Scouting West Aurora

Now in her seventh season at West Aurora, coach Connie Siljendahl might not have any teams with as much experience as this one.

That happens when you bring five players up to varsity as freshmen, which the Blackhawks did two years ago.

So while West Aurora does have to replace graduated All-Area guard Alexis Nelson, its four juniors who all have two years of varsity experience make a nice place to start.

“It’s the third season for my four juniors and it’s great to finally have some talent returning,” Siljendahl said.

West Aurora went 15-12 last year, took third in the DuPage Valley Conference and finished third at the Wheaton North Christmas Tournament.

The Blackhawks bring back Abriya Zietz, a junior who can play inside or outside and earned all-DVC special mention as a sophomore.

Liz Skaggs is another junior who made all-conference special mention last year, and sisters Taylor and Erin Jacobsen are juniors with two years of varsity basketball under their belts.

Alexis Wiggins will run the team at point guard, a sophomore who also played varsity as a freshman.

Senior posts Shelby Zima and Molly Jordon, senior guard Taylor Winston and sophomore post Kyler Robertson provide the team’s depth.

Instead of focusing on being quick or being tall or great shooting as her team’s primary strength, Siljendahl said the Blackhawks’ best attribute might be their versatility.

“We have a blend of all grades,” Siljendahl said. “We can be tall and slow or short and fast.”

Coach: Connie Siljendahl

Last year: 15-12

Key players: Abriya Zietz (jr., F); Liz Skaggs (jr., F); Alexis Wiggins (so., G)

Skinny: Experience will be on Blackhawks’ side