Scouting Hoffman Estates girls basketball

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Mike Nocella (fourth season)

Last year’s record: 21-8, 6-4

Returning players: Jada Stotts (5-10 Sr. G-F), Precious Ogunleye (5-11 Sr. F), Destinee Young (6-0 So, F), Mary K. Pettit (5-6 Jr. F)

Newcomers: Colleen Thomas (5-8 Sr. G), Melanie McGinn (5-10 Sr. G-F), Tanya Skworch (5-6 Sr. G), Rebecca Stoczynski (6-0 So. G-F), Kelsey Pellus (5-7 Sr. G), Tiffany Pitter (5-6 So. G), Sara Burns (5-6 So. G), Morgan Spiegel (5-7 Jr. G), Brittany Love (5-9 Jr. G-F)

Outlook: In his fourth season, Nocella welcomes back four starters from a 21-8 squad which was third in the MSL West. “We accomplished what we wanted in the summer and we know it won’t be easy, but we think we can compete for the West title,” Nocella said. The former Prospect coach, now retired from teaching, expects a fun and exciting team for fans to watch. Stotts was an all-area selection last winter, averaging 14 points and 5 rebounds. “Jada will be predominantly playing a guard position this season,” Nocella said of the former forward and future Austin Peay volleyball player. “She has really adjusted to it well and is showing some great leadership.” Ogunleye and Young give the Hawks size and solid inside play. Ogunleye averaged close to 9 rebounds last season while Young averaged nearly 6 rebounds while playing most of the second half of the season. Pettit moves from the No. 2 guard to the point. “She is also showing some good leadership,” Nocella said. “She ran our point well this summer.” Skworch looks like she will complete the starting lineup. Stoczynski, McGinn and Thomas will provide solid depth off the bench. “The girls are excited about the season,” Nocella added. “We’ll probably do some pressing. We have been kind of letting the other team dictate things the last three seasons. This year, we’d like to be the team dictating with our different offenses.”