Girls basketball: Scouting the Fox Valley
Bartlett Hawks
Coach: Denise Sarna (17th year; 295-180 at Bartlett, 315-288 overall
Last year: 17-12, 9-3 Upstate Eight Valley
Top returnees: Senior Lauren Janczak (5-6 guard), juniors Nicole Gerdevich (5-10 forward), Shelly Lyjak (5-7 guard), Nina Pavell (5-3 guard), Kaitlin Brohan (5-9 guard), Kelly Harris (6-1 post).
Top newcomers: Juniors Mariah Martinez (5-7 guard), Jamie Kenna (5-7 guard), Veronika O'Donnell (5-6 guard), Amia Akwiwu (5-9 forward), Genesis Kelly (5-6 guard), sophomore Brianna Cariello (6-1 post), freshman Kayla Hare (5-9 forward).
Outlook: The list of players with varsity experience for the Hawks is a long one, despite the fact this team will have just one senior. Brohan (8.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.0 apg), Janczak (5.1 ppg), Lyjak (2.7 ppg), and Harris (6.6 ppg. 4.3 rpg) all had starting roles all or most of all last season. “The kids are working hard,” said Sarna, who stands just 5 wins from 300 at Bartlett. “We lost a couple top kids to graduation but the kids we have coming back and the ones moving up, it's their turn now. They're maturing and it's fun to see. We're ahead of schedule in terms of knowing the offenses and defenses and it's been a while since we've been in that spot. These are smart kids and they play well together.” Bartlett tied with South Elgin in the UEC Valley last year for second place and Sarna says everyone will be chasing defending division champion Neuqua Valley again but, she adds, “I'd like to think we can challenge.”
Burlington Central Rockets
Coach: Mark Smith (3rd year, 54-11)
Last year: 27-6, 12-0 Big Northern East
Top returnees: Seniors Alison Colby (6-0 center/forward), Aly DeTamble (5-9 guard/forward), Jackie Collins (5-7 guard), Kayla Rafferty (5-8 guard), juniors Kayla Ross (5-7 guard), Shelby Holt (5-9 guard), Sam Cruz (5-7 guard), Sam Pryor (6-0 forward), Becca Gerke (6-0 forward/center)
Top newcomers: Sophomore Kristina Ahlers (5-6 guard)
Outlook: The expectations are high again on Rocket Hill, as they should be. Coming off the program's first trip to Redbird Arena and the Class 3A state finals, where the Rockets finished in fourth place, the goal is to return to the state finals. “Our one main goal is to get downstate again,” said Smith. “We really have the same goal — to get to the supersectional and win that game.” The challenge will be a bit different early as BC will have to go at it without two of last year's starters. Junior Division I prospect Pryor (14.4 ppg, 55 3-pointers, 5.9 rpg, all-area, second team AP All-State) will be out for a few games with a knee issue while Smith said junior guard Cruz (2.9 ppg) will be out until around Christmas with a broken hand. “We've got some kids out right now so that makes it a different challenge,” Smith said. But that doesn't mean the Rockets will struggle. They return their core, including senior standout Colby (8.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, all-area) and junior guard Ross (7.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.4 spg), a defensive standout and another Division I prospect. Also returning are Gerke (5.4 ppg), Holt (8.2 ppg, 47 3-pointers) and DeTamble (3.6 ppg), who all saw significant minutes last year. “Becca Gerke has really improved,” Smith said. “She looks more aggressive and she's focused on getting better. The main characters are the same and we really look for the seniors to step up.” Smith said he's also seen improvement from Rafferty and Collins, and says sophomore Ahlers is, “A little raw, but we feel she's going to be a good one. It's a new year and the teams we've seen have improved and we've improved. Team are gunning for us more now and that's part of the challenge. We'll go game by game and just try to improve as the season goes along.” The Rockets will again play an ultra-tough schedule outside the Big Northern East, one that includes the Dundee-Crown Christmas tournament, the McDonald's Shootout at Willowbrook where they will play Marist, and a Jan. 31 trip to Lombard to face defending Class 3A champion Montini, which beat BC 34-26 in last year's state semifinal.
