Randy Rogers has enjoyed life more this fall.

It's not because the eighth-year College of Southern Idaho women's basketball coach has a roster stocked with experience and top-tier talent. In fact, Rogers lost a lot from last year's 26-4 squad, including four sophomores that signed with four-year programs. His 2009-10 team is largely made up first-year players still learning the college game.

But what these Golden Eagles lack in experience and talent, they make up for with upbeat attitudes, work ethic and chemistry.

"They're a fun, fun group," said Rogers, whose team is No. 8 in the NJCAA Division I preseason poll. "This is most close-knit group I've ever coached since I've been here. They really care about each other off the floor and like each other off the floor. They seem to really have this kind of chemistry we haven't had in the past."

The players agree.

"It's weird how much we get along," said sophomore forward Shauneice Samms.

Still, CSI has to replace four starters from last year's team, including All-American post Soana Lucet (Arizona), NJCAA assist leader Martina Holloway (Louisiana Tech) and do-everything forward LaCale Pringle-Buchanan (Utah State), who led the NJCAA in steals. In all, seven of CSI's top eight scorers from the 2008-09 team have departed.

"Talent-wise we've got to get better," said Rogers. "We're definitely going to have to play more as a team than we have in the past."

Fortunately, this group appears to be poised to do just that.

Samms returns after an All-American freshman season saw her finish second on the team in scoring (15.2 ppg) and rebounding (8.1 rpg), while recording 3.5 blocks per game. She is one of only four sophomores on the team, including Kalika Tullock, Emiliya Yancheva and former All-American Maddie Plunkett, who is working her way back from a knee injury that sidelined her for all of last season.

Plunkett tore the ACL in her right knee prior to last season. She signed with Arkansas last March but reversed her decision and returned to CSI. Tendinitis in her knee has put her on the shelf again, but Rogers is hopeful she'll return in a few weeks.

"If she's healthy, we're twice as good as we are without her on the floor," he said.

With Plunkett questionable and 10 freshman on the roster, Rogers has changed his focus a bit.

"I want this group to have fun," he said. "I want them to enjoy playing basketball. I hope we can walk off the floor after each game and say we gave great effort. If we do those things, I think the wins and stuff will come."

The point guard spot will be handled by speedy true freshmen Felicity Jones and Daidra Brown. Redshirt freshman Kiki Lockett, who started her career at Georgetown, has been slowed by a foot injury but could be a major contributor if healthy.

"Felicity and Daidra just get it and go," said Rogers, "so we'll probably run even more that we did last year."

Samms will likely see more time on the wing this year after playing primarily in the post as a freshman. She's joined there by former Twin Falls High School star Devan Matkin. Freshman Tina Fakahafua joins Matkin as a solid 3-point shooting threat, while freshmen Laurel Kearsley and Kayla Williams look to anchor the middle.

"Obviously we want to win the league and get to the national tournament, but we've got a long way to go," said Rogers.

This year's schedule features an expanded 20-game Scenic West Athletic Conference schedule, up from 15 league games last year. That means facing rivals Salt Lake Community College on Nov. 19. Rogers said the Bruins are much improved this season, while Snow College also looks solid. North Idaho, which rallied from 17 points down to upset CSI in the Region 18 Tournament title game, has also reloaded with good talent.

Rogers said he is trying to implement the approach of the NIC coaching staff, giving his players more freedom on the court. It's a change his players have noticed.

"He hasn't even yelled at us," joked Samms.

While there are certain to be some growing pains with a young lineup, this is still CSI basketball and the two-time defending SWAC champs intend to continue their winning tradition.

"We're going to be good," said Samms. "We're fast. Our guards are fast, it's crazy. We don't have a passer like Martina, but we have such good chemistry we work well together."

Mike Christensen may be reached at sports@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3229.