Scouting Leyden Eagles

Leyden Eagles

Coach Michele Zatko (first season)

Graduated players Alyssa Stephens, Kim Fazio, Becca Piscitelli, Nora Jaime

Returning players Kim Giannini (5-5 Sr. G), Theresa Trousdale (5-6 Sr. F), Dana Sullivan (5-5 So. G), Tashemia McKinney (5-9 Jr. F)

Newcomers Zashi Vasquez (5-3 Jr. G),Juliana Bassmaji (5-8 Jr. G-F), Yocelin Dorado (5-5 Jr. G), Tashemia McKinney (5-9 Jr. F), Holly Ferrari (5-11, Jr. F), Moira Quinlan (5-6 Jr. G), Angelica Rum (5-11 Jr. F),

Outlook Coach Michele Szatko, a former basketball player for Fenwick High School and Hall of Fame coach Dave Power, takes over the Eagles' program. "We have a very young, talented squad with only two seniors on the team and some coaching changes on the staff at all levels," said Szatko, who has spent the past two years at the sophomore level. Szatko played for Fewwick teams that finished first and third in the Class 2A state tourney. "One of our main focuses is to be more disciplined on offensive end of the court and not just settling for any open look," Szatko said. "One of our major strengths is that we have more than one play maker. We can count on others girls to contribute not only in that starting five but also from those coming off the bench."

The Eagles have four returning players, including Sullivan who has a good perimeter shot and McKinney, who is a force inside. "We have great leadership from our two captains, Theresa Trousdale and Dana Sullivan," the coach said "Kim Giannini also has experience at the varsity level and is a defensive threat." Among the newcomers to keep an eye on are juniors Vasquez and Bassmaji. "The Leyden girls' basketball program has always been known for its defensive intensity and we hope to continue with that tradition," Szatko said.