They were young and talented, dreaming big.

A first-round overtime loss to Maui in the state tournament drew an abrupt end to the dreams of the Farrington Governors last season. By the next night, after a close loss to Aiea, the Govs were done with postseason play, two and out.

That memory left a bitter taste, but didn't make bitter players of Farrington. They just got better.

Despite a grueling nonconference schedule, the Govs are off to a good start. In short time, they've beaten No. 5 Kamehameha and nationally ranked Westlake (Ga.), and gave defending state champ Punahou a battle.

Coaches and media are believers. They voted Farrington (6-4) to a No. 2 ranking in the Star-Bulletin Girls Basketball Preseason Top 10.

“;To be honest, I try not to think about the rankings at all. Whether we're No. 2 or 10 or not ranked at all, my goals are the same with the girls,”; coach Caroline Tatupu-Leopoldo said.

On Paper: The Govs were 19-7 last year (12-4 OIA Red) and lost a solid contributor in Honour Stone, who graduated.

However, the rest of the unit returns largely intact. Janell Vance, a 5-foot-11 junior, is back to anchor the frontcourt. Sophomore Brydgette Tatupu-Leopoldo (5-9), the coach's niece, has been a steady scorer from the perimeter. Valerie Lesu (5-7) also brings experience to the backcourt and has switched to the point to share duties with another senior, Natalie Mata (5-6).

Brydgette Tatupu-Leopoldo, daughter of former Govs standout Steven Leopoldo, scored 14 points and the made the winning layup in the 54-53 win over Westlake. At the time, Westlake was ranked No. 4 in the nation.

Losses to Long Beach Poly (Calif.), Oregon City (Ore.), No. 9 Waiakea and Punahou (53-47) were building blocks for the Govs and Caroline Tatupu-Leopoldo, now in her second year.

“;I was really looking forward to this season after the losses at the end of last year,”; the coach said. “;Looking ahead to this season, I was excited, and I'm still excited. There's a big difference in our team now.”;

The Skinny: The Govs have always had athletes, but Brydgette Tatupu-Leopoldo brings a court savvy matched by few. They also have the luxuries of depth and size. Nance has support in the paint from Jerica Onosai (5-9), Lusina Otineru (5-10), Kirsten Liana (5-11) and Sofia Folaumahina (6-0).

Farrington can be a streaky shooting team. Brydgette Tatupu-Leopoldo is their primary threat from the arc, which is usually enough against smaller teams. Taller teams that can pack the paint effectively against the Govs will be able to take away Tatupu-Leopoldo's open looks.

Smaller teams with good ballhandlers, like Waiakea, can tip the scales, too.

“;It does worry me where we play on a high and then have a letdown. We want the girls to be consistent game after game and not have this up, down, up, down roller-coaster kind of performance,”; the Farrington coach said, referring to two losses after the win over Westlake.

Farrington's first test of the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red season is right around the corner. The Govs host defending league champion Kalani on Tuesday.

Farrington has three OIA crowns, all under Harry Pacarro. The last of those came in 1991, the year current Governors seniors were born.

The Govs have not won a state title. Their highest finish was second in 1986 after a 52-50 loss to Waiakea in the final.

X Factor: Caroline Tatupu-Leopoldo hopes she can count on more than one scorer in crunch time.

“;Last year, Brydgette was the go-to person when we were down. Her scoring ability's been able to lift our team,”; the coach said. “;This year, with the size we have, I hope my bigs and two point guards can step up and spread the responsibility around.”;