Scouting Wheeling girls basketball

Wheeling

Coach: Julissa Hernandez (first season)

Last year’s record: 26-5, 8-2

Graduated players: Chloe Majkowski, Amanda Greiter, Samie Spinabella, Selma Smajlovic, Stephanie Kuzmanic (Carthage), Bianca Szafarowicz (Truman State), Janelle Cannon

Returning players: Kellie Kuzmanic (5-7 Jr. G-F), Leah Malsom (6-0 Jr. F), Kayla Jordan (5-7 Sr. G-F), Kelsey

Maczko (5-8 Sr. G), Ellie Grinter (5-4 Sr. G), Alyson Fallon (5-6 Sr. G),

Newcomers: Jessi Zuba (5-10 F), Sydney Keith (5-9 So. F), Brie Majkowski (5-9 F), Dee Hanna (5-4 G), Cindy Salgado (5-11 G), Nia Evans (5-2 G), Anna Raiff (5-4 G)

Outlook: Just 24 years old, Hernandez will be the youngest coach in the MSL. The math teacher served as an assistant to head coach Shelly Wiegel for the past two years. After taking over in 2004, Wiegel compiled a 163-28 record, including the last three MSL championships, four regional crowns and a third-place finish in the 2009 Class 4A tourney. Hernandez was an all-area point guard for Lake Park, helping lead the Lancers to a supersectional her senior year. She played basketball for two years at the University of Missouri-Rolla before getting her degree in mathematics from the University of Illinois. Hernandez receives two starters from last year’s MSL championship team, which graduated all-area selections Bianca Szafarowicz, Janelle Cannon and Stephanie Kuzmanic. Kellie Kuzmanic, Stephanie’s sister, returns to a post position. Malsom, Jordan, Maczko and Grinter are top returners who saw action last year. “We are excited for a new beginning and looking forward to where the season is going to take us,” Hernandez said. “Goals have not changed despite our new look and philosophy.” Kuzmanic, Mazcko and Jordan will serve as captains. “They will be leading the team this year but not without the support of the rest of the team,” Hernandez added. “Thus far, it has been extremely rewarding to push this hardworking and competitive team to what they never expected.”