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Scouting Stevenson

STEVENSON

Coach: Ashley Graham (fourth season)

Last season: 17-13, 10-4 in NSC, won Class 4A Highland Park sectional, lost to Lake Zurich in Fremd sectional semifinals

Key losses: F Klaire Steffens (University of Chicago), G Kiana Cencula, F Isabella Paldrmic, G Julia Osuch

Returning players: Jr. G Avery King (5-11), So. PG Nikki Ware (5-5), Sr. G Krissy Hill (5-8), Sr. F Devin Smith (6-0), Sr. G Georgia Maskalunas (5-5)

Newcomers: Fr. G Simone Sawyer (5-8), Fr. PG Ava Bardic (5-6), So. G Lydia Lueck (5-5), So. G Carly King (5-6), Jr. G Nikki Kolz (5-10)

Outlook: The Patriots' run of consecutive 20-win seasons ended at eight last season, but a veteran group that featured three four-year varsity players still netted the team's first regional championship in five years. The biggest loss to graduation was 6-foot forward Klaire Steffens, who led the Patriots in scoring (14.2 ppg) and rebounding (7.4 rpg). The Patriots are not in rebuild mode, however. "This is going to be an exciting year for us," coach Ashley Graham said. "We have such a good nucleus of returners coupled with many new, young faces. The strength of our team is going to be our pressure defense and our attack mentality on offense." Avery King took huge strides last season in her second year on varsity, and the junior guard figures to be a to-go player this winter. Point guard Nikki Ware and guard Krissy Hill also played plenty last season but figure to play bigger roles this winter. The newcomers include freshman guards Simone Sawyer and Ava Bardic and sophomores Lydia Lueck and Carly King (Avery's sister). "We had a really nice summer together, and we are looking forward to building off that," Graham said. "The culture and chemistry on this team is second to none. We have such great kids who work relentlessly in practice and treat each other like family. The kids have set some high expectations of themselves and as a team. The NSC is one of the strongest conferences around this year, and we are looking forward to competing night in and night out."

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