Although basketball season has yet to begin, the Fort Dale girls’ team has already suffered a loss.

Lori Fail, who was a key player for the Eagles last season, tore her ACL in one of the first practices of the year and will be on the bench for this season.

“That definitely hurts us,” said head coach William Johnson. “Lori is a really good player, and we still view her as a team leader. She’s definitely going to be missed.”

Fail’s absence leaves an opening for other teammates to step in.

Sarah James will be moving over to guard, and when James needs a break, the spot will be filled by committee, Johnson said.

Even with the loss of Fail, the Eagles’ team is an experienced bunch.

“We only lost two players from last year, and we’ve got five seniors this year,” Johnson said. “We’re a very veteran team, and very junior-senior oriented.”

Jessie Langford will be taking the point guard position for the Eagles, and Emily Boulware, Murphy Middleton and Abbey Martin will also probably be starters.

The team also features a strong cast of supporting players, which Johnson hopes will work to their advantage late in games.

“You’re only as good as your bench, and we usually play pretty deep,” he said. “Hopefully we can wear folks down in the second half.”

Fort Dale’s game scheduled for Saturday against Tuscaloosa Academy has been moved to Jan. 30, so the Eagles will open the season on Monday against Wilcox Academy in Camden.