Lake County girls basketball preview

East Suburban Catholic Conference

Carmel Catholic

Coach: Ben Berg (first season)

Last season: 14-14, 5-5 in ESCC

Key players lost: C Erin Glogovsky (University of Illinois-Springfield), G Aubrey Simmons, F Danielle Prigge, G Caitlin Hendricks

Returning players: Sr. G Tiffany Hendrickson, Sr. F Lauren Lehocky, Sr. F Jenna Korte, Jr. C Kristine Ruhl, So. C Beth Scudder

Newcomers: So. PG Erin Quinn

Season opener: Monday, Nov. 17, 4:30 p.m., vs. Grayslake North at Mundelein tournament

Outlook: Veteran Carmel assistant Ben Berg takes over for John Ryan, who stepped down following last season to take a one-year hiatus from coaching, only to accept the boys head-coaching position after it was announced John Baffico would not return. Berg takes over a team that graduated four starters but returns its lone 2007-08 all-ESCC selection. Senior guard Tiffany Hendrickson was also an all-area player. She will be playing her fourth varsity season. As a junior, she averaged double-digit points. Senior forward Lauren Lehocky, who played a lot last season, also returns, as does senior forward Jenna Korte, who missed her entire junior campaign with an ACL injury. Sophomore Erin Quinn could start at point guard. Junior Kristine Ruhl and sophomore Beth Scudder played sparungly. Like Ryan, Berg will stress defense. Said the new head coach: "Strengths of the team include our ability to play defense, our ability to shoot the ball and our basketball intelligence."

North Suburban Lake Conference

Lake Zurich

Coach: Chris Bennett (fourth season)

Last season: 22-10, 7-5 in NSC Lake

Key players lost: G Peggie Parhas (Harper College), F Jessica Cacioppo, G Kelsey Karmell

Returning players: Sr. F/G Lydia Bauer, Sr. G Olivia Allen, Jr. F Audrey Bauer, Sr. F Coryn Schmit, Jr. G Gabby Chapa, Sr. G Ashley Wright, Sr. G Amanda Wright, Jr. G Jenna Froehlich, Sr. F Theo Papastratakos

Newcomers: Fr. Maisie Cox, Fr. Amanda Orchard, Fr. Dori Darras, Jr. Sarah Stauner, Jr. Erin Sweeney, So. Karlissa Skarb

Season opener: Wednesday, Nov. 19. 7 p.m., home vs. Prospect

Outlook: The Bears are the only NSC team with two Division I recruits, as senior Lydia Bauer has made a verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, while senior Olivia Allen has commited to Bradley University. Both are expected to sign letters of intent on Wednesday, the first offcial signing date. Bauer, who's the captain of the Daily Herald's Lake County all-area volleyball team, has been a starter and all-area player since her freshman year. Allen has started on varsity the last two winters. Senior Coryn Schmit gives the Bears a third D-I athlete, as she will play softball for the University of Illinois-Chicago. "Olivia and Lydia both look ready to play, and I think they are both going to have great seasons," coach Chris Bennett said. "We return two other starters (junior guard Gabby Chapa and junior forward Audrey Bauer), and I think we have a whole bunch of other very solid role players that could step in and play lots of minutes. We have three very talented freshmen (Dori Darras, Maisie Cox, Amanda Orchard) who could help us in a big way as the season moves on." The Bears graduated veteran point guard Peggie Parhas, as well as Jessica Cacioppo and Kelsey Karmell, both of whom played plenty of minutes coming off the bench. "We graduated three very important seniors to our team," Bennett said, "and have to replace their minutes and leadership."

