Girls basketball: Scouting Leyden

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Stephanie Kuzmanic (first season)

Last year's record: 7-21, 0-12

Graduated players: Alyssa Aiello, Courtney Kost, Jenny Lazcano, Elizabeth McCluskey

Returning players: Gianna Grande (5-7 Jr. G), Alondra Chavarria (5-7 Sr. G), Rebecca Miranda (5-9 Jr. F), Autumn McGee (5-9 So. F), Artasia Gusman (5-4 So. G), Christina Leon (5-8 Sr. F), Sofia Murillo (5-6 Sr. G), Catherine Elliot (5-7 Sr. G-F)

Newcomers: Amanda Rodriguez (5-9 Sr. F), Yaneli Dorado (5-5 Jr. G), Rebecca Johnson (5-4 Jr. G), Jackie Soto (5-3 Jr. G), Melanie Ozanic (5-7 Jr. G), Nicole Sarad (5-7, Jr. G), Cherish Sepulveda (5-11 So. F)

Outlook: Former Wheeling and Carthage star guard Stephanie Kuzmanic takes over the Leyden program and welcomes back four returning starters in her debut season. "We have a very positive outlook on the upcoming season," said Kuzmanic, who helped lead Wheeling to the 2008 state finals. "Our group of seniors exemplify great leadership and continue to push themselves and their teammates to improve." Chavarria averaged 14.2 points, 5 rebounds and 3.3 steals last winter. "She will continue to excel on both ends of the floor," Kuzmanic said. "We also have very skilled sophomores in Artasia Gusman and Autumn McGee." They both started as freshmen. "With a year of experience under their belt, I am excited to see what they will be able to contribute this year," Kuzmanic said. Sophomore Cherish Sepulveda, in her first varsity season, will provide some of the height the Eagles need to battle for rebounds. "Because we are a smaller team, we need to utilize our speed to our advantage," Kuzmanic said. "We need to be the most aggressive and hard working team on the floor."