – in her sixth year in the OC program after being granted an extra season of eligibility by the NCAA  – provides veteran savvy, a deep knowledge of the offense and an excellent 3-point shot, while juniors Daisha Gonzaque and Jasmine Hinton both contribute high energy and scoring punch to the OC backcourt.

Sophomore Kylee Hill should bring an improved offensive game this season to go with her already-impressive defense. Freshmen Chandler Coale and Blaire Hall also could see spot action as each player becomes more comfortable with the OC system.

'We have a lot of kids who can do a lot of things," Findley said.

A pair of players who were part-time starters last year figure to play key roles on the OC frontline this season. Sophomore forward McKenzie Stanford started nine games and averaged 9.9 points and 4.6 rebounds, while junior forward Emma Gade also started nine games, averaging 5.7 points. At 6-foot, Gade has the length and 3-point shooting to be a matchup problem for opponents on the perimeter.

Stanford could play either the power forward or center position, while Gade will see action at both forward spots. Aisha Martin, another high-energy junior, is a natural shooting guard but has shown promise at both forward positions. She was one of only six OC players to see action in all 31 games last season.

Versatile senior Skyler Newberry also should figure into the forward rotation, as well as freshmen Hope Dawkins and Audrey Hayes. Findley says the wiry Dawkins reminds her some of a young Hamilton (one of OC's top athletes in recent years) while Hayes – who also will be a sprinter and jumper on OC's track and field teams – has the potential to develop into an outstanding player.

If Findley wants to play a true post player, senior Makenzie Brown (perhaps the team's best passer) and sophomore Jordan Gorham will be the primary options. Among Lady Eagles who took at least 50 shots last season, Gorham had far and away the top shooting percentage, hitting 52.9 percent from the field.

For the first time, OC will be eligible to compete for the Heartland Conference regular-season title. Outside of Lubbock Christian (Texas) – which went 20-0 in league play in 2013-14 – there's no dominant team in the league, which means the door is open for OC to again be one of the Heartland's top squads.

"I like what we've got returning from last year," Findley said. "I'm optimistic about it."