BELLAIRE — ­ Experience is a key factor in any sport. Bellaire’s girls basketball has that.

John Farrier welcomes back seven letterwinners for the 2021-22 season. Five of those returnees started at least eight games last season.

“We definitely have some experience returning,” Farrier said. “If we don’t win more games than we lose, I will be disappointed. There are a lot of 50/50 games on our schedule.”

The head coach said his team wants to “play fast with a lot of possessions on offense.”

Although there is a lot of experience coming back, there is only one senior on the 11-member roster, which also includes four juniors, two sophomores and four promising freshmen.

The lone senior is Lauren Hamilton (5-5) who is coming off of a torn ACL.

“Lauren was released in October, so she is working her way back,” Farrier noted. “She has really been working hard and has a great attitude. She will be a good senior leader for us.”

The junior class is led by Lizzie McAninch (5-5), Bethany Bonar (5-7), Sophia Porter (5-6) and Abby Craig (5-2).

“Lizzie is a returning starter who was our overall leader in stat percentage last year. She’s a great all-around player,” Farrier praised. “She’s a tenacious defender and a tireless worker. She really put in a lot of time in the off-season to develop as a player.

“Bethany is another returning starter who only played half of the season because of the transfer rule,” Farrier pointed out. “She averaged 11.2 points a game and is a big-time shooter. She is working on becoming a better defender and we look for big things from her.

“Sophia started a handful of games last season. She is a dedicated player who uses her athleticism to cause problems for opponents, especially on defense,” the coach said.

“Abby is a tireless defender who will definitely contribute to our fast-paced style of play.”

Rounding out the returners are sophomores Allie Ault (5-6) and Sidney Rowson (52).

“Allie is another returning starter who was our leading scorer (8 ppg) and leading rebounder (6.3 rpg) last year,” Farrier said. “Her skill is continually developing and she is very coachable. She also does all the little things necessary on defense.

“Sidney started a handful of games last year,” he continued. “She is a defensive tyrant and will often guard the opposing team’s best player. She is continuing to enhance her basketball skills.”

Farrier is also excited about his freshmen group.

They are Rhyan O’Grady (5-5), Eliana Mason (5-7), Zara Harveth (5-9) and Lauren Menendez (5-11).

According to the coach, O’Grady, Mason and Harveth will see considerable varsity time.

“Rhyan is a lights-out shooter who can also handle the ball quite effectively.

“Eliana is a player who can do a little bit of everything well,” he allowed. âShe is an athlete who is very fast.

“Zara is a natural playmaker who has an uncanny knack to rebound.

“Lauren is very coachable and has a great attitude. She loves to be in the gym playing basketball.”

As high as he is on the frosh, he is also optimistic.

“They are used to having success at the junior high level, but will need to adapt to tougher situations when it comes to varsity basketball,” he explained. “When you take that step up to varsity basketball, things don’t come as easy and you need to make sure you do the little things to make sure the success continues.”

The Big Reds will primarily play the same schedule as in past years. However, they have picked up Buckeye 8 newcomer Cambridge for a home-and-home series, while only playing Harrison Central once. Bridgeport is no longer on the schedule.

Farrier is once again assisted by Hutch McFeely.

Lost to graduation were Jayden Lowe, Kaleigh Leigh and Kaya Chilson.