Libertyville

Coach: Kathie Swanson (third season)

Last season: 11-17, 3-9 in NSC Lake

Key players lost: F Ali Haws, G Dana Eriksen, F Casey Hopper

Returning players: Sr. F/G Maka Stewart (injured), Sr. G Haley Walton, Sr G Hannah Walton, Sr. G Kristy Williams, Sr. G/F Caitlin Gahart, Sr. G/F Erin Waehner

Newcomers: Jr. Katelynn Jennings, Jr. Leah Kruckman, Jr. Brittany Schick, Jr. Zoe Babowice, Jr. Eileen Lee, So. Savannah Trees

Season opener: Monday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m., at Prospect

Outlook: Athletic forward Ali Haws, the Wildcats' lone all-conference player last season, graduated. But that wasn't the team's only loss. Senior forward/guard Maka Stewart, who played varsity as a sophomore, tore her ACL playing basketball over the summer. Coach Kathie Swanson hopes Stewart can come back at some point this season. "That was a major blow considering how well she was playing on both ends of the court," Swanson said. "She was really coming into her own." Also for Wildcats, senior post Casey Hopper, who averaged around 10 points per game, decided not to play. Still, Swanson likes her team's experience and depth at guard, and was encouraged with how the Wildcats played over the summer. Besides Stewart, the returnees include identical twins Haley and Hannah Walton, Kristy Williams, Caitlin Gahart and Erin Waehner. "We expect to be competitive in the NSC Lake," Swanson said. "I'm excited about what this team can do. This is a really great group of kids to work with. They get along well and work hard. We have experienced some losses due to injury, but I expect these kids to persevere and play to their strengths. They are capable of playing with a lot of teams. That is a mentality that they need to have this year. If so, I think they will surprise a lot of people."

Mundelein

Coach: Brian Evans (10th season)

Last season: 23-8, 7-5 in NSC Lake

Key players lost: PG Samantha Panitch, F Kelsey Weyers (Augustana College)

Returning players: Jr. F/G Toni Knar, Sr. G Kelsey O'Connor, Sr. F J.J. Sawchuk, Jr. F/G Brooke Evans, Jr. G/F Jessica Bjerning, So. F Olivia Dunigan, Sr. G Ally Hanas

Newcomers: Megan Woit, Alina Teslenko, Sara Small, Alison Richards, Molly Rohan

Season opener: Monday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m., vs. Glenbrook North at Mundelein tournament

Outlook: The Mustangs graduated their floor leader and inspirational leader in Samantha Panitch (9.5 ppg, 4 apg), who played point guard for three varsity seasons. The departure of forward Kelsey Weyers hurts, too, but the Mustangs should battle for first place in the NSC Lake. Always well-coached, they return a strong nucleus in seniors Kelsey O'Connor and J.J. Sawchuk, as well as juniors Brooke Evans and Toni Knar, and sophomore Olivia Dunigan. The sharpshooting O'Connor had a huge first season on varsity, making all-conference and all-area after averaging 10.4 points and sinking 40 3-pointers. She was also tough defensively. Sawchuk was a productive scorer down low, scoring double digits on most nights. Dunigan didn't score much but showed a great knack for rebounding the ball. Evans, the daughter of head coach Brian Evans, missed most of last season with a knee injury. If she's healthy, she could have a breakout season. Both she and Knar, the daughter of Mundelein head boys basketball coach Dick Knar, will be playing their third season on varsity. The Mustangs and Lake Zurich appear to be the frontrunners in the division. Last season, the two teams split, with Lake Zurich winning 47-46 and Mundelein winning 51-48.

Stevenson

Coach: Trish Bethauser (third season)

Last season: 12-20, 5-7 in NSC Lake

Key players lost: F Caitlin Morrissey, G Claire Moller

Returning players: Sr. G Kayla Fisher, Sr. G Courtney Graber, Jr. C Kelsey Simon, So. G/F Michelle O'Brien, So. G/F Anna Morrissey

Newcomers: Jr. Rebekah Ozga, Sr. Stacy Way, Sr. Jamie Finkle, So. Sydney Davis

Season opener: Monday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m., at Highland Park

Outlook: The Patriots got off to a rough start last season, losing 15 of their first 19 games, but played better in the second half. The steady progress of freshmen Anna Morrissey (7 ppg, 4 rpg) and Michelle O'Brien (5 ppg, 5 rpg) was a bright spot, and both players return this season. So does senior guard Kayla Fisher, who averaged 9 points per game in her first full season with the Patriots after transfering from Loyola. Former cheerleader Kelsey Simon is a 6-footer who showed flashes of being an effective presence in the low post. Senior guard Courtney Graber (5.3 ppg) also returns. "We have a strong nucleus coming back from last year's team," coach Trish Betthauser said. "I return five young ladies that started at one point in the season. As with any season, we will have our share of challenges. but I am confident this group will handle the challenges with maturity and persistence. They are a determined bunch who are focused on representing this program through loyalty, humility, integrity, passion, respect and servanthood."

