A new era for Lady Pioneer basketball will begin Tuesday. Kyle Turnham will debut as WCHS girls coach when he leads his team on the court at Walker Valley.

Turnham will be the third coach in as many years to lead the Lady Pioneers when action tips off against the Mustangs, but WCHS is hopeful the winning ways established just a few years ago - and lost during the one-year tenure of Mendy Stotts - will return. Early returns have been promising.

Warren County took part in the Lebanon playday last weekend, where the Lady Pioneers were able to go 1-1 with a win over Hendersonville and a close loss to Overton. Both opponents were coming off deep postseason runs last year, including the Commandos making it all the way to sectionals.

The Lady Pioneers will have a pillar to lean on early in the season as senior Bri Taylor returns in the paint. She was a budding star as a junior, averaging double figures while shooting at a high clip from inside and outside. She's flanked by fellow seniors Zoie Verge, Brinlee Griffith and Valery Esparza.

Junior Trinity Reynolds also could make a splash this year, while post Kealey Simpson is hoping to be a part of the rotation as well.

Underclassmen could be a huge part of the plan in Turnham's first year as nearly half his roster (9-of-20 players) are sophomores and freshman Brynlee Chisam has run with the starters over the summer and preseason games.

Tip-off Tuesday is set for 6 p.m.