Cary-Grove TrojansCoach: Rod Saffert (9th season, 176-62)
Last year: 18-12, 6-6 Fox Valley Valley Division
Top returning players: Seniors Katie Barker (5-10, guard-forward), Candace Cunningham (5-8, guard), Karisa Wilczynski (5-8, guard, forward), Chrissy Sopchyk (5-8, guard), Alli Josefowicz (5-6, guard), Maddie Priester (5-7, forward), juniors Jen Pilut (5-8, guard), Olivia Miller (5-7, guard)
Top newcomers: Sophomore Becca Kendeigh (5-8, guard), freshmen Abby Getka (5-10, guard-forward), Katie Sowa (5-10, guard-forward)
Outlook: The Trojans are loaded with experienced players, headlined by Ohio University recruit Barker, who averaged more than 18 points per game and hit a school-record 77 3-pointers last season. She's a team captain for a third year in a row (Josefowicz and Pilut also are captains; this is Josefowicz's second year in a row as a captain). “Katie has taken her game to another level yet again during the off-season,” said Saffert. The other seven returning players also will play key roles. “Those seven fulfilled their roles admirably last year and will no doubt be important to our success again this year,” said Saffert. “They have been part of the winning tradition here at Cary-Grove for quite some time. We have a lot of senior leadership. We have seven seniors on the team for the first time in many years.” Because of that veteran presence, Saffert has seen great progress in the preseason. “I was telling them (two weeks ago) that it was probably the most incredible first week of practice I've ever had and it's because of that leadership. The older kids are taking things over and that makes a huge difference. Because we have these leaders, we are light years ahead of where we usually are.” Saffert feels this season won't just be the Katie Barker show. “We have a lot more people who can score, especially from the outside,” said Saffert. “That will make things a little easier for Katie.” As usual, Saffert is expecting a strong defensive performance. “We preach defense is the first offense,” he said. “The girls are working hard on defense. The nice thing is this group knows about our offense and that means we can spend the necessary time working on defense.” Saffert is expecting a close race in the FVC Valley. “Huntley will be right there. Crystal Lake South will be pretty good. It's going to be a tough road,” he said. “With only six conference teams, we're down to 10 games for at least this year. That makes it real tough. You can't afford to lose many. Huntley is the team to beat and we will be in the mix. I also think Dundee-Crown is going to be dangerous. This is going to be a tough year for whoever thinks they are going after the conference crown.”
Crystal Lake South Gators
Coach: Mark Mucha (1st year)
Last year: 16-13, 7-4 FVC Valley
Top returnees: Seniors Gaby DeJesus (5-3 guard), Hailee Massie (5-7 forward), Lauren Gauger (5-7 forward), junior Chanel Fanter (5-10 forward).
Top newcomers: Sophomores Annika Sevcik (5-11 post), Taylor Jozefowicz (5-5 guard)
Outlook: Mucha takes over the Gators for longtime coach Kyle McCaughn. Mucha served the last four years as McCaughn's assistant and was also the program's freshman coach. He inherits some experience but also a team with huge shoes to fill with the graduation of Sara Mickow, who scored over 1,000 career points and had over 1,000 career rebounds, and Rachel Rasmussen. CLS will also be without Cincinnati volleyball recruit Carly Nolan, who will not play basketball this year. But the cupboard isn't bare. Senior experience returns in point guard DeJesus (4.1 ppg, 3.3 apg) and Massie (3.1 ppg. 2.0 rpg) as well as Fanter (14.8 ppg. 4.0 rpg), the team's leading scorer last year and an all-area selection. “We're going to lean on Chanel for a lot of offense,” Mucha said. “And we just have to come together as a core on defense. We have to jell together as a team. One person can't replace a Sara Mickow, all five have to do it. We play some pretty good competition and the Dundee-Crown (Thanksgiving) tournament will get us ready for the conference season. We lost a lot to graduation but I'm excited to see our returning varsity players as well as our newcomers step up and fill that void.”
