Scouting Hoffman Estates Hawks

Hoffman Estates Hawks

Coach Mike Nocella (third season)

Last year's record 24-4, 9-1

Graduated players Megan Evans, Megan Fischer, Alex Wulbecker, Carol King

Returning players Mary Pettit (5-6 So. G), Kelsey Lukowicz (5-8 Sr. G), Jada Stotss (5-9 Jr. G-F), Kriste Hisey (5-9 Sr. F), Megan Bernardoni (5-10 Sr. F-G)

Newcomers Colleen Thomas (5-6 Jr. G), Haley Worman (5-11 So. F), Liz Lewis (5-11 Sr. F), Melanie McGinn (5-8 Jr. F), Kelsey Pellus (5-7 Jr. G), Tonisha Harris (5-4 Jr. G), Tanya Skworch (5-6 Jr. G), Precious Ogunleye (5-10 Jr F)

Outlook As he begins his third season at Hoffman, coach Mike Nocella welcomes back some key players, including all-area selections Megan Bernardoni and Jada Stotts, who helped guide the Hawks to the MSL West crown last season. Bernardoni, who was on the golf team this fall, led the Hawks with 60 steals last season. She also averaged 7.3 points and handed out 70 assists. Her 54 percent shooting touch from the floor was also a team best. The talented athkete, an all-area middle blocker in volleyball this fall, was Hoffman's No. 2 rebounder last season and also averaged 7.3 points with 59 assists and 53 steals. Lukowicz is also a key returning player for the Hawks. The big loss for Hoffman was all-area guard Megan Fischer, a four-year starter who left as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,549 points. "We accomplished what we wanted this summer," said Nocella, a former Prospect girls basketball coach who last year guided Hoffman to its first MSL division crown since 1992. "It won't be easy, but we look forward to trying to defend our West title." Nocella's team will also be trying to defend titles in the Elk Grove-Fenton and Mundelein tournaments. Nocella will once again be assisted by Gabrielle Cottrell, a star player for him when he coached at Prospect.