Girls basketball: Scouting Antioch

ANTIOCH

Coach: Tim Borries (eighth season)

Last season: 23-7, 10-2 in NSC Prairie, lost to Carmel in Class 3A Ridgewood sectional semifinals

Key losses: G Paige Gallimore (Roosevelt University), F Sage Keyes, G/F Kristen Kelly

Returning players: Sr. G Shannon Zogran (5-4), Jr. G Alexis Duehr (5-6), So. PG Ashley Reiser (5-4), So. G Amy Reiser (5-7), Sr. C Carly McCameron (6-0), Jr. C Madalyn Murillo (5-11), Jr. F Kelly Johnson (5-10)

Newcomers: So. G Erika Gallimore (5-7), Jr. G Anna Arden (5-4), Sr. F Annie Horner (5-6), Fr. F Jill Everett (5-7), Sr. F Erin Dampf (5-7), Sr. F Melany Safraniec (5-6)

Outlook: After earning a share of the NSC Prairie championship for the first time in their history, the Sequoits are in uncharted territory. While Vernon Hills seeks a fourth division title in as many years, Antioch is in position to show it might be the team to beat. "We have the target on our back now," coach Tim Borries said. "Everybody's going to be playing to beat us. It's something that we better be ready for." While Paige Gallimore graduated after averaging 23.3 points per game last season, the Sequoits return four starters in all-conference junior guard Alexis Duehr, sophomore point guard Ashley Reiser, senior center Carly McCameron (honorable mention all-NSC) and junior forward Kelly Johnson, as well as sophomore guard Amy Reiser (Ashley's twin), who played a lot last season. Amy Reiser figures to take Gallimore's spot in the starting lineup. Senior guard Shannon Zogran and 5-11 junior Madalyn Murillo return too. "I can replace Paige's points," Borries said. "It's the mind set that Paige brought last year. I'm hoping someone brings that same mind set to the games this year, and I think I have a couple of girls that will." The Reisers are candidates to take on more responsibilities and so is the 6-foot McCameron, who established herself as a strong post presence last season. "She played a lot of basketball over the summer, and she looks really good," Borries said. "She worked hard on her (offense). If she puts is together for a whole game, she can make some noise. She'll be a force on the court." Borries is also excited about Duehr and Johnson, both of whom have played varsity the last two winters ago. Duehr is a quick and led the team in rebounding last season, despite being just 5-6. At 5-10, Johnson can be a force under the boards too. "Some of the biggest jumps you make are from sophomore to junior year," said Borries, referring to Duehr and Johnson. "They've made those jumps. They both look really good in practice." The roster includes a couple of new young players in sophomore Erika Gallimore (Paige's sister) and 5-7 freshman forward Jill Everett. "We're very athletic," Borries said. "I used to have athletes playing basketball. Now I have athletes who are basketball players playing basketball."