"I think this year I am a marked person," Mazzante said. "But our team has so many new faces and so much talent that I really don't think (opponents) are going to be able to stop every single one of us."

Much of that talent is concentrated at the guard spot, with Mazzante at the head of the class. Together, they will try to make up for the departure of Lisa Shepherd, the team's second-leading scorer last season, who is pursuing a professional career. It will not be an easy task, but Lions' head coach Rene Portland said she has confidence in this group of guards.

Although Portland has not yet finalized her starting lineup, you can bet that Mazzante will be on the floor when the 2001-2002 season gets underway. Joining her at the other starting guard spot will likely be freshman Jess Strom. With the Lions being a young team that features 10 freshmen and sophomores on its roster, it would be no surprise to see a first-year player in a starting role. From day one, Portland has told Strom to expect to see much of the action.

"She has that point guard attitude and that kind of swagger you need in a point guard, although it's going to be a lot of work," Portland said.

"Jess is a born and made and perfected point guard, but she's not going to be ready for 40 minutes of basketball. She will see a lot of the time, but we're going to need a lot of people."

Portland will have several options at her disposal this season when Strom needs a rest. Her first comes in the form of experienced guard Katrena Carr. The senior played every game last season, averaging 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. She also contributed defensively, and the Lions expect the same from her again this year.

"'Trena came back as 'Trena," Portland said. "I think we saw a little more diversity from her last year and I think that diversity is going to be needed."

Another guard who brings exceptional offensive and defensive skills to the Lions is freshman Tanisha Wright. Portland has called her a "complete package" because of her scoring abilities and the pride she takes in her defense.

The Lions' depth at guard also includes sophomore Jessica Brungo and redshirt freshman Jennifer Brenden. Brungo, normally a forward, saw limited time at the guard spot last year off the bench. Brenden did not play in 2000-2001 because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in an early-season practice, but Portland expects much from her.

"Jen's feeling her way back with a lot of things but she's practicing well," Portland said. "She's a great scorer for us."