Bad news and good news often follow each other around, and that is especially true for the Aurora Lady Houn' Dawgs in 2013-14. The bad news? Aurora's numbers are way down in girl's basketball. The good news? Ten of the 12 varsity Lady Houn's have significant experience on the varsity level, as no seniors were a part of last season's 10-15 record and third-place Big 8 Conference finish. More good news? Two new varsity players, a freshman and a sophomore, will join that group of 10 to create a squad that looks to be very competitive in 2013-14.

Aurora will have four seniors leading the team this year, including Baylee Hilton, Jordan Hall, Erica Tucker and Paige Whitlock. Aurora head basketball coach Kevin Besch expects these four to set the bar high for what will take place on the floor in 2013-14.

"Most of these girls have been in our system since junior high and we are now starting to see the results of that," said Besch. Besch is assisted by his wife and former head coach Kris Besch.

Hilton is known as a team-leader by the example she sets, says Besch. "She is very athletic and a versatile player," Besch said. "She can play all five positions and is tough when she dives the ball inside."

Besch noted that Hall was a Pink and White All-Tournament selection as a junior and is a tough defender and moves well on the floor.

Hilton and Hall will serve as Lady Houn' team captains this season and are expecting great things from this squad.

"We have worked hard and put a lot of time and effort into this summer," said Hilton.

Hall agreed. "We have learn to rebuild as a team and step into another level of basketball."

Lots of junior experience will be a part of this year's success, as well, as Aurora has five girls with extensive varsity experience. They include Rachel Parker, Shania Siegrist, Lakin Waggoner, Regain Cline and Jackie Stephens.

"Parker was a 2nd Team Big 8 Conference and district selection last year for us," said Besch. "She can play guard but go inside to work the post, as well. She knows the game and understands what to look for both offensively and defensively."

Siegrist is a point-guard who led the team in assists as a sophomore and will be expected to do more of the same this year.

Waggoner will play mostly inside for the Lady Houn's but can also shoot the ball from the perimeter. Cline and Stephens are guards who will be expected to score from outside.

Two sophomores will see varsity playing time this year for Besch and the Lady Houn's. They are guards Katie Juracek and Megan Pratt.

One freshman, Emily Parker, is being counted on to step onto the varsity court right away. Parker, who stands 5'11", is the younger sister of junior Rachel Parker.

"Emily is a versatile player, especially with her height," said Besch. "She will challenge for a varsity spot this year after a good summer of basketball with the Lady Houn's. She can handle the ball like a guard, as well as shoot outside."

So after a strong summer of basketball success, the girls and the coaching staff have no reason to be anything but optimistic to what lies ahead for the Lady Houn's in 2013-14.

"The Big 8 gets tougher in girl's basketball every year," said Besch. "We have a tough schedule and conference, but our goal is to compete well, both in conference and in districts. The way it sits right now, there will be 8-10 girls playing on any given night. We are hoping that can be to our advantage."

The complete Lady Houn' schedule can be seen under the Schedules tab.