This time a year ago, the Thomas Dale girls basketball team was a sleeping giant. “We’re awake now. Everyone knows what to expect from us,“ coach Kevin Coffey said of the Knights, ranked No. 2 in The Times-Dispatch Top 10 Poll heading into the Times-Dispatch Invitational Tournament’s opening round tonight.

CAPITAL DISTRICT
Last season: 10-0, 19-3 Key players: PG Sydney Henderson, 5-6, Sr.; G Brittany Hill, 5-8, Jr.; G Taylor Ashcraft, 5-8, Sr.; F Richelle Price, 6-2, Sr.
  Outlook: With four seniors in the starting lineup, the Raiders have experience. Atlee is predicted to finish first in the district, especially with the help of Price, a two-time All-Metro first-team pick, on the inside and the guard tandem of Henderson and Hill. The Raiders are still trying to meet some high expectations.