Excelsior Springs’ quest for a second straight district girls basketball title is underway.

The girls were slated to open the season Monday by hosting Lafayette County of Higginsville. Like their boys counterparts, their regular-season schedule also includes two tournaments – one in December at Higginsville, hosted by Lafayette County; one in January, hosted by Lawson.

Here’s a deeper look into the ballclub, based on answers to The Standard’s preview questionnaire, as submitted by Excelsior Springs varsity girls coach JD Biermann.

Coach’s background in brief: Biermann is in his ninth year as a head coach, both at Excelsior Springs and overall.

Assistant coaches: Promise Barnes, Levi King, Brianna Scott.

Number of returning letter winners: Nine.

Number of returning starters: Four.

What athletes will help lead the program? What qualities do they possess that will make them effective leaders?

Biermann expects Kayden Rogers, Josie Casler, Bella Loeffert, Kinley Rogers and Reese Ryan to lead the sq…