Dundee-Crown Chargers
Coach: Sarah Miller (2nd year, 10-22)
Last year: 10-22, 3-9 FVC Valley
Top returnees: Seniors Kagan Faulkner (guard), Lauren Lococo (guard), Jesania Laboy (center), juniors Melissa Barker (guard), Kayla Lawrence (guard), sophomore Allison Michalski (center).
Top newcomers: Senior Creighton Fed (point guard), sophomore Paige Gieseke (guard), freshman Maddie Tripp (center).
Outlook: The Chargers enter Miller's second season with hopes to improve on last year's 10-win record. Several players with varsity experience return including Lococco (7.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2., 6 apg), Faulkner (3.1 ppg), Barker (6.3 ppg, 45 3-pointers), Michalski (6.3 ppg. 5.1 rpg) and Laboy (7.1 ppg., 8.2 rpg). Add senior point guard Fed, who transferred from Yorkville, and the core should be solid. “Compared to last year we've made some big strides,” Miller said. “We're just trying to maintain the consistency of hard work. They're starting to get the work ethic of competing. We've got some speed and I think we'll compete better than last year. The core group I had last year knows what I expect. Last year was more setting the tone and this year they know what to expect. There's more teaching to be done but the group back is starting to click and developing more confidence. I think we can surprise some people.”
Elgin Maroons
Coach: Dr. Nick Bumbales (6th year, 18-121)
Last year: 6-22, 1-11 Upstate Eight River
Top players: Seniors Abby Pierre-Louis (5-10, forward), Destiny West (5-9, forward), Megan Alexander (6-0, center), juniors Alisha Panthier (6-0, center), Lakiya Harvey (5-7, point guard), Erin Granger (5-8, guard), Kelly Equizabal (5-7, guard), Leesa Mena (5-8, guard), Emma Sirridge (5-9, forward), Casey Valezquez (5-5, point guard), Emily Villagomez (5-6, guard)
Outlook: Bumbales has done an outstanding job in garnering interest in the Elgin High girls' program. He has 23 players on the varsity team this season and around 70 in the program. “We're very proud of the numbers,” he said. “The kids have done an outstanding job of building a culture in our building where girls want to participate.” That total program number includes 30 at the freshman level. “The freshmen group is very good. It's the best we've had here in a long time.” Bumbales likes the learning potential for this season's group. “It's a competitive group,” he said. “We did lose a lot on the perimeter to graduation, but we have a smart basketball group here that picks up things quickly. It's an extremely cohesive group. It's all about basketball with them. They are great kids.” Bumbales said the start of the season will hold significance. “We'll find out early what we are about,” he said. “If we can get some wins under our belt, that confidence will help us out a lot throughout the season. If we can get that confidence and carry it throughout the year, we have a chance to improve our record.” Bumbales is thrilled with the overall direction the program is heading. “For us to have 70 players who want to pay basketball, that says a lot about what we are trying to do here win or lose,” he said.
Elgin Academy Hilltoppers
Coach: Bill Rodriguez
Last year: 4-17, 0-9 Independent School League
Top returning players: Juniors Liz Huerta (guard), Roma Hameed (forward), sophomore Isabella Perrelli (post)
Key newcomers: Sophomore Gia Joyce (forward-post), freshmen Michelle Peyton (forward-guard), Chibuzor Onwochei (post), Madeline Sporina (forward, post), Neha Shyamani (guard), Haley Dulabaum (forward-guard), Sharene Gould Dulabaum (guard)
Outlook: Youth is the order of the day for the Hilltoppers, who have no seniors and two juniors on the roster. “We're a very young team,” said Rodriguez. “We're starting over again. The good thing is this group is very energetic and willing to work hard and willing to learn the new offense we will be using. They are learning a new pace of game. It changes a lot going from freshman basketball to a varsity level of basketball. It's more physical and faster and there is quicker decision-making involved.” Rodriguez has been pleased with what he's seen thus far in practice. “We're getting the pieces polished little by little. They are improving on fundamentals and are getting used to playing man-to-man defense. We played zone last year because we only had six girls. This year we have 10 players and we'll be more aggressive.”