Warren

Coach: John Stanczykiewicz (10th season)

Last season: 28-3, 12-0 in NSC Lake

Key players lost: C Sarah Boothe (Stanford University), F Lory Shaw (University of Wisconsin-Green Bay), G Shana Shepherd (University of Illinois-Springfield), F Megan Wozniak (College of Lake County), G Kristin Mierzejewski

Season opener: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m., home vs. Loyola

Outlook: Big losses? Try humongous. Sarah Boothe (6 feet 5, 20.5 ppg, 11.2 rpg, scholarship to Stanford). Lory Shaw (6-2, 9.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg, ride to UW-Green Bay). Shana Shepherd (5-10, 57 3-pointers, U of I-Springfield recruit). It's life after Sarah Boothe now for the Blue Devils, and while they'll be a much smaller team on the floor, under Stanczykiewicz, they almost surely will be competitive. Senior point guard Joree Green is the team's only returning starter. The Blue Devils' depth should be at the guard position with Green, D'Anequa Taylor, Destinee Wells and Alex Booker.

North Suburban Prairie Conference

Antioch

Coach: Tim Borries (second season)

Last season: 13-14, 6-6 in NSC Prairie

Key players lost: F Christine Gaborek (College of Lake County)

Returning players: So G Andi Potkonjak, Jr. G/F Allie Anttila, Sr. G Katrina Holm, Sr. G Jen Precht, Sr. F Martha Arntson, Sr. G Erin Schoenfelder, Sr. F Brittany Deem, Sr. F/G Katie Budd, Jr. F/G Lauren Grant, So. F Lauren Tiffany

Newcomers: Fr. G/F Lindsey Gofron, Jr. G Jen Totten

Season opener: Tu, Nov. 18, 7 p.m., home vs. Cary-Grove

Outlook: The Sequoits were one of the area's most improved teams a season ago, increasing their win total from 4 to 13, and they figure to be even better this winter. "Last year we said we'll work hard to be competitive," said coach Tim Borries, whose team did just that. "This year we're going to work even harder to be contenders. That's our goal." Optimism is high with the return of three full-time starters - sophomore guard Andi Potkonjak, junior forward Allie Antilla and senior guard Katrina Holm. As a freshman, Potkonjak was the Sequoits' lone all-conference pick. She was mainly an offensive threat, posting four 20-plus-point efforts, but she has picked up her game on the defensive end, Borries claims. "She's a completely, new, different player," he said. "It's basketball maturity. She's a year older, a year wiser. She's seeing what she has to do to be a complete player." Seniors Martha Arntson, Brittany Deem and Katie Budd, junior Lauren Grant and sophomore Lauren Tiffany also played a ton last season. Freshman guard/forward Lindsey Gofron should be a nice addition. "It's last year's team, but older," Borries said. "We can no longer use the excuse that we're young and inexperienced. The girls have to be ready to step up and play every night."

Grant

Coach: John Eiduke (first season)

Last season: 25-5, 12- 0 in NSC Prairie

Key players lost: F Jamie Swanson (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater), G Heather Ruetsche (College of Lake County), F Tori Ziegler, C Bailey Wagner, F Autumn Gaylor

Returning players: Sr. Gina Cellucci, Jr. Heather Chapman, Sr. C.J. Hill, Sr. Alyssa Pasiewicz, Sr. Amber Potts, Sr. Brittani Schisler

Newcomers: Jr. Morgan Liles, Jr. Rose Mustari, Jr. Ashley Oliver, Jr. Jaclyn Smyth, Fr. Kassie Stimpson, Jr. Rylie Timm

Season opener:

