Scouting Streamwood Sabres
Streamwood Sabres
Coach: George Rosner (30th year coaching, 327-458; 285 wins at Streamwood)
Conference: Upstate Eight (River)
2009-10 record: 14-17 (4-6 UEC)
Top returning players: Emma Schmidt (Sr., 5-11, C/F), Michelle Tomczak (Sr., 6-3 C), Megan McGlone (Sr., 5-10 C/F), Tara Bennett (Sr., 5-7 F), Amanda Patterson (Jr., 5-3 G), Jessica Cerda (So., 5-9 G/F).
Top newcomers: Corrie Thompson (Jr., 5-8 G/F), Aimee VanDerheyden (Jr., 5-11 C), Arfa Khanani (Jr., 5-5 G), Chasity Dillard (Jr., 5-10 F/C), Kelly Drawl (Jr., 5-8 F), Jessica Mitchell (Jr., 6-2 C), Deja Moore (So., 5-6 G).
Season outlook: This could be one of coach George Rosner’s best Streamwood teams ever. The Sabres finished last season winning 5 straight before losing to Cary-Grove in overtime in the regional finals, and they have everyone back, including sophomore Jessica Cerda, who has made a quicker than expected recovery from an early summer ACL injury and has been cleared to play with no restrictions. “We have everybody back and we feel like this group can play with anybody,” said Rosner, an IBCA Hall of Famer who could notch his 300th win at Streamwood this season. “If we play to our capability I think we can surprise some people.” The Sabres will be led again by Schmidt, who recently committed to play at Central Missouri State. A repeat all-area performer, she averaged 14 points and 9.6 rebounds per game last season and enters her senior season with 916 career points. Tomczak, who averaged 11.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last year, continues to improve and could be a force inside this season. Also back as starters are Patterson (4.1 ppg) and Cerda (6.9 ppg). Rosner is also looking for big things from Moore, as well as Thornwood transfer Dillard. “Moore could be an impact player,” Rosner said. “And it’s nice to have four starters back. You can’t substitute for experience. We’ll definitely put some talent out there. When you have Emma’s leadership and skill, you have your point guard (Patterson) back, Michelle at 6-3, and Cerda being healthy ... it’s a nice mix.”