GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)-- The Grand Junction girls' basketball team is turning to sophomore Sydni Brandon to lead the squad this winter.

"I knew this time was coming," said Brandon during practice on Monday, "so I just have to step up."

Brandon will be filling the shoes of Jamie Derrieux, who graduated last sping and led the Lady Tigers' in scoring the past few seasons.

"She's worried about stepping on the toes of the older kids, which normally happens with younger kids," said head coach Sam Provenza.

"They embrace what she's doing, and they're going to go wherever [Brandon] takes us," Provenza added.

The Tigers start their season in Pueblo against Pueblo Central on Thursday.