The Buford girls haven’t quite achieved what last year’s basketball team did. Not yet at least.

But just by advancing as deep as they have — they play today in the Class AA quarterfinals in Dalton — they have been a surprise. Most assumed head coach Gene Durden would have a major rebuilding effort after losing eight valuable seniors off last season’s state championship team.

Truthfully, it was a considerable rebuilding effort. But the construction went pretty fast for a team that is now 26-4.

“To lose the eight seniors we lost last year, and four of them went on to play college basketball, I feel really good about where we’re at,” Durden said. “It’s rewarding with this group because a lot of people didn’t think we’d be as successful as we are.

“But I’m really, really proud of them. One of the biggest reasons for our success has been the team chemistry, pulling for each other. And the seniors have done a great job of leading.”

Last year’s senior class played a pivotal role in the state title, both with its play and leadership. The group included Auburn signee Blanche Alverson and Valdosta State signee Jocelyn Danley.

Durden has been impressed this season with an equally important contribution from a new senior class of Lacey Pass, Ayana Ward, Kayla Burge, Jessica Ours and Alysha Rudnik. Ward and Pass start in the backcourt and Rudnik has filled a big scoring void.

“(Rudnik) already has signed a softball scholarship to Georgia Tech, so she really doesn’t have to be here,” Durden said. “But she wants to help us out.”

The Wolves’ successful season also has hinged heavily on its star, Andraya Carter. The heavily recruited sophomore has nearly doubled her scoring from last season (she’s averaging 19 points), assuming a much large offensive load than her freshman season.

She also has guarded the opponent’s best scorer the past four games, two in the region tournament and two in the state tourney.

“It’s been a challenge for Andraya because it’s a totally different role,” Durden said.

“Last year she was protected by those eight seniors. She could just handle the ball and score when it was there. She’s been a more active scorer this year, but also with her rebounding and defense. She’s done some different things for us.”

Buford’s nemesis this season has been Greater Atlanta Christian, which beat the Wolves for the Region 6-AA title. GAC also is still alive in the AA playoffs, taking on Blessed Trinity today at 4 p.m. in Dalton.

Buford faces the winner of Thursday night’s Rabun County-Lovett game today at 7 p.m.

Those games bookend a 5:30 p.m. quarterfinal between the GAC boys and Spencer.