Girls basketball: Scouting Libertyville

LIBERTYVILLE

Coach: Greg Pedersen (third season)

Last season: 10-18, 6-6 in NSC Lake, lost to Lake Zurich in the Class 4A Rolling Meadows regional play-in

Key players lost: G Sydney Mudd, G Rosie Lynch, F Tara Eyre

Returning players: Jr. G Maggie Piazzi (5-5), Sr. G Addie Neal (5-6), Jr. G Erin Dunleavy (5-9), Sr. C Becky Deichl (6-2), So. F Claire Keefe (6-0)

Newcomers: So. G Maggie O'Sullivan (5-7), Jr. F Maddie Guiard (5-10), Jr. F Gabbie Haws (6-0), So. F Carol Frea (6-0), So. G Riley Weis (5-7), So. G Hannah Heraty (5-7), So. G Molly Cayce (5-8), Jr. G Mara Dragin (5-7)

Outlook: The Wildcats are young and "totally revamped," coach Greg Pederson said, and that might not be a bad thing after the team won, in total, just 10 games last season. The 6-foot duo of sophomore forward Claire Keefe and senior center Becky Deichl (6-2) leads the way, as the two are the Wildcats' only two returning starters. Deichl, who's been on varsity the last two seasons, averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds per game last season. "She's doing really well," Pedersen said. "She's moving really well. When she's really active, she's really tough to stop on the offensive end, and she's more of a force on the defensive end." Pedersen calls Keefe (8 points, 6 rebounds per game last season) an "athlete" who's learning to play inside and out. Keefe made honorable mention all-conference last season. Junior Maggie Piazzi, who came off the bench last season, takes over at point guard. "She got to learn a lot last year and work on her game, and she's ready to go now," Pedersen said. Guards Hannah Heraty and Riley Weis are two of the six sophomores on the squad and should start. "Hannah and Riley have a lot athleticism," Pedersen said. "They're going to offer us better shooting than what we had last year, and they're also tougher defenders." The Wildcats could have a trio of sophomores (Keefe, Heraty and Weis) in their starting lineup. The other sophomores who will look to push for playing time are guards Maggie O'Sullivan and Molly Cayce and forward Carol Frea. "I think we're more athletic," Pedersen said. "I think we have better shooters, and I think we'll be better defenders."