Chabot women's basketball coach Mark Anger has a good feeling about his team's chances heading into the 2022-23 season.

The Gladiators boast two all-conference returners in the dedicated duo of Dede Franklin and Kendra Grant and a talented cast of newcomers. Franklin averaged 12.4 points and and five assists a game last season, and Grant averaged 13 points and 7.0 rebounds.

"I expect both to have great sophomore seasons," Anger said of Franklin and Grant. "Both put in the hard work in the offseason. I expect big things from both of them."

Chabot opens the season at home against Santa Rosa Junior College at 6 p.m. Tuesday and then hosts Mission at noon on Wednesday.

Freshman newcomer Kelly Tumlin out of California High in San Ramon brings a lot to the mix.

"I expect Kelly to be one of the top freshmen in NorCal," Anger said. "She is an excellent shooter and brings leadership and a high basketball IQ to the team."

Ariel Hines, a sophomore transfer from Vanguard University, "will be a force in the paint. High motor, tough player," Anger says.

Emilia Dougherty, a sophomore transfer from Skyline who has been away from basketball for two years, is showing steady improvement in practice.

"A tough competitor who will bring experience and 3-point shooting to the team," the coach states.

The Gladiators boast five freshmen who all should contribute and are gaining experience. They are Leilani Gonzales (James Logan); Adana Obi and Ashley Ndikum (both Tennyson); Krystal Awambu (Hayward); and Bella Maestas (Dublin).

"I expect good things from all of them," Anger said of his freshmen quintet.

Overall, the veteran coach with a track record of success is "excited about this year. I believe we are going to make some noise in NorCal basketball this season."

Chabot finished last season 14-13 overall and 7-3 in the Coast-North and earned a 13th seed in the NorCal Regional Playoffs, falling to No. 4 Fresno City 83-65.

In the 2019-20 season, the Gladiators finished 24-6 overall and 8-2 in conference, but their outstanding run was interrupted by the COVID-19 shutdown during the CCCAA State Playoffs. Chabot had beaten Fresno City 81-54 and Merced 66-63 in the Regional Playoffs to advance to the CCCAA State 'Elite Eight,' but was denied a chance to face Mt. San Antonio in Lemoore due to the shutdown.