Scouting Grayslake Central

GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL

Coach: Steve Ikenn (seventh season)

Last season: 15-15, 10-2 in Fox Valley Fox, lost to Buffalo Grove in Class 4A Lake Zurich regional semifinals

Key losses: G Quin Garbett, G Kelly Moroney

Returning players: Sr. G/F Amanda Larson (5-9), Sr. F Lindsay Brust (5-8), Sr. G Aly Hamrick (5-7), Sr. G/F Kailee Guerrieri (5-7), Sr. G Bitsy Erker (5-6), Sr. F Evy Tomaszewski (5-11), Jr. F/G Ania Barnes (6-0), Jr. F Jordyn Gosell (5-9), So. G Rosie Drevline (5-8)

Newcomers: Fr. G/F Kate Bullman (6-0), So. G Maura Fitzgerald (5-6), Jr. F Melissa Rhomberg (6-0), Jr. G Payton Gosell (5-9)

Outlook: After a rare losing season two years ago, when they won only eight games, the Rams bounced back with a .500 campaign. They could exceed those 15 wins this season with a group that includes returning all-area guard/forward Amanda Larson (11.2 ppg) as well as two other starters in 5-8 senior Lindsay Brust and 6-foot junior Ania Barnes. "I'm looking for all of the returning kids to take the next step forward as far as their all-around game," coach Steve Ikenn said. "I'm just looking for consistency." The Rams graduated two veteran guards in Kelly Moroney and Quin Garbett, and Ikenn doesn't underestimate what they brought to the team. "We need to replace that steadying influence that they had," he said. "They were pretty underrated defenders, too." Sophomore Maura Fitzgerald will take over at point guard after playing the position on the JV team last winter. The other newcomers include 6-foot freshman Kate Bullman, who's more of a face-the-basket player, Ikenn said. The roster also features junior twins Jordyn and Payton Gosell, Aly Hamrick, Bitsy Erker, Evy Tomaszewski and sophomore Rosie Drevline, who was one of Ikenn's first guards off the bench last season. "I'm definitely optimistic about the team," Ikenn said. "We definitely have athleticism and flexibility with the roster. We have a little bit of size and a little bit of speed. The key is just going to be consistency."