Scouting Warren Blue Devils

Warren Blue Devils

Head coach John Stanczykiewicz (11th season)

2008-09 season 12-18, 7-5 NSC Lake

They're gone On a team that often started three freshmen and a sophomore, senior Joree Green's leadership and point-guard skills were crucial. She was the Blue Devils' lone all-conference player and was also named all-area.

Starting five Alexis Leneau inherits the point-guard spot from Green after starting in the backcourt as a freshman. She was named honorable mention all-NSC. "Alexis is probably one of the best guards in our conference," Stanczykiewicz said. "She's a great athlete. She's worked really hard in the gym and is working on her jump shot. She can take the ball to the rim real well." Another sophomore with plenty of upside and who started as a freshman is Amanda Barger. She had knee surgery right around the start of the school year and is working her way back from the injury. "At 5-10, she has the ability to drive and get to the paint," Stanczykiewicz said. "She's working on consistency with her jump shot. She's a good athlete, and long and lean." Morgan Garrett, a 6-0 junior, also started last season but didn't practice all last week due to a flu bug that Stanczykiewicz hopes has hit his team now and won't return later in the season. Center Jessica Prince, a 6-3 sophomore, got starts last season too and is playing with much more consistency, Stanczykiewicz said. Another potential starter is sophomore Marla Pettis, who was also up last season and has improved her perimeter game, according to Stanczykiewicz.

Off the bench If senior Alex Booker doesn't start, she at least figures to see plenty of playing time. A three-sport athlete who signed a letter of intent to play softball for Illinois, she missed her junior basketball season with a torn ACL. Booker played on varsity as a sophomore and was part of the Sarah Boothe-led team that won conference and regional championships. "It's been really good to have her around," Stanczykiewicz said. "For us, she's been a really positive influence." Senior forward JonTaye Bonds played varsity last season but did not play basketball in the summer, choosing instead to run with a track club. She sprinted at the state track in May. Stanczykiewicz says freshman point guard Ellie Gallo has the chance to play a lot immediately. Another freshman is 5-9 wing Kendall Farmer, the daughter of former Loyola University men's coach Larry Farmer. Other veterans include seniors Megan Kilroy and Tiffany Bembry.

Stanczykiewicz says "We have really good athletes. The key is how quickly we're going to become real good basketball players on a consistent level. ... We'll be better in the second half of the season than the first half."