The Dupo girls basketball team is not to be taken lightly this season, as evidenced by its 3-1 start in the early going. For several years, teams could chalk up a victory when playing Dupo — a win in the 2013-14 season opener snapped a losing streak of 94 games.

With several key returning players from last season’s 8-16 squad, head coach Josh Lemond and his Lady Tigers are striving for a winning season in 2014-15.

“This team wants to reach the 12-15 win mark and make a push for the regional championship this year,” Lemond said.

“In conference, we want to compete and be in the top three.

Our conference is very tough and physical. It’s going to take a lot to get there, but these ladies can do it.”

Leading the charge for Dupo is sophomore Megan Brown and juniors Leia Campbell and Rachael Donald. Brown and Donald enjoyed plenty of success as members of the softball team, which won a sectional title in the spring.

Brown led the Tigers in scoring last season at nearly 12 points a game. Donald averaged nearly nine points per game last season.

Campbell, who averaged nine points per game in 2013- 14, is already off to a hot start this season. She poured in 19 points in a 34-32 win against Gibault on Nov. 24 and is currently tops on the team in scoring. “She should be a big contributor for us again this year,” Lemond said.

Other returning starters who are expected to provide key minutes on the court are juniors Savannah Maldonado and Jessica Stansch.

Returning sophomores Stormy Sellers, Julie Snider, Briana Leesman, Morgan Ragsdale and Taylor Law should also factor into the mix, Lemond said.

“Stormy should be a vital role player this year,” the coach said.

Newcomers to the team who will be counted on throughout the season are Donna Dixon, Hayley Illig, Micayla Koonce, Elizabeth Nelson, Kaylee Zishka and Liz Touchette.

“We are very aggressive defensively and a very athletic team that will compete every night,” Lemond said.

One weakness, Lemond said, is the team is young without any seniors on the roster.

“But they have the ability to learn and adapt quickly,” he said.