Scouting Harvest Christian Lions

Harvest Christian Academy Lions

Coach: Kelly Friestad (3rd season, 16-20)

Conference: Independent

2010-2011 record: 14-6 (vs. non-IHSA schedule)

Top returning players: Sophomores Sydney Doby (6-2, C), Carol Kauffman (5-6, G/F), Anneliese Herman (5-7, G)

Key newcomers: Freshmen Kylee Knox (5-5, PG), Jordie Wells (5-8, G/F), Valerie Richter (5-5, G), Andrea Pearson (5-8, G), and Morgan Lockwood (5-8, F/G).

Outlook: Being a young team in its first year in the IHSA does not intimidate the Harvest Christian Lions one bit. Head coach Kelly Friestad, a former multisport standout at Judson University, looks forward to the new challenges that competing in the IHSA will bring. "Being in the IHSA brings new excitement and motivation for our program," said Friestad. "I'm very excited to be coaching these ladies in their first year in the IHSA because of the added competition it brings. The state tournament is what we need to be working for all year, and it's so much fun to compete against different teams and to see the community come out and support our school." Returning sophomore center Sydney Doby will be a key factor in the Lions' success this season. Doby, who led the Lions to the Class 1A Elite Eight in volleyball, averaged 12.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game last season, and Friestad expects her to keep those great numbers going with the help of her other returning teammates such as guard/forward Carol Kauffman and guard Anneliese Herman. Friestad also expects the incoming freshmen to bring some great things to the table for the 2011-2012 season. "Knox, our point guard, works well with Doby and will allow us to have a good 1-2 punch," said Friestad. Wells will give us some outside shooting and energy. Lockwood (when healthy) will give us more shooting and a good presence down low."