Scouting Carmel Catholic

CARMEL

Coach: Kelly Perz (seventh season)

Last season: 10-20, 3-4 in East Suburban Catholic, lost to Johnsburg in Class 3A Carmel regional final

Key losses: G Alexa Amato, G Dani DeLozier

Returning players: Sr. F Daija Pruitt (5-10), Sr. G Jennifer Giesey (5-6), Sr. F Mary Kate Mooney (5-10), Sr. G Danielle Amato (5-4), Jr. G Ava Speer (5-6), Jr. F Maddie Motzel (5-10)

Newcomers: Fr. G Katie Lach (5-8), Fr. G Ranya Jamison (5-3), Jr. G Grace Ambrose (5-5), Jr. G Annie Miles (5-5), Jr. G Madison Sasman (5-5), So. G Shai Horton (5-7), So. F Brigit Barr (5-10)

Outlook: The Corsairs count just 18 wins in the last two seasons, after netting 25 and a sectional championship in 2014, but the victory pace might pick up this winter. For sure, the Corsairs' pace on the floor will increase. "I feel our personnel allows that," coach Kelly Perz said. While the Corsairs boast a three-year varsity player in Daija Pruitt, who can score in the low post and rebound, they also have some athletes - who happen to have last names familiar to Carmel basketball fans. Freshman Katie Lach is the sister of Leah, who started for the 2013-14 Corsairs. Sophomore Brigit Barr has had two brothers (Cullen and Michael) play for Carmel in recent years. Returning junior Maddie Motzel is the sister of Brandon, who just finished up a strong career at Augustana, and freshman Ranya Jamison is the sister of Carmel football star Rondel, who's also played hoops for the Corsairs. All can get up and down the floor and have the athleticism to defend. Senior Jennifer Giesey, who just signed with Winona State for softball, is another good athlete. "We're working a lot on our fastbreak," Perz said, "and trying to get points off our press."