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For the Granite Hills Grizzlies, they are building a new program from bottom to top.

There are three levels of play: varsity, junior varsity, and freshman. The season is starting with a new coach for every team, for varsity, Shelly Lozano, Kebu Stewart coaching junior varsity, and Erica Hughes coaching freshmen.

Lozano is an experienced basketball coach: Monache High School from 1986-1989 and two years at Community College in Iowa.

Lozano only has three returning players from varsity; Lupita Flores, Ashlee Halopoff and Yo Sasorith.

"We have to build on the experience of the returnees, we’re going to have rely on speed because we don’t have height and at this point it doesn’t look like we’re too deep on the bench. Elena, Kelsey, Vanessa, Ke'ana and Shelby bring a ‘the height’ and rebounding abilities with Elena being the tallest at 5'8, Kelsey, Ke'ana and Shelby at 5’6. This is definitely going to be one of the smallest team's in the EYL. Subbing into the 3, 4, 5 spots will be Ke'ana, Daisy, Lucy and Suheid.” stated Lozano.

Lozano has playoffs on her list of hopeful achievements, as it is her first year of coaching varsity at Granite Hills High School.

“My goal is to see us be playoff eligible; we need to be .500. If we play our best game every game, and play great defense, this would be attainable. It is my responsibility to put in the best plays, best defense for the players I have to achieve their maximum performance,” stated Lozano.

Lozano is relying on Coach Stewart, who played high school basketball at Our Savior Lutheran in Bronx, New York and NBA basketball for the Sixers.

“We are so lucky to have a Hall of Fame basketball player bring his skills, knowledge and love of the game to our school and be a part of our basketball program,” stated Lozano.

As head coach and representative for all levels, her hopes and dreams are high in pride.

“My first goal for JV is to win games. With a basketball star like Coach Stewart and ten returners from the previous team, they should dominate the JV level. For the freshmen, it looks like we have twelve players, who are quickly improving and learning,” stated Lozano.

The Granite Hills Grizzlies have a lot to work on before their first scrimmage at Porterville High School on Nov. 26. The lady Grizzlies are confident and working harder than ever to prove that they are equipped with the ability to be the best.