Scouting St. Charles East Saints

St. Charles East Saints

Coach Lori Drumtra

Last year 17-13

Postseason Won Class 4A South Elgin regional title. Lost 51-38 to Crystal Lake South Class 4A Jacobs sectional.

Key losses Natasha Lalos.

Top returnees Lexi Baltes (sr., G, 5-7); Jaime Rust (sr., G, 5-9); Kara Schnier (sr., F/C, 5-11); Steph Roan (sr., G, 5-6); Jacki Leibforth (sr., G/F, 5-8); Danielle Jordan (sr., G, 5-7); Kala Sigona (sr., F/C, 6-0).

Newcomers to watch Chanel Stephens (jr., G/F, 5-10); Dani Asquini (jr., F, 5-9); Kathleen Dailey (so., F/C, 5-11).

Outlook With eight seniors and four returning starters, plus the momentum from an upset win over St. Charles North in the regional finals last year, the Saints enter the season with plenty of promise. Two four-year varsity players lead the way, Baltes and Rust. "They bring a tremendous amount of experience and leadership to the team," Drumtra said. Baltes, a four-year starter at the point, "makes everyone better" according to Drumtra, while Rust is the team's defensive stopper while improving her offensive game. Kara Schnier and Steph Roan are the team's other two returning starters while senior Danielle Jordan also saw significant playing time last year and Jacki Leibforth came on strong late in the year. After breaking her finger on the second day of practice last year, the 6-foot Sigona is healthy and will help inside. Juniors Chanel Stephens and Dani Asquini both started on the sophomore team last year. Kathleen Dailey, who Drumtra called an "amazing athlete" is the lone sophomore on the team. Drumtra is hoping Dailey and the Saints' other post players will turn St. Charles East into an improved rebounding team while they maintain their strong 3-point shooting from Baltes, Rust, Roan and Jordan. After a 6-4 Upstate Eight record last year, look for the Saints to compete for the final UEC title.