While an undefeated season is unlikely, the way Riverton is handling its opponents, a region and even state title are not.

GIRLS: When coach Ron Ence took over the Riverton girls' program, there really was not any tradition or history, at least not anything positive, that is. The five previous years the team had posted a losing record and did not have a lot of pride— that is all changing.

"Last year was our first winning record, and now we are over the hump," said Ence. "Now we can start to compete for a region championship. Now people are going to have to take us seriously. We are trying to get something established here, trying to get things going. Hopefully, we can build a tradition here, and this will only be the beginning."

The Silverwolves are off to a great start, and a major reason why is their experience. Dayna Burgess, Amanda Hansen and Shannon Hildreth are all returning starters. With the emergence of newcomer 6-foot-1, Kim Gamblin, who moved to the school for her senior season, Riverton has something it has never had, a presence in the post. The team already had an outside game, but with an inside game, the offense is difficult to stop.

"This year we have a balanced attack," Ence added. "We can shoot it from the outside or go in and score . . . I think this is the best team we've ever had here at Riverton."

Ence credits his group of seniors as a major reason for the turnaround in the program.

Riverton Silverwolves Girls basketball

Class: 5A

League: Region 3

Last Season: 17-5, second in region, first-round loss to Viewmont in playoffs.

Predicted 2005-2006 region finish: Second

Coach: Ron Ence, third season. Looking to improve after giving school first-ever winning season last year.

Key returning players: Dayna Burgess, 5-foot-9 guard, Sr; Amanda Hansen, 5-foot-11 forward, Jr; Shannon Hildreth, 5-foot-7 guard, Jr.

Key Contributors: Kim Gamblin, 6-foot-1 center, Sr; Brittany Tattersall, 5-foot-6 guard Sr; Shanna Neilson, 5-foot-10 forward, Sr; Ali Egbert, 5-foot-7 forward, Sr.

Girls schedule

(Home games in bold)

Nov. 22 — Riverton 70, Jordan 32