Having a big target on your chest is better than having no target at all, and the Lawrence High girls basketball team likes the bull’s-eye its opponents have painted.

In a preseason coaches poll, Lawrence High was picked to win the Sunflower League. It’s a sign of respect, no doubt, but also a warning to coach Kristin Mallory and her crew.

Beware: They’re coming after you.

“Hopefully, the girls will take that as a challenge,” Mallory said. “It’s something they’ve got to learn to deal with.”

Talent will help, of course, and LHS is stacked in that department.

The Lions’ top four scorers from last year’s 15-6 team are back, including Division One signee Josie Polk, who averaged just less than 17 points a game as a junior last season.

Polk shot 36 percent from three-point range, and is taking her talents to Fairleigh Dickinson next year.

Complementing her this season is a strong inside game, led by senior Cherrale Ricks and junior Megan Klingler.

“Because Josie shoots as well as she does, that helps our post players a lot,” Mallory said. “On the other hand, our post players being as good as they are allows Josie to get a lot of looks. Without the other, the numbers wouldn’t be as good as they are.”

Lawrence High seniors Cherrale Ricks, left, and Taylor Parker will provide leadership on the Lions' basketball squads.

Ricks averaged 11.4 points per game as a junior, and Klingler, the lone sophomore to see significant time on varsity last year, averaged 7.2 points per game. Together, the two can give fits to opposing forwards.

“Megan is going to really shine this year,” Mallory said. “She’s got such a basketball body, and she has a great shot. Her and Cherrale work well together. That’s going to be a really good combination.”

Also returning are seniors Rachael Klingler (8.1 ppg last season) and Jodie Cochrane, who each made significant contributions on varsity a year ago.

All the talent has the potential to add up to a memorable season LHS can avoid injuries. Last year, the Lions’ postseason was less than desirable, a one-and-done exit after losing, 44-42, to Leavenworth in sub-state.

This year, LHS wants more.

“We’re not hiding it,” Mallory said. “These girls are looking to go to the state tournament. We think talent-wise, we’ve got a good shot at it.”

But, as Mallory said, it takes more than just talent. She emphasized the need for strong defense, minimizing fouls to negate lack of depth, and playing well as a team.

Starting Thursday at home against Overland Park Aquinas, Mallory and the Lions will begin to see what the season holds. The great thing is, it has the potential to be pretty special.

“There’s a lot of things that have to happen,” Mallory said. “But looking ahead, it could be a really successful year for us.”