Van Price, who led the Lancers to a state title and a perfect season in 2005, is back. Price spent the past pair of seasons as an assistant coach for the boys team because it offered him an opportunity to coach his son.

After his son's graduation, Price couldn't resist the allure of returning to coach the girls team once again.

"It's tough to give up 19 years of coaching the girls," Price said. "Really, that's where my niche was, and I missed it."

It will be easy to pick up where he left off, especially with a supremely talented player in Sheila Adams at his disposal.

Price's former team is looking to rediscover a winning tradition that once infused the boys program. Since reaching the 5A quarterfinal round in 2004, Layton has struggled to be a relevant factor in Region 1.

In their past three seasons, the Lancers have come out with a victory in a total of 11 games.

GIRLS: Adams has made a name for herself in every sport she has played at Layton. In basketball, her first choice among sports, there are few players who are truly her equal.

Adams, who recently committed to play college basketball for Idaho State, can break a game wide open with her offense. With a scoring average of 23.0 points per game, she trails only Skyline's Dani Peterson among players statewide.

While Adams was the team's leading scorer a year ago, her role in the offense is even more prominent as a senior.

"This year, I just have more confidence with my shot," Adams said. "I pretty much have the green light to create (shots). Last year, I had a green light, too. But it's my senior year and I just have to step up and make my team better."

Adams has not only stepped up, she's finding enjoyment in her final season, too. The senior committed to the Bengals early because it had all the factors she looked for — a winning basketball program in a school close to home.

Choosing Idaho State also allowed her to not worry about the future.

"It's really nice to go out and have fun and not worry about where I'm going for college," Adams said. "I don't have that pressure on me."

Layton has little reason to worry about the present. The Lancers count several talented multi-sport athletes in their basketball ranks.

Shaley Stevens and Kathryn LeCheminant were standouts on the volleyball team. While playing goalkeeper in girls soccer, Jaime Detro helped Layton earn a pair of late season shutouts that positioned them to claim the final 5A playoff spot.