Coming off unprecedented postseason success and a 75-22 record the past four seasons, the Bishop Chatard High School girls basketball team's 8-10 record this season could be seen as a disappointment. The program, however, lost the core of 2008 Class 3A runner-up and first-year coach Bill Silvey is quick to note this season isn't over yet.

"We're gearing up for the tournament," he said. "Friday night will be the first time we're healthy in two-and-a-half weeks. We'll have everybody available, at least to a limited degree. We've been playing a bunch of kids that don't have a whole lot of varsity experience and they're gaining it under fire against a pretty good schedule."

Kourtney Crawford, the team's most experienced returning player, has been out three weeks with a concussion, Nikki Kimack has been coming off a knee injury and several other players have been battling lesser issues. The team has been led by Katie Shaughnessy and Rachael Kimack, who saw action last season, and 6-foot-3 newcomer Erica Stahl, who has improved throughout the season.

Sectional 26 teams have appeared in the 3A title game four of the past six years -- Beech Grove in '03, Brebeuf Jesuit in '04 and '07, Bishop Chatard in '08 -- but it lacks a top 10 team this season. Roncalli (10-5) and Northwest (14-4) are the favorites but Bishop Chatard has played both within six points.

"I like our chances," Silvey said. "Roncalli and Northwest are the favorites and Beech Grove is capable, too. A lot depends on the draw but eventually you're going to have to play a very good team. I wouldn't say it's wide open but I like where we are and like where we'll be in a week-and-a-half."