Scouting St. Viator

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Jason Raymond (second season)

Last year's record: 18-17, 2-5

Graduated players: Julia Bergstrom, Maggie Leazer

Returning players: Myia Clark (Jr. G), Olivia Solimene (Jr. G), Michaela Mueller ((Jr. G), Haley Robinson (Jr. F), Jenna Breslin (Sr. C), Sarah Schade (Sr. G), Carrie Leazer (So. C), Elise Horbach (So. G)

Newcomers: Maddie Fitzpatrick (Jr. G), Olivia Isufi (Jr. G), Loreta Dugo (Jr. C), Rebecca Wolf (Jr. G), Grace Sexton (Jr. G), Katherine Schade (Jr. G), Katie Krzoska (Jr. F), Bridget DeZellar (So. F)

Outlook: St. Viator returns six out of its top eight players from last year's Class 3A regional champion. Defense is the cornerstone of Jason Raymond's program and it is coupled with an up-tempo style of offensive basketball. After accomplishing two of their three goals last year by winning a regional championship and finishing with 15-plus wins, the Lions are looking to build upon that success. Their new goals are to finish in the top half of the ESCC, win 18-plus games, a 3A sectional championship and opportunity to make a run to Redbird Arena. The Lions will be led in the backcourt by all-area juniors Solimene (7.4 ppg) and Clark (12.6 ppg). "They complement each other and create one of the most explosive backcourts in the area," Raymond said. In the frontcourt, Breslin improved throughout her junior campaign, culminating with a double in the sectional semifinal win vs. Antioch, when she scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. "She has put in a ton of work in the off-season and has taken a big step up in her skill development this offseason," Raymond said. "We expect her to be relentless as always on the boards but, also be more of an offensive force for us down low." Leazer, Dugo and Krzsoka will provide depth in frontcourt. DeZellar was lost for the season after tearing her ACL this fall. "She was really coming on strong during the summer and her future looks bright," Raymond said. Mueller and Robinson bring a ton of athleticism and experience. "They logged a lot of minutes last year as sophomores on varsity and will again this year," Raymond said. "They both like to get out and run and are perfect running mates for Myia and Olivia." Schade spent most of her junior year working herself back into basketball shape after suffering an ACL tear the year before. "She is a very smart player who gives the team another shooter on the floor and some senior savvy," Raymond added. Some newcomers to watch are Fitzpatrick and Isufi. Fitzpatrick has the potential to be a lockdown defender and plays a solid overall floor game while Isufi can space the floor with her 3-point shooting skills. Wolf, Sexton, Horbach and Schade will provide plenty of depth. "Our depth will definitely be a strength for us this year," said Raymond, a 1992 graduate of St. Viator. "Our practices have been really competitive and we have a number of players who have the ability to step up and help our team win."