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Girls basketball: Scouting Stevenson

STEVENSON

Coach: Tom Dineen (sixth season)

Last season: 21-9, 10-2 in NSC Lake, lost to Wheeling in Class 4A Waukegan regional semifinals

Key players lost: G Dana Morgan

Returning players: Sr. G Taylor Buford (5-10), Sr. G Sophia Way (5-8), So. PG Ashley Richardson (5-6), Jr. G Janine Fajardo (5-5), Jr. G Jessica Burke (5-8), Sr. F Melanie Despinich (5-11), So. F Madison Wicklund (5-10)

Newcomers: Fr. G Emily Grimes (5-6), Fr. G Kiana Cencula (5-9), Fr. F Klaire Steffens (5-10), Fr. F Izzy Paldrmic (5-10), Fr. F Skylar Blackstock (5-9)

Outlook: A hall-of-fame coach and three returning all-conference players make the Patriots possibly the team to beat in the North Suburban Lake. Senior guards Taylor Buford (13.7 ppg, 8 rpg last season) and Sophia Way (12.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) have played on varsity since their freshman year and were also all-area players last season. As a freshman last season, point guard Ashley Richardson averaged 8.2 ppg and dished out 62 assists in an all-NSC campaign. "That's a pretty good nucleus to build around," said Tom Dineen, who's in his 35th season overall as a head coach. The Patriots also return to the starting lineup quick guard Janine Fajardo. Junior guard Jessica Burke and senior forward Melanie Despinich also received starts last season. "This is probably the most depth that I've had," Dineen said. "And then you combine that with an outstanding freshman class. I really like our roster. I really like our makeup." Kiana Cencula is among the five freshmen on the roster and figures to start. "Very versatile, very poised," Dineen said. The other freshmen will have a chance to contribute too. "It's going to take us a couple of weeks to see how our rotations work out," Dineen said. "I think we're 12 deep, and they're going to get an opportunity to play. We'll see how this pans out." The Patriots have won 20 or more games in each of Dineen's five seasons at the school. A sixth 20-win season in a row appears realistic. "We're excited," Dineen said. "I think (another 20-win season) is attainable, and I think this team can maybe contend for some championships, too."

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