For four seasons, the Hamilton Southeastern High School girls basketball team had Courtney Osborn and Paige Smith in the starting lineup, and each year began with expectations of Hoosier Crossroads Conference and sectional titles.

Now, the duo that led the Royals to an 82-12 record are gone . . . along with most of the team’s veteran presence.

“Last year, there were expectations,” said coach Chris Huppenthal . "To put any expectation on this group would be unfair since we are so young. We need to let these kids develop into who they’re going to be, and then we’ll go ahead and handle things from there.

“In terms of wins and losses, winning sectional, we haven’t talked about that.”

In addition to Osborn and Smith — who combined for 33 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists per game — the Royals lost starter Kara Dather , Kristi Sannella , a member of the regular rotation; and reserve Sage Sullivan .

The Royals return seniors Kelsey Lamb , a starter last season, and reserve Jenna Engleberth , but the rest of the roster will be freshmen and sophomores.

Hamilton Southeastern does have talent. Jordin Alexander , Jessica Stewart and Brittany Wells all saw regular playing time as freshmen. The team welcomes another talented freshman class, led by forwards Taya Reimer and Jessica Pongonis , and point guard Ariel Brewer .

“You don’t try to replace Paige and Courtney,” Huppenthal said. "You let these kids develop into who they need to develop into. We’re trying to be more patient with this group. Last year we were impatient because they were a veteran group. This is a young team, but it’s got a lot of potential. We’re a little quicker than we’ve ever been, and we’ll try to utilize that a little more.

“Hopefully, fans will see the same Hamilton Southeastern team that plays hard, gets after it and . . . causes fits for our opponents on defense.”

The Royals, who went 19-2 last season, start off with their typical demanding schedule, opening against Lake Central and Valparaiso in the Valparaiso Shootout on Nov. 14. Then come sectional rivals Westfield, Carmel and Fishers, which went a combined 56-14 last season.

“There’s not a whole lot that’s been based on expectations for this year, but the possibilities are endless,” Lamb said. “It’s just how well and how fast we come together as a young group. That’ll show how far we can go this season.”