Tri-Cities girls basketball season preview

Western Sun Conference

Batavia

Coach: Tim DeBruycker, fourth season

Last year: 21-5 overall, 13-1 conference (first time conference champs since the 1997-98 season).

Returning players: Natalie Tarter, sr., G; Kara Lydon, sr., G; Kelsey Oswald, sr., G; Sara Fruendt, jr., G; Melissa Norville, sr., G; Becca Heimsath, sr., C.

Newcomers: Kelsey Stone, jr., C; Katie Rueffer, jr., F; Liz Barnes, jr., G.

Outlook: Last year, the Bulldogs flew under the radar and walked away with 21 wins and a conference title. This year, they know they are the team on everyone's mind. "I think we want to make sure we don't overlook any team," DeBruycker said. "We are the target now. Everyone wants to beat us. I know it sounds like a cliche, but we have to take it one game at a time." Batavia has endless options at guard, including two-time All-Area selection Natalie Tarter, who is heading to Wisconsin on a track scholarship. Her quickness and the way she gets to the basket makes her one of the best guards around. She's going to get double-teamed, so having her kick the ball out to Lydon, Oswald, Norville and Fruendt will be something she'll have to do if she gets in a jam. DeBruycker is expecting Tarter's scoring to jump to about 20 points a game (up from 16 last year), and he's hoping all his other guards will increase their point production as well. Heimsath is the most experienced post player coming back, and Stone and Rueffer will also be in the paint. It would be nice - but not super necessary - for them to score. DeBruycker hopes they become rebounding machines and give the Bulldogs second- and third-chance opportunities for their shooters. "If we do all these things, we are going to be tough to beat," he said.

Geneva

Coach: Gina Nolan, fifth season

Last year: 21-7 overall, 12-2 in conference (second).

Returning players: Taylor Whitley, sr., G; Emily Hinchman, sr., G; Kelsey Augustine, jr., F/C; Lauren Wicinski, jr., F/C; Myra Yelle, jr., G; Kat Yelle, so., G; Sam Scofield, so., G; Jeannie Cummings, sr., F; Allison Clemmons, sr., F.

Newcomers: Sam Dudman, jr., G/F; Paige Wassel, jr., F/G; Dani Maihack, jr., F/C.

Outlook: Of the 12 players on the roster, only three are new. That has to be a good thing for the Vikings, who return their entire starting lineup, including Indiana State-bound Whitley, a record-setter and outstanding player who has been on varsity since her freshman year. Last year, the pressure was on to find the perfect college. With that out of the way, the school's all-time leading scorer will play more relaxed this year. "She's excited to play and compete," Nolan said of Whitley, a three-time All-Area player and 2006-07 All-Area captain. "She's a great leader for us. I can't believe it's her senior year." With Whitley, Scofield, Myra and Kat Yelle as returning guards, the Vikings are also strong in the post with All-Area volleyball players Augustine and Wicinski. With everyone adding another year of experience at the varsity level, there are no more excuses of being a young team. "We definitely had growing pains last year, but that's behind us," Nolan said. "Team chemistry is definitely our advantage. The kids are really unselfish and want to play as a team."

Kaneland

Coach: Ernie Colombe, third season

Last year: 10-16 overall, 5-9 in conference (sixth).

Returning players: Mallory Huml, sr., G; Katie Hatch, sr., F; Sara Rose, sr., G; Alyssa Galvan, sr., C; Briana Hurst, sr., F; Chassidy Mangers, sr., G.

Newcomers: Mallory Carlson, jr., F; Andie Strang, so., G; Megan Nauert, so., F; Emily Heimerdinger, so., G.

Outlook: The Knights had 5 wins in Colombe's coaching debut, and doubled that last year. Are more wins on the way this year? "Just like last year, we will take it day to day," Colombe said. "We will improve throughout the season if we continue to get the effort that we get in practice. It will be an interesting and fun season." Hatch, who has been on varsity since freshman year and was an All-Area choice last year, along with Rose, will be this year's go-to girls, once again. "They have both really improved," Colombe said. "Both have the ability to be among the better players in our conference. Both players have improved their overall games. Sara and Katie both have the ability to make their teammates better. We hope that will help some of our young players this season." One of those young players Colombe said to keep an eye out for is Strang. Huml is expected to once again be the team's top defender, Hurst is one of the most improved players and Mangers and Galvan should contribute a lot as well. "The group coming back is a lot of fun to work with," Colombe said. "They are focused and working hard everyday. They have really helped us to raise the bar with our younger players in terms of expectations and dedication."

