Season preview: Vernon Hills

Posted November 09, 2011 10:00 pm

By Joe Aguilar

Vernon Hills

Coach: Paul Brettner (12th season)

Last season: 16-12, 9-3 NSC Prairie

Key losses: F Becca Feld, G Danielle Binder

Returning players: Sr. G Abby Springer, Sr. G Julie Pecht, Jr. C Meri Bennett-Swanson, Jr. G Brie Bahlmann, So. G Sydney Smith, So. F Lauren Webb

Newcomers: Jr. Megan Riehm, Jr. Alina Lehocky, Jr. Mady Roberts, Jr. Alyssa Burrows

Season opener: Cougar Classic at Vernon Hills, Monday

Outlook: The Cougars might be the team to beat in the NSC Prairie. They come off a 16-win season and return their top six: 6-foot-2 junior center Meri Bennett-Swanson (a varsity starter since her freshman year), 6-0 sophomore forward Lauren Webb, sophomore guard Sydney Smith, senior guards Julie Pecht and Abby Springer, and junior guard Brie Bahlmann. Bennett-Swanson was an all-area choice last season after averaging 12.4 points per game. Webb and Smith averaged around 9 and 8 points, respectively. The Cougars' season ended with a triple-overtime loss to Wauconda in the regional finals. "Looking to compete for the Prairie title and win a regional," coach Paul Brettner said. Brettner is carrying only 10 players, including four juniors who are varsity newcomers. "Hopefully the four new juniors will fill some roles," Brettner said.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.