Girls basketball: Scouting Warren
WARREN
Coach: John Stanczykiewicz (16th season)
Last season: 9-20, 5-7 in NSC Lake, lost to Lake Forest in Class 4A Lake Forest regional semifinals
Key players lost: G Kristen O'Brien (Wheaton College), G Hailey Leinart (Knox College)
Returning players: Sr. G Sammi Jo Nixon (5-8), Sr. F Keely Knobbe (5-9), Sr. F Paige Prokof (5-10), Jr. G Kylie Nedelka (5-7), So. G Rebekah Foley (5-10), So. G Nefeli Papadakis (5-7)
Newcomers: Fr. G Jordyn Hughes, Fr. F Kaylen Dickson, So. G Kiara Mabien, So. F Claire Lundtveit, Jr. F Greta Haig, Jr. F Jocelyn Bell, Jr. F Alaja Young-Keyes, Sr. F Brittny Ellis, Jr. G Alexis Young
Outlook: The Blue Devils endured one of their tougher campaigns in a long while last season, as they failed to reach double-digit wins. The good news is, despite graduating leading scorer Kristen O'Brien (10.7 ppg, 46 3-pointers), they return a lot of players who still appear to have plenty of upside. Senior guard Sammi Jo Nixon and junior guard Kylie Nedelka have both played on varsity the last two years, while Rebekah Foley started on varsity as a freshman last season. Nedelka was coming off an injury at this time last year. Keely Knobbe, Paige Prokof and Nefeli Papadakis got plenty of court time too. "Those kids all played last year, so they're all a year better," coach John Stanczykiewicz said. "We took our lumps last year, but the kids got to play a lot of basketball. It's been fun to watch them because they're really spirited and they're working hard." New to the mix is a freshman who should fit in immediately - 5-foot-8 guard/forward Jordyn Hughes, who can shoot the ball. Kaylen Dickson is an athletic, 5-11 freshman forward, while Kiara Mabien (a transfer from Indiana) and Claire Lundtveit are two sophomores who could contribute. "The kids that we have new to the team are athletic, and they bring a little sizzle and energy to the team," Stanczykiewicz said. "Our practices are very competitive." The Blue Devils open the season by playing in the always competitive New Trier tournament. Stanczykiewicz won't be discouraged if the early-season wins don't pile up. "I think it will be a little rocky early," he said. "But they're a very eager group. They're very receptive to coaching. They're quick learners. We have an incredibly good leadership core."