St. Mary’s coach Mike Burkett sometimes wonders about job security.

With point guard Christina Whitelaw returning for her senior season, he wonders if he shouldn’t just take a break until next year.

“Christina is a really rare and special player,” Burkett said. “She really puts the whole team together and I wonder if I should even be here. She could run everything herself.”

Whitelaw, who averaged more than 19 points and seven steals as a junior, will have plenty of help as she hopes to lead the Pirates back to the state tournament. St. Mary’s, which finished third in the state in 2008-09, will also return seniors Katie Loof (forward) and Jenny Nagl (guard). Senior Chrissy Tickel, who saw a lot of playing time as a sophomore, will rejoin the team after sitting out her junior year to focus on tennis. Additionally, junior Jordan Burns returns to St. Mary’s after moving to California after her freshman year.

“Katie and Jenny have been playing all summer and we have some great younger players who will help out,” Burkett said. “Jordan was a big time scorer for us as a freshman, and she’s just coming off a knee injury. She will definitely bring some skill, speed and ability to shoot.”

The Pirates, who were 13-1 in the Tri-Peaks East league, will be challenged by Tri-Peaks West rival Colorado Springs Christian School. The Lions will be back with strong senior leadership, but will play without volleyball standout Morgan Broekhuis, who is graduating after the fall semester to start training at Nebraska.

“It’s definitely tough to lose a 6-foot-5 left-handed great athlete,” Lions coach Lisa Guhl said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we’re going to fill in. We obviously have had to make some changes in offensive and defensive sets, but it’s going to be fun to see how we measure up.”

Senior Brianne Vande Griend, who was second only to Broekhuis in scoring and rebounding last year, is up to the challenge of leading the newly restructured Lions. Speed is also in the CSCS arsenal, as state champion hurdler and runner-up Becca Bultje and Tiff Kenney return to the team.

SEASON PREVIEW CAPSULES

Class 3A

The Classical Academy – Kaitlin Hanenburg, Cierra Flick and Aimee Austin will return for their senior season, while newcomers McKenna and Bailey Haist should make great additions to the Titans roster.

Colorado Springs Christian School – Senior post Erika Heckman and junior guard Joanna Guhl will join Brianne Vande Griend as the Lions hope to be consistent with last season’s 10-2 league record.

Discovery Canyon – A trio of juniors – Autumn Surage, Caitlin Trask and Nikki Rosas – will lead a talented group of underclassmen as the Thunder returns to the Pioneer League. 6-foot freshman Rebecca Mondy will be key at center, while sophomore point guard Makenzie Burns will be a leader on the court.

Manitou Springs – Seniors Stacey Guynn and Kylie Schleicher hope to be joined by a healthy Ashley Echeandia as the Mustangs continue to develop their strong defense that gave up an average of 32 points last season. The Mustangs will look to improve scoring with juniors Calla Urban, Ashley Gieck and Amelia Schofield.

Peyton – The Panthers will capitalize on depth and speed as point guard Melissa Irwin and guard/forward Michaela Stapp return for their senior season. Junior guard/center Samantha Patterson averaged 12 rebounds as a sophomore.

St. Mary’s – Junior forward Martina Martin and junior guard Caela Schaefer will add depth to a quick, aggressive Pirates roster.

Class 2A

Colorado Springs School – Leading scorer Karly Lindroth-Yates will be back for the Kodiaks, leading a team that will be highlighted by fellow seniors Monica Finger, Marissa Quintero and Andie Anderson.

Ellicott – Four seniors, including guard Cynthia Brandon, will lead the Thunderhawks. Brittany Pennington will be a physical presence at post, while Jessica Shaw and Isabel Kirk will be aggressive on defense.

Evangelical Christian Academy – Senior guard Merrily Brast will be back for the Eagles, who will also depend on classmates Abby Chu and Ashley Branch. Sophomore guard Heidi Mann averaged more than six points as a freshman, and will be tough on defense with an average of more than three steals.

Kiowa – The Indians should prove to be tough in 2A, and will be led offensively by Kayla Gabehart. Taylor Castillo’s defense and rebounding will be key.

Pikes Peak Christian – Senior guard Brianna Euken and forward/center Ashley Stevens will be the backbone of a team that will depend on the development of younger players.

Hanover – Freshmen guards McKenzie Dalton and Hannah Quaney will complement junior leaders Rachelle Mitchell and Kreghan Bernal.

Fountain Valley – The Danes must reload after losing four starters from last season’s 17-6 team. Junior center Alex Ochoa led the team in blocks last year, while seniors Kim Donaldson and Baylee McIntyre will see expanded playing time.

Class A

Elbert: Senior forward Jamie Stewart averaged more than 15 points last season, and will be joined by fellow seniors Ashley Miller (center)  and Kat Kitzman (shooting guard).  Junior forward Shelby Loflin’s improved shooting and post play will be key as the Bulldogs will have enough depth for a 10-player rotation.

No report: Calhan, CSDB, Cripple Creek-Victor, Florence, Hilltop Baptist, James Irwin, Miami-Yoder, The Vanguard School

St. Mary’s Christina “Bean” Whitelaw averaged more than 19 points and seven steals last year as a junior. Photo by MARIAH TAUGER, THE GAZETTE

The St. Mary’s girls’ basketball team showcased its annual breast-cancer awareness jerseys on Monday. Clockwise from bottom, Christina “Bean” Whitelaw, Katie Raskob, Katie Loof, Chrissy Tickle, Jenny Nagl and Emily Gonzalez. Photo by MARIAH TAUGER, THE GAZETTE