By MARK DIERKES

Times Leader Sports Writer

HANNIBAL – It may sound like a broken record at most schools, but at River, under ultra-successful girls coach Rick Isaly, there are good vibes around practice, indicating the Lady Pilots can continue their winning ways in 2022-23.

The Hannibal-based school returns six lettermen from a 15-10 record squad which advanced to the Division IV District last winter before bowing to eventual Regional qualifier Monroe Central, 61-53.

Entering his 19th season at River with a pair of OVAC 2A titles to his credit, Isaly’s crew upended Beallsville (50-29) and Strasburg (48-43) to capture the sectional.

The Lady Pilots roster numbers 11, but Isaly likes what he’s seen thus far after scrimmages.

“We feel optimistic about the season with our six returnees and a couple skilled freshmen we believe will contribute right away,” said the River mentor, who again has a challenging schedule for his club, including the Christmas break River City Classic at Marietta College with Meigs, Caldwell and host Marietta.

A senior duo of 5-5 Hanna Raper (11 ppg, 2 rebounds per) and 5-9 Rylee Knight (8 ppg, 8 rebounds per) bring some veteran leadership. “(Hanna) is a three-year letterman and (Rylee) lettered twice,” said Isaly. “We’re expecting big things from both this season.”

Juniors include a three-year vet, 5-6 Kelsey Harlan (16 ppg, 4 rebounds, 3 assists per), who has a strong all-around game, while 5-9 Tessa Prim, a two-year letter winner, had her season cut short halfway through last year due to an injury. She’ll be needed to solidify the inside game for the Lady Pilots.

Rounding out the 11th graders is 5-6 Emma Reed, “a player we’ll count on for her defensive work and hustle,” said Isaly.

The Lady Pilots sophomores are 5-8 Reese Hobbs and 5-6 Emily Huffman. The River coach noted, “(Reese) we’ll need her inside game and rebounding and (Emily) is an off-guard who can knock down some outside shots.”

Four freshmen include a pair of 5-9 contributors in Zoey Fox and Ava Wohnhas. Isaly hopes to see Fox help on the outside shooting and rebounding, while he likes Wohnhas’ inside game.

Two frosh guards ready to step in when called are 5-5 Kyla Dotterer and 5-5 Makenna Indermuhle.

River competes in the OVAC as well as the Mid-Ohio Valley League with Shenandoah, Buckeye Local, Shadyside, Barnesville, Frontier and Magnolia.

The Lady Pilots home debut at the R.L. Potts gym is tonight versus Frontier.