Scouting Elgin Academy Hilltoppers

Elgin Academy Hilltoppers

Head coach: Charles Porter (1st season)

Conference: Independent School League

2010-2011 record: 4-19 (2-5 ISL)

Top returning players: Seniors Ashley Barnes (PG) and Angie Martinez (G/F), junior Samayra Siddiqui (F), sophomore Susanna Cain (G).

Key newcomers: Senior Veronica Alix (F), freshmen Kaitlyn Pearson (G), Alysson Wittmeyer (F), Maggie Vettri (G), Zainab Abbasi (G).

Outlook: The Elgin Academy Hilltoppers have some challenges ahead in the 2011-12 season, but first-year head coach Charlie Porter knows they have the leadership and work ethic to succeed. "One challenge for us is that we don't have any girls that play year-round," said Porter. "We had some summer open gyms and fall open gyms. Our captains Ashley, Angie, and Sam made the most of that." The small Elgin Academy squad has a good mix of veteran presence and new players. Porter knows that the newcomers will be a force to be reckoned with, even though three of them are new to the game of basketball. "I'd watch out for Alysson (Wittmeyer) for sure," said Porter. "I expect that she will fully enjoy this and be one of our best players moving forward. The level of improvement even from the past two weeks with (Wittmeyer) and Zainab (Abbasi), with either of them not playing before, has really impressed me a lot. They've really made strides. If they stick with it, they could be a vital focus of the team going into next year." Along with the new additions to the team, the veteran leadership will be prominent for the Hilltoppers. "The most confidence I have is in our leadership," said Porter. "Having Ashley is like having another coach, she's very vocal. The girls have experience from getting to the Sweet 16 (in 2010) and that will go a long way."