Scouting Fremd girls basketball

Fremd

Coach: Dave Yates

Last year: 25-7, 10-0

Graduated Players: Jaimie Groot, Megan Gray, Megan Horn, Bridget Kubis, Sarah Power, Mary Sorenson

Returning Players: Kara Kirchner (5-10 Sr.), Sarah Macius (5-9 Sr.), Ashley McConnell (5-9 Jr.), Tiffany Mckenzie (5-8 Sr.), Jessi Wiedemann (6-1 Sr.), Bernie Williams (5-9 Jr.)

Newcomers: Joanna Alden (6-0 Jr.), Catherine Ernst (5-7 Jr.), Haley Gorecki (5-10 Fr.), Emma Hanson (5-10 Jr. F), Frannie Joyce (5-11 Jr.), Marilyn Lortz (5-10 Jr.), Andrea Paulson (5-10 Jr.), Sydney Sek (5-9 Jr.), Shannon Wittel (5-10 So.)

Scouting report: The defending Mid-Suburban League champions return two starters and they are two of the top players in the conference. All-area selections Jessi Wiedemann and Ashley McConnell were Fremd's top two scorers last season (11 points per game), and the team's top 3-point shooters. Wiedemann, who has committed to Valparaiso, is a four-year varsity player while McConnell, beginning her third year on varsity, has a long list of Division 1 schools in pursuit.

"Ashley has really worked on stepping up her offensive game," said Vikings coach Dave Yates. "I feel Ashley should be in any conversation about top point guards in the area. With two years of varsity basketball under her belt, I feel Ashley is ready to take it to another level." Yates said Wiedemann had a great summer. "She has improved her strength and has expanded her game to the point where she can score anywhere," he said. "She is playing with a great deal of confidence." Despite a new cast surrounding Wiedemann and McConnell, the Vikes had a very successful summer against strong competition. "This group will play like it is (young) at times, but has the potential to be a very good team," Yates said. "We lost a lot on the defensive side of the ball, so the sooner we commit to defending, the better I like our chances." The team has a good mix of experienced players and some newcomers who bring a lot to the table. "Like last year, we have a number of kids who have patiently waited their turn to step into more prominent roles," Yates said.