As Paul Brutto sat in his office during a lunch break recently at Marian High School, he felt that there was still much needed time to shore up any inconsistencies with his soon-to-be unveiled 2015-2016 edition of the Fillies.

There is no question about Brutto's ability to evaluate, to inspire and to find ways to keep the Fillies at the head of the class each and every year. He has over 500 wins on a resume that includes a state championship and a formula which keeps on brewing winners."I'm extremely concerned about our depth. That's a big issue," said Brutto. "We only have 10 players on varsity and only 15 players in the program - and six of those are freshmen. That (lack of depth) shows up in practice "The Fillies' graduation losses put a dent in leadership and experience. Abbey Whildin is the big loss in the lineup, taking her double-digit scoring with her diploma. Ashley Fannick departed even though she saw only three games of action before incurring a season-ending injury. Bethany Shaud was another key loss."I don't like the word zone, but we have no choice," Brutto said. "I want man first, but because of our depth we will use zone. It's something that we will throw in to mix things up, to (create) a change of pace, and also because we have to."Despite the lack of numbers, the cupboard is far from bare.There are some superb players in the fold, including Savanna Krusinsky, a 5-10 senior, who missed all of last season with a knee injury. Key returnees include Vanessa Whitecavage, Brenna Karnish, Madison Stoyer and Brianna Raabe. Also expected to contribute are Tina Capparell, Jillian Correale and Gianna Agosti."The thing that is driving me (crazy) is we're not taking care of the ball," Brutto said about the preseason. "We've got to get better at executing our offenses."We have to run it over and over. We've got to reverse the ball better. That's one area that has me concerned heading into the season."The Fillies will have a chance to work out their kinks during a tough exhibition slate that should prepare them for when their Schuylkill League Division III schedule tips off in earnest later this month."I think Mahanoy Area is going to be the team to beat in our division, they're young, but talented," Brutto said. "Shenandoah has lost a lot but they have (Marcella) Creasy back and (Carly) Teaschinko.As for the rest of the league, Brutto sees quite a bit of talent."Minersville is going to be outstanding with all of their starters back and they're all juniors. Pottsville's new coach Curt Ziegmont will do a really good job, then there's North Schuylkill with all that tradition. So it is going to be very competitive up and down the league."