The Washington Demon girls basketball team takes the floor for the first time in the new year tonight when they travel to Muscatine for a non-conference contest with the Muskies. Washington was 6-16 a year ago, finishing 4-6, fourth in the Southeast Conference. Last year, the Demons scoring 41 points per game, giving up 44, shooting 31% from the floor 26% from three and 50% at the line with 26 rebounds, eight assists, eight steals and 17 turnovers per game. Washington’s individual stat leaders are all back including Adalyn Long after a junior year with 13 points, three assists and two steals per game. Addison Miller is back after five boards per night a year ago. Long was also a first-team All-SEC selection last year. Washington will have to replace All-Conference performers Kendall and Lauren Hinrichsen who have moved on through graduation.

Muscatine was 6-17 last year, finishing 5-12 in the Mississippi Athletic Conference. The Muskies scored 41 points per game and gave up 61 a year ago on 31% shooting from the floor, 26% from three and 60% at the line with 26 rebounds, 10 steals, nine assists and 22 turnovers per game. Individually, they lost their top three scorers Macy Reno, Elsie Lewis and Kyra Shaull who combined on 22 points per game. Lewis was also the leader with five boards per night. Taryn Watson had a team best four assists and two steals per game a year ago and returns. This week, first year Demon head coach Colin Mulford talked with KCII Sports about what has him most excited for the upcoming year. “I’m excited to go to practice every day. Being around these girls (and their energy) is awesome. They’re excited to be at practice. They push each other really hard. I’m ready for game one, just like I know the girls are!”

Muscatine has won 10 of the last 13 in this series, but the Demons were a 55-52 winner a year ago in this matchup, keyed by 16 points from Addison Miller. You can hear all of the action between the Demons and Muskies live tonight on FM 106.1, the KCII1 App and KCIIradio.com, beginning with the Demon Basketball Pregame Show at 6p.m. And tip at 6:30 from Muscatine High School.