Scouting South Elgin Storm

South Elgin Storm

Coach: Tim Prendergast (5th year, 55-56)

Conference: Upstate Eight Valley

2010-11 record: 12-15 (4-8 UEC Valley)

Top returning players: Becca Smith (Sr. 5-8 G), Lania Robinson (Sr. 5-6 G), Savanah Uveges (5-9 So. G), Kennede Miller (6-1 So. F), Amanda Behles (5-8 Jr. G).

Top Newcomers: Anna Tracy (So. 5-6 G). Laura McIntosh (Fr. 5-9 G).

Outlook: South Elgin will be competitive in every game just on the sheer fact that Smith, who has signed with Loyola, returns for her senior season and brings 1,422 career points with her. A two-time all-area player, Smith led the area in scoring last year at 19.8 ppg and also averaged 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 4 steals per game. She had games of 41 and 37 points and proved time and again to be a game changer. Robinson (8.3 ppg), Uveges (9.5 ppg, 3.4 apg) and Miller (2.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg) also return to the starting lineup, where they will likely be joined by the sophomore Tracy. She will replace projected starter Kara Rodriguez in the starting lineup. Rodriguez is out for the season while recovering from an AVL injury incurred while cheerleading during the football season. “I’d be excited with all five starters back but having four has made the preseason pretty easy,” said Prendergast. “We were 12-14 with a young team last year and we just wanted to compete. This year Bartlett and Waubonsie Valley are pretty strong but we want to contend in the Upstate Eight. I’m looking forward to it.” One big change for the Storm will be Smith moving to the shooting guard spot and Uveges taking over the point. “Becca’s shooting NBA 3-pointers right now and that’s something we’ve been missing,” Prendergast said. “We’ll have a fast athletic team that can score in transition and from outside. We’re still on the small side and not real physical so our biggest challenge will be on the glass and we’ll have to be strong defensively. If we can rebound and play defense I feel we can win the Upstate Eight.”