Upstate Eight Conference

St. Charles East

Coach: Lori Drumtra, fourth season

Last year: 15-14 overall, 7-3 in conference (fourth).

Returning players: Steph Roan, jr., G/F; Lexi Baltes, jr., G; Tasha Lalos, sr., G; Jaime Rust, jr., G/F; Kara Schnier, jr., C; Shannon Kennedy, sr., F/C; Kaitlin Takach, sr., C/F.

Newcomers: Pam Sommer, sr., G; Danielle Jordan, jr., G; Jackie Leibforth, jr., G/F; Kala Sigona, jr., F.

Outlook: The nucleus of the Saints return, which is good news for Drumtra. "The kids are familiar with what we are doing," she said. Leading the pack will be Baltes, who has been on varsity since freshman year and made the All-Area team last year, along with Rust and Lalos. Schnier started over two-thirds of games last year and Roan also gained experience on the floor. Of course, no starting lineup is set, but the new players have the potential to challenge the older ones for playing time. "The new group of juniors are very talented," Drumtra said. "Overall, it's a strong group of kids. They work really hard together and they have fun." Drumtra also noted the Saints have more depth this year than they have in the past. One thing she is hoping for is a better start this year. They got off to a 1-4 start and were very glad to end up over .500 by the end of the year. "We don't want to be in a hole at the get-go," Drumtra said.

St. Charles North

Coach: Katie Sauber, third season

Last year: 23-6 overall (tied school record, second consecutive season with 23 wins), 8-1 in conference (second); won first regional and sectional title.

Returning players: Kiley Hackbarth, jr., G; Anna Conrad, sr., G; Alex Messacar, sr., G; Jenna Bell, jr., F; Kelsey Smith, sr., C; Rachel Johnson, sr., F; Sara Skluzacek, sr., G.

Newcomers: Sydney Russell, so., G; Dana Sibley, jr., F.

Outlook: It's official - Smith is a senior. The 6-foot-5 Michigan State-bound center, who was the All-Area captain last season and has been on the All-Area team since her freshman year, is ready for her final shot at leading the North Stars into more school history. "It's bittersweet," Sauber said. "It's her senior year...and then that's it." Her 16.2 points and 8 rebounds a game led the team to a first-ever regional and sectional title, but she and the North Stars aren't stopping there. They want more. The list of goals include winning conference, doing better in the holiday tournaments, a supersectional title along with a trip to state. "It has to be there this year," Sauber said. "We are no longer young. They have a lot of work ahead of them, but they are prepared." While the North Stars have the post covered with Smith, and a supporting cast of Bell, Johnson and Skluzacek, they are pretty well off with their guards, thanks to Hackbarth and Conrad, two more All-Area players. Messacar should help out as well. "They are looking good, looking strong," Sauber said. Expect even more success than last year from the North Stars.

DuPage Valley Conference

West Aurora

Coach: Connie Siljendahl, third season

Last year: 19-9 overall, 11-4 in conference (third).

Returning players: Sam Alvis, jr., G; Bri Tye, sr., G; Devin Vaughn, jr., G; Kiara Towles, jr., F; Shelby Johnson, jr., G; Madison Whitt, sr., G.

Newcomers: Sam Brand, sr., G; Royalle Brown, so., C.

Outlook: Faster and more mature. These are two things the Blackhawks have on their side this year. Although they don't have anyone to fill the big shoes left by their leading rebounder and scorer last year, Kyra Watson, they do have four-year starting point guard Bri Tye back. Tye, the 5-foot-3 All-Area choice last year, has made tremendous strides since last year. "Her leadership is so much stronger," Siljendahl said. "She brings in all the girls together after practice, and I didn't even have to tell her to do that. That's a big step for Bri. She's shooting the ball really well, better than last year." Tye can't do it alone. She will have Alvis alongside with her, as the duo will be switching from the point to shooting guard. Towles and Vaughn, two juniors who have been starting since freshman year, are also expected to step up in a leadership role after working hard in the off-season.