Outlook: It's a new era at the Fox Lake school, as Grant alumnus John Eiduke replaces Tom Oeffling, who stepped down as head coach after a nine-year run in which he turned the Bulldogs into one of the best programs in Lake County. Grant posted its sixth straight 20-win season in 2007-08. Not only is Oeffling gone, but so is his starting five from last season. Jamie Swanson, Heather Ruetsche, Autumn Gaylor, Tori Ziegler and Bailey Wagner all played three seasons on varsity, with Swanson earning all-conference and all-area honors the last three. The Bulldogs have been the dominant team in the NSC Prairie this decade and, in particular, the last four seasons, going 45-1. Eiduke's most experienced players are senior forward C.J. Hill, senor guard Gina Cellucci, junior post Heather Chapman and senior guard Brittani Schisler. The newcomers include freshman Kassie Stimpson. "We have a great group of girls to work with this season," said Eiduke, who coached Grant's sophomore boys before being named Oeffling's replacement. "Hopefully we will be able to focus on the challenges we face, work hard, make progress and have a fun and successful season."

Lakes

Coach: Liz Hart (second season)

Last season: 1-28, 0-12 in NSC Prairie

Key players lost: F Mandy Schellinger (Elmhurst College), F Keshia Cunningham (College of Lake County), G Nora Kenney, G Nickie Folinazzo, F Sarah Spicer (College of Lake County)

Returning players: Sr. G/F Amber Larsen, Jr. G/F Katie LaTour, Sr. G Simone Hobbs (hurt)

Newcomers: Jr. G Christine Osuma, Jr. F Asja Tripich, So. PG Mary Doupis, Jr. G Reilly Gliva, Jr. F Chantalya Bloomfield, Jr. G Kristina Umlouf, Jr. F Katie Mulloy, Jr. F Sara Steffan, Jr. G Allie Laubenstein, Jr. F Felicia Fisher

Season opener: Saturday, Nov. 22, vs. Geneva, at Geneva tournament

Outlook: Gone are eight seniors - and "it." The losing streak. The Eagles no longer have to worry about winning their first-ever game, after taking nearly three entire seasons to do it, and that should make things a little easier this season, at least initially. "I think it helps," coach Liz Hart acknowledged, "just to get the monkey off the back and that whole thing. But still, it's a program that's rebuilding." Lakes ended a state-record 83-game losing streak when it defeated St. Scholastica in the state tournament. Hart returns only three players and one, senior guard Simone Hobbs, likely won't play this season after tearing her ACL a couple of months ago. Seniors Amber Larsen and Katie LaTour are the Eagles' other veterans. Two transfers - junior guard Christine Osuma and junior post Asja Tripich - should help. Osuma comes from Indiana, while Tripich attended a private school in Illinois. "We're going to be a totally different team because most of last year's seniors were post players," Hart said. "We're going to be more guard-oriented."

Round Lake

Coach: Gary Edge (23rd season)

Last season: 24-6, 9-3 in NSC Prairie

Key players lost: G Brittany Kucia, G Jazzamin Rivers, F Patty Velazquez, G Corinne Conrad (College of Lake County)

Returning players: Sr. G Labrenthia Murdock, Sr. F Amber Phillips, Sr. F Ashley Miller, Sr. F Gina Oliphant

Newcomers: Jr. Stephanie Infante, Jr. Yessina Rios, So. Krystal Pitts, So. Chanee Brown, So. Sam Degillion

Season opener: Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Harvard tournament.

Outlook: The Panthers' 24 wins last season tied the school record, and they should have a good chance of posting back-to-back 20-win seasons. While veteran coach Gary Edge says his team will be young, considering eight players graduated, the Panthers boast a pair of returning all-conference players in senior guard Labrenthia Murdock and senior post Amber Phillips, both of whom have played varsity since their freshman year and who were also all-area picks last season. Murdock, one of the conference's best athletes, averaged 13.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 2.6 assists per game as a junior. The 6-foot Phillips, who's coming off an all-conference volleyball season, averaged 10.3 points and 7.6 rebounds. Senior forward Ashley Miller has also been up since her frehman year and is a definite low-post presence. "We will miss (Brittany) Kucia, (Jazzamin) Rivers, (Patty) Velazquez and (Corinne) Conrad greatly," Edge said. "We will lack depth and will have to have some young players step up if we are going to have any success. Certainly, having Amber Phillips, Ashley Miller and Labrenthia Murdock will be an asset. The question comes, 'Who is going to step up and fill other spots and other roles?' This is the question we need to find out." Players vying for playing time include sophomores Krystal Pitts, Chanee Brown and Sam Degillion, and juniors Stephanie Infante and Yessina Ross, and senior Gina Oliphant. "How quickly we will come together as a team and understand how we want to play will be another question," Edge said. "I really don't set expectations for each year. I really believe that those things take care of themselves."

