When Jeff Guenther took over the Sheridan High School girls basketball program, his goal was to improve each season and make people forget about the past.

His plan appears to be working.

In his first season two years ago, the Blackhawks won nine games. Last season, they finished 13-9 and beat Guerin Catholic in a first-round sectional game before losing to Taylor in the semifinals.

Sheridan begins the regular season Nov. 14 at Eastern.

“We expect to compete every game,” Guenther said. “That’s the mind-set I wanted to bring. We have good, tough-nosed kids who are willing to work hard and improve. As a coach, that’s all you can ask for.”

It was important for Guenther to create a winning mentality. In years’ past, the Blackhawks struggled.

“We’re not concerned about what happened five or 10 years ago,” he said. “None of these kids played on those teams, and most of them have been part of winning programs in middle school and high school.”

The Blackhawks hope to continue their upward swing, but they’ll have to do so without graduated point guard Kendra Hedge , who averaged nine points and four assists last season.

They also could be without senior guard and returning starter Sarah Carlisle , who suffered an ACL injury playing soccer over the summer and continues to rehab. There is no timetable for her return.

“It would be great to get Sarah back, but at this point, we have to move forward with the kids we have available,” Guenther said. “There’s nothing we can do until she’s cleared by doctors.”

Sheridan returns two starters in 5-9 senior forward Linden Daiss and 5-7 sophomore guard Jaidlin Delph . Daiss led the team with 15 points and nine rebounds a game last season, and Delph averaged six points and eight rebounds.

Sophomore guard Leslie Price (5-5) and sophomore forward Hannah Welch (6-1) are expected to start, while the final lineup spot was still being determined. Price averaged around four points and two assists as a reserve last year.

“Overall, we have a young team, but most of the girls have played valuable minutes,” Guenther said. “Some of our success will depend on how quickly the new girls come along.”

Sheridan’s coach is optimistic.

“You always feel like you could do more, but I’ve been pleased with our progress,” Guenther said. “Everybody here is committed to building a successful basketball program.”