Scouting Wheeling Wildcats

Wheeling Wildcats

Last year's record 33-2, 10-0

Graduated players Ashley Wilson, Bridgette Gray, Tiffany Meier

Returning varsity players Chloe Majkowski (5-8 Sr. G), Amanda Greiter (5-8 Sr. G), Samie Spinabella (5-5 Sr. G), Selma Smajlovic (5-7 Sr. G), Stephanie Kuzmanic (5-8 Sr. PG), Janelle Cannon (5-9 Sr. PG), Kellie Kuzmanic (5-10 So. F), Larissa Aguero (5-8 Sr. F), Bianca Szafarowicz (5-11 Sr. G)

Newcomers Kelsey Maczko (5-7 Jr G), Alyson Fallon (5-6 Jr. G), Ellie Grinter (5-5 Jr. G), Jessica Walker (5-6 Jr. G), Kayla Jordan (5-8 Jr. G), Leah Malsom (6-0 So. F)

Outlook The expectations remain high as coach Shelly Wiegel returns several players from her team that took third place in the Class 4A state tourney last year. "We have eight seniors on the roster, and will rely on their experience and leadership this season," Wiegel said. Janelle Cannon (Minnesota recruit), Stephanie Kuzmanic and Bianca Szafarowicz (Truman State recruit) were selected as captains by their teammates. The powerful trio will determine the success level of this year's squad. "It's a nice luxury to have two point guards like Janelle (Cannon) and Stephanie (Kuzmanic)," Wiegel said. Other key players who return with solid experience are Kellie Kuzmanic and Smajlovic. Key newcomers are Malsom, Jordan, Maczko, Grinter. Majkowski also had a solid summer and looks to contribute more this year. The Wildcats are seeking a third straight MSL crown. Cannon has 944 career points in just two years at Wheeling. She averaged 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 4.2 assists per game. "The big difference this seaosn is we're a lot smaller," Cannon said. "Everyone will have to contribute rebounding. It's not like the past few years where we could rely on our height." Wiegel said the team has been working hard to continue the tradition and success from the past five years. "The girls are working to develop the chemistry, timing, and trust that is necessary to compete at the highest level," she added. "We are excited for the season, and can't wait to see this team get out there and battle. We want to defend our conference title and would love to return to Illinois State and represent Wheeling in the Final Four. It was an amazing experience, and we will do whatever we can to give ourselves a chance to go back." Added Cannon "After getting third place last year in the state, we know we have a target on our back. Everyone will have to step up so we can defend our conference championship and get back downstate again."