Vernon Hills

Coach: Paul Brettner (ninth season)

Last season: 11-19, 5-7 in NSC Prairie

Key players lost: C Amy Burton (Illinois Wesleyan University), G Kelly Nagle, G Brianna Skeens (Augustana College), G Taryn Abbassian

Returning players: Sr. G Mallory Feece, Sr. G Jamie Rucks, Sr. G Sarah Krippinger, Sr. G Kirsten Groody, Jr. G Jessica Feece, Jr. G Alana Coy, So. F Jessica Schwartz

Newcomers: Jr. Chloe Hough, Jr. Christina Oberrieder, Jr. Sara Doerhoefer, Jr. Alli David, Jr. Kara Brosio, Fr. Julie Pecht

Season opener: Monday. Nov. 17, 4:30 p.m., vs. Prairie Ridge at Mundelein tournament

Outlook: The Cougars graduated 6-foot center Amy Burton, who averaged 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in earning all-conference and all-area honors. They'll miss her scoring and rebounding - and height. "We are rather short this year, so we will need to make it a full-court game," coach Paul Brettner said. The Cougars returnees include sisters Mallory and Jessica Feece, Jamie Rucks, Alana Coy, Jessica Schwartz. Seniors Mallory Feece and Rucks have been varsity regulars the last couple of winters. Brettner's teams typically play good defense and play hard. "We will compete for the Prairie Division title," Brettner said. "It should be a tough battle this year. We also are looking to win a regional."

Wauconda

Coach: Jamie Weber (first season)

Last season: 13-15, 7-5 in NSC Prairie

Key players lost: F Courtney Kimes (Concordia University), G Katie LePage, G Amanda Gertz, G Jaclyn Schumann

Returning players: Sr. F Lauren Mead, Jr. PG Kate Martino, So. G Tammy Ellis, Sr. F Kristin Brown, Sr. F Melissa Dahlberg, Sr. G Julie LePage, Sr. F Aimee Prudhomme

Newcomers: Jr. F/G Kelsey Mills, So. G Melanie Prudhomme, So. F Roslyn Summerville

Season opener: Monday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m., at Crystal Lake Central

Outlook: The Bulldogs won their first regional title in 15 years last season and return their leading scorer and point guard. So while the head coach is new, not much else will be. Which is understandable. "We're going to stick basically the same," said Jaime Weber, a 1995 Wauconda graduate, who replaced Tim Bartusch after serving four years as his assistant. "We're throwing some new wrinkles in here and there, but we didn't want a complete switch on everything. It's not a rebuilding year for us yet." Senior forward Lauren Mead will sign a letter of intent today with Division II Lewis University. A varsity starter since Day 1 of her freshman season, she has scored 1,152 career points. Mead averaged 15 points and 6 rebounds last season in earning all-area honors for the second straight year. Junior Kate Martino enters her third year as the Bulldogs' starting point guard. Sophomore guard Tammy Ellis, senior forward Kristin Brown and senior forward Aimee Prudhomme also played a lot last season. Ellis was one of the county's best freshmen. Weber has a pair of sophmores up in guad Melanie Prudhomme (Aimee's sister) and 5-10 post Roslyn Summerville. "We're bringing back a lot of experience," Weber said. "We're low on numbers, but I think we're probably as deep as we've ever been. And we have a lot of skill and a lot of speed. So we're looking to move up in our division."