Hampshire Whip-Purs
Coach: Mike Featherly (2nd year, 12-15)
Last year: 12-15, 5-7 FVC Fox
Top returnees: Seniors Tricia Dumoulin (guard/forward), Claudia Lazar (guard), juniors Emma Benoit (forward), Nikki Dumoulin (guard), sophomore Peyton DeChant (guard/forward).
Top newcomers: Junior Miah Thompson (guard/forward), sophomore Rachel Dumoulin (guard/forward)
Outlook: In season two under Featherly, the Whip-Purs are hoping their returning experience will turn the record back into a winning one. Tricia Dumoulin (6.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.4 apg), Benoit (12.1 ppg. 9.4 rpg) and Nikki Dumoulin (3.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.3 apg) all saw considerable time last season and the 6-2 Benoit is an all-area returnee. “Emma and Nikki have both gotten a lot better, especially around the rim,” Featherly said. “Nikki is our point guard so we put a lot of our offense on her and we ask her to do a lot defensively. We've got a good team coming back and an experienced team with a core group that has a couple years of varsity experience. The girls really bought into the open gyms and it's been fun. They have been very competitive in practice.” Hampshire has also toughened up its early schedule, leaving the Elgin Academy Thanksgiving tournament for Hoffman Estates, where the Whips will see the likes of teams like Maine West, Niles West, Lake Park and Proviso West.
Harvest Christian Lions
Coach: Rich DeTamble (1st year)
Last year: 15-11, 7-2 NAC
Top returnees: Seniors Kylee Knox (5-7 guard), Morgan Lockwood (5-9 forward), Alex Rayappa (5-8 guard), junior Rachel Oostdyk (6-1 center)
Top newcomers: Juniors Paulina Castro (5-7 guard), Raena Mulroney (5-8 guard/forward), Hannah Hendricks (5-5 guard).
Outlook: It's a new look at Harvest Christian with DeTamble, who was an assistant last season, taking over the program for Kelly Friestad. The new coach has plenty of experience to work with as Knox, Lockwood, Rayappa and Oostdyk all got considerable varsity time last season. Knox is a returning all-area player who averaged and area-high 20.5 ppg last year and made 55 3-pointers. She also averaged 3.7 assists per game and led the area with 4.5 steals per game. A Class 1A honorable mention all-stater she enters her senior season with 1,060 career points. But the scoring load on Knox has been lessened considerably by the addition of Castro, who played on Montini's last two Class 3A state championship teams. The new Lions' point guard hit for 28 in the season opener against Westminster Christian and has 12-14 Division I schools following her progress closely. “Our team goals are to win a regional championship,” DeTamble said. “HCA has always been known as a volleyball school and our volleyball program is outstanding. They succeed year in and year out. I am trying to garner that kind of respect with HCA basketball. My goal for this year's team is to push through the past by establishing a program that is respected not just because we win games but because we win the right way. I have always told the girls you can win the wrong way and you can get beat playing the right way. Every game is an opportunity. It is all a matter of attitude, effort and excellence day in and day out. If we practice these principles, HCA basketball will succeed.”
Huntley Red Raiders
Coach: Steve Raethz (16th year, 246-189)
Last year: 27-4, 12-0 FVC Valley
Top returnees: Senior Jessica Brock (5-5 guard), juniors Ali Andrews (6-2 forward), Kayla Barreto (5-2 guard).
Top newcomers: Seniors Katie Costantino (5-7 guard), Kelli Rubino (5-8 forward), Margaret Miller (6-1 forward), juniors Alexis Lowitzki (5-4 guard), Alexa Brown (5-7 guard), Paige Renkosik (5-8 guard), Dani Nichols (5-6 forward), Teagan Papka (5-10 forward), sophomores Morgan Clausen (5-11 forward), Abbey Brown (5-7 guard), Maddy Moffett (5-8 forward).
