Opening day for girls hoops in the Fox Valley

Posted November 01, 2009 10:00 pm

John Radtke

High school girls basketball teams around the state had their first official practices Monday, including at Burlington Central and Elgin, where new coaches are in charge of the programs.

At Burlington, former Hampshire and NIU star Stephanie Smith, above right, takes over the Rockets' program. Smith is a 2000 Hampshire graduate who scored 1,245 points in her career there before going on to play for NIU for four years. She was also a two-time honorary captain of the Daily Herald All-Area team.

Dr. Nick Bumbales, below right, has long been a fixture around Elgin High basketball, most notably the boys program. He was recently named the new girls varsity coach, replacing Angie Hudson.

The Rockets and Maroons open the season against each other at Burlington Central on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

New Burlington Central girls basketball coach Stephanie Smith runs dribbling drills Monday during the first official day of practice. John Starks | Staff Photographer

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