Scouting Antioch

ANTIOCH

Coach: Tim Borries (10th season)

Last season: 26-6, 12-0 in North Suburban Prairie, lost to St. Viator in Class 3A St. Viator sectional semifinals

Key losses: G Alexis Duehr, F Madalyn Murillo (North Park), F Kelly Johnson

Returning players: Sr. PG Ashley Reiser (5-4), Sr. G Amy Reiser (5-8), Sr. G Erika Gallimore (5-7), Sr. F Megan Kelly (5-7), Sr. F Rebecca Cleven (5-7), Jr. G Olivia Ori (5-5), Jr. G Taylor Feltner (5-3), Jr. F Julia Murillo (5-9), So. G Piper Foote (5-4)

Newcomers: Sr. C Emma DeJong (5-8), Jr. G Amy Vazquez (5-2), Jr. G Kayla Burkhart (5-5), Jr. F Sydney Marquis (5-8), Fr. C Skylar Del'ao

Outlook: Already boasting three returning starters, including terrific twins Amy and Ashley Reiser, the Sequoits secured a huge addition in the off-season. The pickup won't score any points, but maybe new assistant coach Tim Bowen can help the Sequoits allow fewer. Bowen's successful boys coaching career has included stops at Warren, Grayslake, Waukegan, Carmel and, most recently, Guerin Prep. He's a defensive-minded coach who's won plenty of games as both a head coach and an assistant. "I couldn't be more happier with him," head coach Tim Borries said. "He's bringing a different culture with our defense. I thought my defense was OK, but he's ratcheting the intensity up, and the girls are responding to it." The Sequoits will remain an up-tempo team, and why not since they boast a dynamic point guard in Ashley Reiser? A varsity starter since her freshman year, she was the captain of the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area team last season after averaging 15.2 points, 7.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game. She entered the season with 1,111 career points. Amy Reiser (13.8 ppg last season, 947 career points) endured a back injury most of last season and appeared in just 20 games, but she's healthy as her senior season starts. "She looks like old Amy," Borries said. The Reisers remain uncommitted as far as college basketball. Borries says both have had a lot of interest from Division III schools. The sisters aren't the only veterans on the team. Senior guard Erika Gallimore complemented the Reisers on the court last season, averaging 9 ppg, and is playing her third season varsity. Megan Kelly, Julia Murillo, Taylor Feltner and Olivia Ori also played significant minutes, while Piper Mead contributed as well after being promoted as a freshman late in the season. "We're experienced, and we're going to rely on that experience," Borries said. The newcomers include senior 5-8 senior Emma DeJong, who didn't play last season, and Skylar Del'ao, who's the only freshman and 6-footer on the roster. Antioch lost in the supersectional to Montini two seasons ago and saw last season end prematurely in the sectional semifinals. One reason Borries says he brought in Bowen was because of his experience, especially in the state tournament. "He knows," Borries said. "He can tell the girls what (the postseason) is like." Borries understands the expectations for his team, especially with it being the last hurrah for the Reisers, but he won't put this season on their shoulders. "The pressure is on me, Coach Bowen and Coach (Jamie) D'Andrea to get the girls to perform," Borries said. "(The players) know this season can be very special. Every night at practice they've been working their tails off."