OLD ORCHARD BEACH — It’s no surprise that the Old Orchard Beach girls basketball has had a strong season to date, after returning four players from a team that made it to the Western Class C quarterfinals a season ago. But what has been a boon for the Seagulls this year has been a pair of bench players that have helped keep them flying.

The Seagulls’ (10-3) starting five consists of four seniors and a junior, with three of the seniors having been starters since their freshman year. But complementing that experienced starting quintet are a junior in her second varsity year and a freshman.

Vanessa Hebert and Brianna Plante don’t get to hear their names called before games when starters are announced, but OOB head coach Dean Plante said after an early-season win over North Yarmouth Academy that the duo pushes his starting five to almost a starting seven.

“It’s nice to know you can look down a couple spots and not really miss a beat in terms of being able to finish and spread the floor,” said Plante, who is Brianna and senior guard Haley Plante’s father. “They fit our style really well. We’re guard-oriented; we have been for a few years now. So the style we play is: Spread the floor, look for open 3s when we can, but pressure defense and get up and down the floor.”

Despite coming off the bench, Brianna Plante is second on the team in scoring, at around seven points per game, and leads the team in 3-point percentage and makes. Hebert is in a group of players that averages between 5-7 points per game and is third on the team in 3-pointers, behind the Plante sisters.

They also provide virtually no drop-off on the defensive end, as their long arms and athleticism lead to a lot tipped passes that spark the Seagulls’ transition offense.

Getting the experienced starters and greenhorn reserves to mesh was easy, said Plante.

“They’re great. Obviously they’ve known Bri their whole life,” Plante said of his upperclassmen. “They’re family; they’re here as much as my kids. That part’s been really cool. They’ve embraced her and they’re really happy for her.

“(Hebert) is one of the more popular kids. She’s a goofball; she keeps everything light.”

Hebert and the younger Plante have lessened the departure of graduates Kelsey Custeau and Julia Fregeau, as it allowed the Seagulls to keep three sharpshooters on the court at all times, which gives seniors Abby Dubois and Mackenzie Rague room to drive the lane.

The Seagulls’ style of play has led to runs in the Western Class C tournament the past few years. Thanks to Hebert and Plante, that looks like it won’t change this season.

“I think come tournament time, we’ll be where we need to be and hopefully be able make a run,” said Plante.

— Sports Staff Writer Wil Kramlich can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 323 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @WilTalkSports.