Outlook: The Red Raiders have some big shoes to fill with the graduation losses of all-area co-captain Sam Andrews (Truman State), Bethany Zornow and Rachel Zobott, but there is some experience returning and it all starts with Ali Andrews, the Illinois recruit who shared all-area captain honors with her sister Sam. Ali Andrews averaged 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.5 blocks per game last year and enters her junior season with an even 1,111 career points. Also back are third-year varsity players Barreto (5 ppg, 1.5 apg) and Brock. “Although we lost three key players who provided great leadership and experience over the past two seasons, we have a nice mix of returning talent and newcomers,” said Raethz, whose team was FVC Valley and regional champs last year. “The big key for us is getting contributions from the new kids and getting kids to fill their roles.” Raethz knows every opponent will be focused on stopping Ali Andrews, which is nothing new. “It was like that last year and it will be even more imperative this year to have multiple kids ready to score,” he said. “Kayla Barreto has really improved her game and we'll lean on her to score more this year. Our players are working hard to build team chemistry and cohesiveness and I believe our team will be competitive this year. We look forward to the challenge of defending last year's conference title and it should be a competitive division with a lot of teams who have improved from last season.”
Jacobs Golden Eagles
Coach: Joe Benoit (3rd year, 11-44)
Last year: 8-21, 3-9 Fox Valley Valley Division
Top returning players: Seniors Jenni Barnec (5-9, forward), Jessica Powell (5-6, guard), sophomores Carly Sidor (5-7, guard), Maggie Grady (5-10, forward)
Key newcomers: Sophomore Emily Anderson (5-10, forward), freshman Kerri Healy (5-6, guard)
Outlook: Benoit isn't short on experience this season — all five starters are back. “For the first time in a few years we have experience coming back,” he said. “Our top seven girls that are back gained experience last year. We won our first regional game in several years and these girls have worked tremendously hard over the offseason. They put the work in and now it's starting to show on the court.” Senior Barnec led the team in scoring last year on her way to all-FVC Valley and all-area honors. The Golden Eagles will use their athleticism to counteract a lack of overall height. “We're still undersized,” said Benoit. “We have a fairly athletic and quick group. We will be decently fast this season. We have several athletic post players surrounded by good depth at the guard position.” The large number of returning players also helps Jacobs in the chemistry department. “They are a close group off the court and that is the type of thing that helps put things together on the court,” said Benoit. Jacobs would like to improve on its FVC Valley standing this season. “We know in the Fox Valley Conference we have to come out and compete each night,” said Benoit. “Who isn't going to be tough in our division? Huntley will be very good with what they have coming back. Cary-Grove is going to be extremely tough again and I think Dundee-Crown will have a nice showing this year. We were 3-9 last year. We're going to go out there each night and compete.” Benoit feels the team's overall schedule will benefit it come playoff time. “Our schedule still is extremely difficult, but I feel it will only benefit us come February,” said Benoit.
Larkin Royals
Coach: Ruben Flores (3rd year, 13-44)
Last year: 10-16, 2-8 Upstate Eight River Division
Top returning players: Senior Quixmia Washington (5-6, guard), sophomore Marlee Kyles (5-7, guard)
Key newcomers: Juniors Sam Wahl (5-5, guard), Sarah Lel-Rahmany (5-5, guard)
Outlook: Larkin will be without 5-10 center Haley Casebeer, who is out with a knee injury suffered in the volleyball season. “We are going to have to fill that gap at center and forward,” said Flores. “Haley is a big loss for us and we hope she comes back healthy.” Larkin does return veteran Washington at a guard position. “The strength of this group this year is our guards. They are fast and quick,” said Flores. “Quixmia is very strong and Marlee has gained strength in her upper body. Both have been working hard on conditioning and both will help us. I expect big things from Quixmia with her leadership on the floor and during practice. Marlee is our point guard and will get everybody involved. We'll look to her for assists and scoring. She will help us out in a number of different ways this season. We'll be a quick, guard-oriented team.” Flores sees that quickness translating into positives on the defensive end. “We will be strong defensively because we are guard-oriented and quick,” he said. “We should be able to attack the other team's guards with our speed. Marlee and Quixmia have high basketball IQs and they are our floor generals. We are going to be as quick as we can on defense and run and gun. We expect our kids to get up and down the court as fast as they can.” Flores also has been pleased with the team's shooting. “We have decent shooters,” he said. “Sam and Sarah are good 3-point shooters as well as Marlee and Quixmia. We'll rely on that shooting.” Flores likes where things are heading with the program. “I'm optimistic,” he said. “We are certainly still a young team and the girls are getting to know each other. Last year we won 10 games and the previous year we won five. With the energy these girls bring in practice I think we will catch some teams sleeping and catch them by surprise.” Flores expects a competitive UEC River Division this season. “Who isn't good?” he asked. “Geneva went Downstate. The St. Charles schools always are good and Doc (Nick Bumbales) has a ton of girls out at Elgin. We have our work cut out for us. We will show up every night and compete and let the chips fall where they may.”
