Scouting Neuqua Valley Wildcats

Neuqua Valley Wildcats

Coach Mike Williams.

Last year 14-15, 5-5, fifth in Upstate Eight Conference; lost to Hinsdale Central 43-31 in Class 4A Neuqua Valley regional final.

Top players McKenzie Hughes, jr., C; Jenna Marsalli, sr., G; Taylor Francesconi, jr., G; Bria Williams, sr., F; Megan Doody, fr., G; Jackie Geffinger, sr., G; Shannon Larson, sr., F; Ashleigh Jones, sr., C.

Scouting report If you're not sure how good Neuqua Valley can be, you're not alone. "It's one of those years when you don't know," Williams said. "There's a lot of unknowns. We've got some players who are going to have to step up and answer the bell." One player moved away, others switched schools because the district changed the school boundaries with the opening of Metea Valley. But one thing Williams does know is he will lean heavily on Hughes, but not too heavily too soon. The 6-foot-2 center is one of only two players with much varsity experience; Marsalli is the other. She's attracting a lot of attention from colleges, but she's recovering from heart surgery and a staph infection. Doctors say Hughes is ready to go, but Williams will work her into the rotation slowly. "It's an amazing story," Williams said. "It's a heck of a roller-coaster ride for her."