Suburban Catholic Conference

Aurora Central

Coach: Mark Fitzgerald, first season

Last year: 1-25 overall, 0-14 in conference

Returning players: Stephanie Pogwizd, sr., G/F; Brooke Frantzen, sr., F; Sonya Steder, sr., G; Kristin Brouch, sr., G; Natalie Perry, jr., G/F; Rachael Miller, so., F/C; Jennifer Taptisch, so., G/F.

Newcomers: Michelle Gonzer, jr., C; Lauren Schweitzer, jr., C/F; Michelle DeSimone, sr., G; Blythe Nelson, jr., G; Maggie Rich, sr., F.

Outlook: The past two coaches at ACC only coached for a year, then left after each posting 1-win seasons. Those days are over, as Fitzgerald is determined to take over this program and start a new chapter. "I know the history, the girls know the history, the parents know the history...but we had an extremely positive summer," said Fitzgerald, who took over for Fay Griffin. "I'm very pleased with what I am seeing." About 25 girls showed up for tryouts last year; this year, Fitzgerald said 50 were ready to go. He is beyond thrilled to be in this position to turn things around. "There's no pressure at all," he said. "There's nothing but enthusiasm. I've asked them to do two things - play hard and have fun, and they are doing that." Pogwizd is the silent leader and Frantzen is the go-getter. These two will lead ACC. The new players will add height and depth.

Rosary

Coach: Dave Beebe, ninth season

Last year: 23-6 overall (school record for wins), 12-2 in conference (second); won second consecutive regional title.

Returning players: Sara Butz, sr., G/F; Andi DeKing, sr., G; Katie Eckberg, jr., C; Steph Haugen, jr., G; Katie Petrando, jr., F/C; Jordan Rettig, jr., C; Lane Richmond, jr., G; Sydney Miller, sr., G; Nicole Ristick sr., G; Audrey VanAcker, sr., G.

Newcomers: Carey DeKing, jr., F; Megan Gannon, jr., G.

Outlook: The good news is the post is packed, thanks to All-Area choice Rettig, along with Petrando and Eckberg, but the bad news is the other two All-Area guards Victoria Alvarez and Faith Jones have graduated. Still, strong play in the paint is a good start. "It will be hard to match up against them," Beebe said. Beebe told this year's guards he's not looking for the next Alvarez. Richmond has been waiting in the wings for two years behind her and Haugen should step in the same role Jones had. "These two juniors should pick us up," Beebe said. The 23 wins was a school record and with the exception of conference powerhouse Montini, the Royals hope to be right up there in conference play.

Private School League Conference

Aurora Christian

Coach: Dan Stone, 16th season

Last year: 14-14 overall, 4-4 in the league (sixth).

Returning players: Rachel Mertens, sr., G; Chelsea Cooper, sr., F; Nicolle Hamm, sr., F; Mandy Monehan, sr., F; Kaitlin Bellak, sr., G.

Newcomers: Naomi Haas, jr., G/F; Deanna Jimenez, jr., G; Yvette Lira, so., G.

Outlook: Lauren Heck was clearly the go-to girl last season, but after she graduated, that left Stone with the question of who was going to take her spot. No one will - instead, a bunch of seniors will take turns being the leader, which is just fine with Stone. The senior with the most experience is Cooper, who has been on varsity for four years. "We have great senior leadership and a great amount of determination to do well this year," Stone said. The seniors this year are very determined and want to lead this team hopefully with much success. Each one brings a great amount of leadership to this team. Their focus is to lead by example and to leave a great legacy." Five seniors may have been listed as the top returning players, but Stone thinks the blend of them and the newcomers will make a solid Eagles team. "We should be very competitive," Stone said. "We always hope for a better season than the one before and if this group can take on the challenges before them, stay together as a team, and play for the Lord, we will have a very successful season."