Scouting Elgin Maroons

Elgin Maroons

Coach: Dr. Nick Bumbales (3rd year, 2-53)

Conference: Upstate Eight River

2010-11 record: 0-27 (0-14 UEC River)

Top returning players: Briana Hamilton (Sr. 6-0 C), Alex Bell (Sr. 5-7 G), Kenyatta Scales (Sr. 5-5 G), Kassie Rife (Sr. 5-5 G), Maggie Powers (So. 5-5 G), Jessica Ramirez (So. 5-8 F).

Top newcomers: Hannah Perryman (Sr. 5-7 G), Anna Eckholm (So. 5-7 F), Tamara Molosevic (So. 6-1 C), Tanya Welch (So. 5-5 G), Kristin Tayag (Jr. 5-6 G).

Outlook: The Maroons have nowhere to go but up. After suffering through the first winless season in program history, Bumbales is confident his team can bounce back this season and be more competitive. Hamilton, an all-area player last season, averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds per game and has the potential to score big and defend in the paint. Powers and Ramirez have both improved and are still young, which bodes well for the future. "The numbers are up in the program and that's a good sign," Bumbales said. "We have over 20 freshmen and 20 sophomores out." Hamilton and Powers each played AAU basketball in the summer, something Elgin hasn't had many players do the past few years. The Maroons could also benefit from the added athleticism of Perryman, who has signed with Division II Missouri-St. Louis to play softball.