New coach Tokars excited about Aurora Christian

Posted November 17, 2010 10:00 pm

John Lemon

Even with almost all its players returning, there's a decidedly new look for Aurora Christian girls basketball this winter.

First-year coach Jerry Tokars takes over for Dan Stone. Tokars comes to Aurora Christian from Hinckley Big-Rock where he was a girls assistant varsity coach from 2008-2010. He also previously assisted the Hinckley-Big Rock boys varsity from 1997-1999 with various stints between including the H-BR boys feeder program and coaching at the Bulls/Sox Training Academy in Lisle.

"I am blessed to have the opportunity to again coach at a great institution with awesome people," Tokars said. "Aurora Christian focuses on developing the whole package and I like that.

"These kids have been excited from day one and it shows in their work ethic. They want to succeed and because of that, they will. It should be fun to watch and be a part of."

The Eagles are coming off a 6-20 season when they only had one senior on varsity. Returnees like Deana Cadena (sr., F), Yvette Lira (sr., G), Taylor Huffman (jr., G), Alyssa Henzel (jr., F) and Lisa Rodriguez (so., G/F) now have experience on their side.

In a season-opening 62-61 loss to Ottawa Marquette Monday, Lira scored 10 points and Henzel grabbed 10 rebounds, but it was transfer Georgia Danos leading all scorers with 20 points.

Tokars lists the team's speed as one potential strength.

"This team is hungry and has been working very hard to position itself to have a successful season," Tokars said. "We have some team speed so we will be able to run some and we will look to play various defenses and apply pressure from time to time. We are working to be efficient on offense in both the open court and in the half court."

Tokars also is looking for help from newcomers Danos, Emily Magee and Maggie McNamara, among others.

"The combination of several returning varsity players along with several hardworking newcomers, gives the team much hope that they can significantly improve on the results from last year," Tokars said.

Quick facts

Coach: Jerry Tokars

Last year: 6-20, lost 45-27 to Lisle in Class 2A Lisle regional semifinals

Players to watch: Deana Cadena, sr., F; Lisa Rodriguez, so., G/F; Georgia Danos, so., G

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