Girls basketball: Scouting Grant

Posted November 20, 2014 12:01 am

By Joe Aguilar

GRANT

Coach: Matt Lukemeyer (fourth season)

Last season: 12-16, 6-6 in NSC Prairie, lost to Cary-Grove in Class 4A Cary-Grove regional semifinals

Key players lost: G Kaylie Kanzler (College of Lake County), G Kaitlyn Wold, G Michelle Filip, F Julia Sangster

Returning players: Jr. PG Jasmine Sangster (5-5), Jr. C Taylor Drake (6-3), Jr. F Jordynn Hundley (5-9), Sr. G Jenna Pecorini (5-5), Sr. Andrea Weaver (5-9), Sr F Jessica Cross (5-9)

Newcomers: Jr. F Brett Aichholzer (5-9), Jr. G McKaylie Krey (5-5), Jr. G Kaleigh Zienlinski (5-5), So. G Keyana Linbo (5-9), Jr. F Jasmine Glover (5-6), Sr. F Malia Menon (5-9), Fr. F Mallory Harrity (5-10)

Outlook: The Bulldogs have been slowly but surely getting better, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them take another step this season. In junior point guard Jasmine Sangster and junior center Taylor Drake, they have a legitimate 1-2 punch. "They work well together," coach Matt Lukemeyer said. "Screen and roll works with those two, and Jaz always makes sure she looks for Taylor on the drive with a lob or nice bounce pass." In her second varsity season last winter, Sangster earned all-conference honors, averaging 11 points per game. The 6-foot-3 Drake (honorable mention all-NSC) is one of the best shot blockers in the county and a good rebounder, as well. "She's getting better, too," Lukemeyer said. In addition to Drake, the Bulldogs boast size with 5-10 freshman Mallory Harrity, senior Andrea Weaver (5-9), junior Brett Aichholzer (5-9) and returning junior Jordynn Hundley (5-9). Lukemeyer's season-opening starting lineup at Mundelein on Monday night featured Sangster, Drake, Hundley and newcomers Aichholzer and McKaylie Krey. The 5-5 Krey started at two guard. Lukemeyer calls her quick and athletic, with the ability to play the point, as well. Aichholzer is a "tough kid," said Lukemeyer, who also used the word "bulldog" to describe the young Bulldog. If the Bulldogs can handle the ball and find a way to replace the contributions of all-area guard Kaylie Kanzler (17 ppg, 8 rpg in 2013-14), they could surprise some teams. "We got a little more size this year," Lukemeyer said. "We're excited about (the season)."

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