As basketball seasons come and go, change is inevitable.

Except, perhaps, when discussing the Howland Tigers and McDonald Blue Devils girls' teams. Undefeated seasons might not always be on the agenda for both programs, but competitive play is ingrained into the essence of what Howland coach John Diehl and McDonald coach Rob Hilbun stress to the players.

"We've had four 20-win seasons in a row," Diehl said. "That's our goal this year. If we do that, everything else takes care of itself."

The Tigers went 20-0 last season and advanced to the District I semifinals before losing to Twinsburg Chamberlain.

The Blue Devils went 14-6 last season and added two more wins in the tournaments before losing in a Division IV district final. McDonald has advanced to the district level five straight seasons. Twice they came away with the title and berths in the regional.

Getting another 20-win season will be challenging for the Tigers because of the loss of Kelly Barzak to graduation. Barzak averaged 19.2 points a game last season and was the main rebounding force before heading to Thiel College.

Don't feel sorry for Diehl, who's had a long run of excellent centers. Taylor Williams, a 6-2 sophomore center, gained valuable experience last season and should help solidify play under the boards.

Other sophomores that gained varsity experience last season are Erika Nites, a 5-8 guard, and Olivia Nicholas, a 5-8 guard. Other players returning from last season are Jessica Wilson, a 5-6 senior guard, and Kayle Redon, a 5-9 junior guard and the leading scorer on the junior varsity team last season.

Diehl is understandably cautious when dealing with a team that will start three sophomores.

"Last summer in camps we were able to compete, but we had a hard time finishing," Diehl said. "Games are won in the last two minutes. They still have to learn how to finish a game. The seniors last year were able to do that."

Because of the success Diehl has enjoyed, the Tigers can't sneak up on any team. This might be considered a rebuilding season, but don't tell that to the teams that Howland will face.

"There are a lot of good teams," Diehl said. "I'm sure Harding is getting ready to play us. I'm sure this is one of their big games. We're two of the better teams in the county, and everyone likes to knock off last year's (All-American Conference Red Division) champion. But that's okay. It makes it fun."

Harding and Howland play tonight on the Tigers' court. The game begins what promises to be a difficult schedule for the Tigers, who have Shaker Heights, Canton GlenOak and Green, one of the best teams in the Akron area, on the slate.

Hilbun can take comfort in knowing that 5-6 senior Joh'Vonnie Mosley is back. Mosley, a four-year starter, averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds a game last season and has passed the 1,000-point barrier for her career.

"She can do so many things offensively," Hilbun said. "She can score inside with muscle and shoot from the outside. She's developing a 3-point shot. The girls look to her. When we need a bucket, they go to Joh'Vonnie."

Other lettermen back are Joey Courtney, a 5-5 senior guard, and Taylor Stanley, a 5-7 sophomore point guard. The Devils lost two starters to graduation.

"Our goal is to get better throughout the year," Hilbun said. "Offensively, if we do what we can we'll win some games and get through the tournaments. We want to take that first game against Girard and build from that and get better."

The Blue Devils, who were third in the Inter-Tri County League Lower Division last season, won't have an easy task of winning the title. Defending champion Lowellville returns several players, as does Berlin Center Western Reserve, which was second last season.

There's no question that the Blue Devils will need to improve.

"My concern is handling the ball," Hilbun said. "We want to fast break and run, but we want to get better at decision making. We always want to get better defensively. When we turn it over, hopefully we can stop other teams. When our shooting isn't there, we want to put it on our defense and have it carry us through tough times."

Somehow, you get the feeling the Tigers and Blue Devils will still be standing when the district tournaments begin.

mmclain@tribtoday.com