CAMERON – Just eight months after capturing the school’s first-ever state basketball championship in ESPN “Top 10 Plays” fashion, Coach Holly Pettit’s Cameron girls’ basketball team is back to attempt an encore.

And loaded with a bevy of returning starters, including a two-time first team Class A All-West Virginia player and a two-time second team honoree, the Lady Dragons are poised to do just that.

Last March Cameron pulled off the near impossible, trailing by two points with four seconds to All-stater Ashlynn VanTassell, then a sophomore, drained a pair of free throws to tie the game before then-freshmam Maci Neely stole the ensuing inbounds pass for a three-pointer heard round the Mountain State at the buzzer to claim the title.

At 6 ft. 3 in., VanTassell is a beast under the basket for the Dragons, setting the all-class state tournament record for rebounds at the state tournament while junior classmate Kenzie Clutter (5-5) is the motor that makes the machine go and is a two-time second team selection.

“Ashlynn is a very versatile post player and runs the floor extremely well while dominating inside,” Pettit said of her post. “Kenzie is a light’s out shooter who sees the floor very well. And both of them are great leaders.”

Cameron has many versatile, interchangeable parts after their two leaders with senior Aubre Cain-Loy (PG/SG, 5-6), sophomore Neely (SG, 5-6) and senior Gracie Carter (SG/F, 5-6) all at the top of that list. Others who will be big assets include juniors Ashlee Dobbs (G, 5-9) and Emilee Dobbs (SG/PG, 5-8), sophomores Devan Schrack (G, 5-7) and Shaleigh Littleton (F, 5-8) and senior Ashlee Neehouse (F, 5-6).

“Aubrey is a three-year starter who is lightning quick and can get to the basket while Maci, who was honorable mention All-state, is super quick and provides a huge spark on the court. She is also a great defender and can shoot from anywhere.

“Ashlee Dobbs is a great role player who goes under the radar and helps in so many different ways while Emilee Dobbs is a great defender who can shoot the three. The other three are all going to be great assets and see minutes. We are just very versatile.”

A trio of freshman could also see playing time in Macey Bertram (G, 5-3), Aubrey Thomas (PG, 5-2) and Emma Francis (F, 5-4).

Even coming off of a state championship season with a loaded roster, Pettit is looking for her squad to get better.

“Our main expectations this season are to play better defensively, compete at a high level and make the return trip to Charleston,” Pettit said.

The regular season schedule will be challenging nine opponents Class AA or higher on the slate, including late-season trips to both Parkersburg South and Morgantown and an early match-up at Union Local. Cameron has only six games schedule at Dragons Indoor Stadium this year, but could play a seventh with a home game in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals.

“Our schedule this year is extremely tough,” Pettit added. “But we feel the strength of our schedule will help us prepare for post season play.”