St. Edward Green Wave
Coach: Michelle Dawson (11th year, 154-126)
Last year: 19-9, 8-2 Suburban Christian Gold
Top returnees: Seniors Cece Rapp (6-3 forward), Ryann Scully (5-7 guard), Casey Gredzieleski (5-7 guard), sophomores Madelyn Spagnola (5-3 guard), Katelyn Castoro (5-6 guard).
Top newcomers: Juniors Arely Ramos (5-7 forward), Emily Armstrong (5-6 guard), sophomore Taylor Schueler (5-7 guard), freshman Yssa Sto. Domingo (5-3 guard).
Outlook: The Green Wave will sport a youth movement of sorts this season, but it will be in conjunction with some experience. Rapp, an all-area player last year who recently signed to play at Division II Lindenwood, has the ability to dominate the paint at 6-3. She averaged 12.4 points and 9 rebounds per game last year. Spagnola had a successful freshman campaign, averaging 10.9 ppg, 2.7 spg and hitting 27 3-pointers, and Gredzieleski (4.0 ppg) and Scully each saw significant minutes. Dawson is high on the contributions she expects from sophomore Schueler and freshman Sto. Domingo. “We have some talented youth and some good senior leadership who have had successful basketball careers and bring a lot of knowledge with them,” said Dawson, who noted starter Chelsea Gnan did not come out this year in order to concentrate on soccer. “We're just trying to find the right mix right now.” The Wave also enter into a new conference, the Metro Suburban, where they will play in the West Division along with Aurora Central Catholic, Glenbard South, Riverside-Brookfield, Wheaton Academy, Fenton and IC Catholic Prep. “It's a mix of familiar faces and new faces,” Dawson said. “We'll have to do a lot of scouting. We don't know what these new teams hold. It will be a learning experience for us.” Dawson will be assisted by longtime sidekick Denny Butzow, as well as Katie Yohn, St. Edward's all-time leading scorer who is back in town after a successful career at Bradley University.
South Elgin Storm
Coach: Dan Mandernack (1st year)
Last year: 20-10, 9-3 Upstate Eight Valley
Top returnees: Seniors Taylor Ford (5-9 guard), Delaney Kelleher (5-10 guard), Laura McIntosh (5-10 guard), Cara Fahey (5-9 guard), juniors Bridgette Williams (5-10 forward), Nadia Yang (5-6 guard), sophomore Mackenzie Kelleher (6-1 center).
Top newcomers: Senior Jordan Paz (5-5 guard), Juniors Jasmin Duncan (5-9 guard), Brynne Steurer (6-0 center), Abby Steffen (5-6 guard), Bailey McClure (5-10 guard).