Fox Valley Fox Conference

Grayslake Central

Coach: Roger Lass (second season)

Last season: 9-20

Key players lost: G Rachel Culp, C Erin Claxton, F Haley Glynn

Returning players: Sr. G Alison Metzger, Sr. F Megan LeBaron, Sr. G Katelynn Putkonen, So. F Kathryn Dickson, So. G Alexandria Scarbro

Newcomers: Sr. G Meaghan Daly, So. G Maddie Miller, Jr. F Kaila Sparkman, Jr. F Allison Shepherd, Jr. G Ragan Wilson, Jr. G Maggie Klees, Jr. F Erin Proeber, Jr. F Ellen Coddens

Season opener: Thursday, Nov. 20, at Marian Central tournament

Outlook: Watching his Rams play over the summer has given coach Roger Lass confidence that they'll experience more success this winter - certainly more than they did last season. "I expect to be a lot better," Lass said. "We had a good summer. We went 22-9. We went to the Notre Dame team camp, Maine West, Stevenson. We did real well. The girls play well together, play hard and play good defense. We're not very big, but we're fast, quick and tough." Back are seniors Alison Metzger, Megan LeBaron and Katelynn Putkonen, as well as sophomores Kathryn Dickson and Alexandria Scarbro. Senior Meaghan Daly did not play last season. Lass has eight newcomers, total, including sophomore Maddie Miller. The Rams will try to push the tempo. "We have a lot of experience coming back," Lass said. "Good young players, too."

Grayslake North

Coach: Jim Sarver (third season)

Last season: 12-17

Key players lost: G Natalie Barczyk, G Elizabeth Phillips (Augustana College), F Hilary Kuhl (North Park College), F Amana Leon

Returning players: Jr. F Lauren Erickson, Sr. G Ali Vlahos, Sr. G Kristen Junius, Sr. G Kelly Russ, Sr. G Alyssa Smith, Sr. F Kayla Pech

Newcomers: So. C Kelsi Leith, Fr. PG Katie McGrath, Fr. F Brooke Sauer, Fr. F Kinsey Siler, Fr. F Sara Steinhoff

Season opener: Monday, Nov. 17, 4:30 p.m., vs. Carmel at Mundelein tournament

Outlook: They're young and should be fun. While the Knights feature five seniors, they also have four freshmen and a sophomore on the roster. "I like to think of us as a mix of old and new," coach Jim Sarver said. Junior forward Lauren Erickson is the team's lone returning starter. She produced a pair of 20-point efforts last winter in her first season at North after moving from Florida. Senior guard Ali Vlahos provided long-distance shooting off the bench. Senior guard Kelly Russ is a three-year varsity player. Sophomore Kelsi Leith stands 6 feet 2. Sarver's four freshmen are point guard Katie McGrath, forward Brooke Sauer, 5-10 forward Kinsey Siler, who played varsity volleyball, and forward Sara Steinhoff. "All four are real quick," Sarver said. Overall, the Knights boast a lot of athleticism. "It's one of the more athletic teams I've coached," Sarver said. "Last year we tried to beat you up physically and tried to outrebound you. This year we have a lot more quickness than last year's team." Since the Knights will have four new starters, however, Sarver isn't expecting his team to get off to a blazing start. "Our goal," he said, "is to be better come the new year."

Mid Suburban League East Conference

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Pat Dudle (first year)

Last year's record: 33-4, 9-1

Graduated players: Katie Lee, Maggie Mocchi, Allison Mocchi, Allison Heissel, Ellen Ayoub, Lauren Angotti

Returning players: Kaitlin Hillner (5-7 Sr., G), Heather Nisbet (5-6 Jr., G), Stacey Lialios (5-7 Jr., F), Nell Boyd (5-7 So., G), Andrea DiPrima (5-7 So., G), KC Dunne (5-6 So., G), Kelly Mahoney (5-7 So., G)

Newcomers: Brittany Abrams (6-0 Sr., F) Dayna George (5-6 Sr., G), Michelle Jackson (6-0 Jr., F), Emily Georgoulis (5-7 So., F),

Outlook: Dudle takes over for Hall of Fame coach Tom Dineen, who retired from teaching last year after running one the state's elite girls programs the past 29 years. With the loss of three all-state players (Ayoub, Maggie Mocchi, Allison Mocchi), many of Bison must find new roles this season.