The 2005-06 Westminster women's basketball team returned to winning basketball this year. After suffering through a brutal 3-27 season last year, the Griffins came back to post a 16-14 record, good enough for a fifth-place finish in the Frontier Conference.

Guided by second-year coach JD Gustin and led by NAIA All-American Shalee Fackrell, the women's team tied a school record for wins.

"We had a fantastic finish to the season," said Gustin. "In our opinion, we really overachieved this year."

Fackrell was also named the Frontier Conference player of the year. The Heber City native led the nation in scoring, averaging nearly 27 points per game. In the last week of the regular season, Fackrell earned player-of-the-week honors by averaging 33 points and 11 rebounds. Replacing the conference MVP won't be easy but Gustin thinks he might have found a solid contributor in junior-college transfer Kim Jones.

"It's hard to put into words . . . she's just been a blessing to coach," Gustin said of Fackrell. She will stay on staff and help bring in new recruits and will also help out as an assistant with the post players.

Despite the loss of its star, Westminster may be better next season. The Griffins will rely on point guard Shannon Evans (Frontier Conference freshman of the year) to push the ball and force an up-tempo style.

"We'll try to make it a fast-paced game next year," Gustin predicted.

Helped by backcourt mate Elisa Leader (15 ppg) the guard line will look to attack from the 3-point line also. Alta High's Janae Hirschi is also expected to play a key role.

The versatile 5-foot-11 Hirschi made good progress last season and should help fill the gap left in Fackrell's absence. Newcomer Kim Jones comes over from Western Wyoming, where she led her team to a 24-5 record. Add top recruit and All-State center Breanne Haslem from Morgan High and the Griffins have a nice core group of players.

"With our league, everyone has the potential to be good," Gustin noted. "Our goal is to win 20 games. With our schedule, I think we can."

Projected starting lineup 2006-07

G — Shannon Evans

G — Elisa Leader

F — Janae Hirschi

F — Kim Jones

G — Alicia Haberie