Outlook: Mandernack takes over the South Elgin program, which last year set a record for wins in a season and won a regional championship, while finishing second in the UEC Valley. But graduated from that team are Savanah Uveges, Kennede Miller and Anna Tracy, and they took with them about 70 percent of last year's scoring and rebounding. Mandernack, a 1991 Dundee-Crown grad who has been South Elgin's freshman coach the past two seasons, does have some experience — and scoring potential — returning with Yang, now a third-year varsity player who averaged 7.9 points per game last season and had 35 3-pointers. Mackie Kelleher (6.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg) and Williams (4.5 ppg., 4.7 rpg) will do the bulk of the work inside, while Delaney Kelleher (3.7 ppg. 2.6 rpg) and Ford (2.8 ppg) will be looked on to score more. “These kids are used to winning,” Mandernack said. “Some of these kids didn't get a lot of playing time last year but they're very good and the seniors have been very helpful to me in getting everything going. This is their time to shine and they want it really bad. They're going all out everyday.”
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: George Rosner (34th year; 400-500 overall, 358 wins at Streamwood)
Last year: 14-13, 6-6 Upstate Eight River
Top returnees: Seniors Cayla Hawkins (5-4 guard), Kiana Jeremiah (5-5 guard), Addy McMahon (5-9 forward), juniors Rachel Clark (5-5 guard), sophomore Jenejha Williams (6-2 center).
Top newcomers: Juniors Danielle Cavnar (6-0 center), Deja Bland (5-9 forward), Esmerelda Banuelos (5-5 guard), Jaimee Melo (4-8 guard), Julia Ramirez (5-8 forward), Nijal Desai (5-1 guard), freshmen Maddi Exline (5-9 guard), Tamia Brown (5-6 guard).
Outlook: The Sabres have some big shoes to fill with the graduation of player such as Hannah McGlone (Winona State) and Holly Foret, but they do have some experience back in the likes of Williams, a budding star who averaged 5.3 points and 7 rebounds per game as a freshman, and Jeremiah, flashy guard who scored 8.8 per game last season. Hawkins (3.3 ppg) also saw significant varsity time last year. “We've made good improvements,” said Rosner, the dean of area girls coaches. “J, Kiana, Cayla and Rachel have all improved a lot and when you add our juniors and the two freshmen, we'll have some depth. I think we'll be able to push the ball, run, use a lot of players and defensively apply more pressure than we have in the past. We're still trying to figure out some combinations but we have enough good players that we can go in a couple different directions.
Westminster Christian Warriors
Coach: Fred Versluys (1st year)
Last year: 21-5, Northeastern Athletic Conference champions
Top returning players: Senior Emma Kovacovich (5-6, guard), juniors Maddie Versluys (5-10, guard, forward), Hannah Haecker (5-8, forward, post)
Outlook: Versluys, the principal at Westminster Christian elementary school, takes over the program from longtime coach Ken Flickinger. Versluys takes over a team that graduated 8 seniors (4 starters) from a group that won 21 games and ran the table in the conference for a second year in a row. The only returning starter back is Versluys' daughter, Maddie, who averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds a game last year and was named the conference player of the year. “Right now, we're pinpointing who we are,” said Versluys. “The girls have been great in practice. The attendance has been great and the work ethic has been great. This is a new unit.” Versluys noted he's seen a neat development with his daughter and other older players in terms of leadership. “When Maddie was a freshman two years ago, the other girls on the team invested in her,” she said. “Now there is that opportunity for the older girls to invest in the younger girls and there has been that willingness for them to do that. I'm excited about our potential. These girls have a willingness to develop and that has allowed us to make a lot of progress so far.” Getting used to varsity action will be a key for the Warriors. “We have one player on the team who saw significant minutes. A key for us will be gelling together and for the newcomers to work and learn within our system.” Even with mass graduations, Versluys sees the potential for another strong season. I think we will be competitive in the conference,” he said. “We have a tough nonconference schedule and I think we'll still be competitive in that even with all the newcomers we have. I think the conference is going to be evenly matched. There are teams that are in the same position as us with a lot of new faces. I think our games are going to be much closer than they were last year. The fun part is watching the girls get better and step up. We know most teams are going to concentrate on Maddie,” said Versluys. “Our goal is to distribute the ball around. We have 13 girls on the team and on any given week we'll see who is working within our unit and is ready for varsity minutes. We have a good mix of height and intensity and aggressiveness and we're definitely going to step it up on defense.”