FAIRHOPE, Alabama — The Lady Pirates open their 2012-13 season at home Tuesday night with Up-Shore rival Spanish Fort visiting Pirate Gym at 6 p.m.

Fairhope has some regrouping to do with five seniors, all major contributors last season, graduating last spring. The Lady Pirates have a tough 6A Area 2 race ahead with Baldwin County, Daphne, Foley and Robertsdale in the mix.

Head coach Jessica Webb does have some significant experience returning however with senior Imani Kirksey and sophomore Sidney White back in the line up. With a number of positions open, Tuesday night could be an opportunity for some younger players to show what they can do,

“We have no returning starters," Webb said. "Our starting five last season graduated. We have a young group that has worked really hard in the off season and puts out a lot of effort. Imani Kirksey will be our only senior starter (as a guard) and Sidney White will be our starting point guard. Those are the only two known starters at this time.

“There is a lot of playing time up for grabs. We are working on decision making and execution right now. I am looking forward to coaching this great group of young girls this season and watching them grow as basketball players and young women.”

The Lady Pirates move on after tonight and hit the road Thursday traveling to St. Paul’s for a 6 p.m. tip off and visit The Tank at Gulf Shores Monday night at 6 p.m.

Their first 6A Area 2 match up will be at Baldwin County High in Bay Minette Nov. 27 and return home Dec. 7 to host the BCHS Lady Tigers in an early area rematch. Those area games are also set for 6 p.m. starts.