Girls basketball in the Eastern Upper Peninsula Conference (EUPC) could have their strongest and most competitive season in recent history as more than 35 girls return from the five teams.

The top two players, both juniors, come from Engadine and Cedarville as Elicia Derusha, Player of the Year last season, will lead the Eagles and Emily Feldhake will vie for top honors in the league while leading the Trojans.

Coach Joel Schultz of Engadine returns six players led by Derusha, along with Desiree Derusha, Christine Emery, Whitney Kerridge, Nicole Benoit, and Shauni Rutledge.

"This could be the strongest season since I have coached varsity at Engadine," said Coach Schultz.

Coach Tom Wilson at Cedarville has five returnees led by Feldhake and includes Lauren Izzard, Marcelle Reno, Donielle Landreville, and Marcie Mason.

"You must come ready to play each night with the overall talent in the league," said Coach Wilson.

DeTour will come back with the most returnees as veteran coach Dave Miller has 10 players back led by Anne Goetz, Janelle Klamerus, Jessie Tominac, Krystal Bosley, Amber Burton, Liz Lehman, Erin Worden, Kelley Tomlinson, Missy Ellis, and Marah Fierek.

"Anyone can win the league title this season with the talent that everyone has," said Coach Miller.

Pickford was the most improved team last year after first-year coach Becky Arbic led the Panthers to a district crown and this season will led by nine returning players that include Lauren Waybrant, Kacey Nyberg, Veronica Gough, Jessie Ledy, Caitlin Mortinsen, Chelsey O'Connor, Renae Reich, Brittany Kucharczyk, and Melissa Kucharczyk.

"With all the talent anyone can win the league this season," said Coach Arbic.

Brimley has six returnees coming back as Coach Ray Bell who is in his fourth season, will build the Bays with Molly McIntyre, Kelly Waybrant, Katey Kingsbury, P.J. Hopper, Hanna Hope, and Carrie Aikens.

“The league will be the strongest in many years and anyone can win the championship," said Coach Bell.