Scouting Crystal Lake South Gators

Crystal Lake South Gators

Coach Kyle McCaughn (9th year, 126-105)

Conference Fox Valley (Valley)

Last year 26-5 (9-1 FVC Valley)

Top returners Seniors Molly Benoit (5-10 G/F), Jenny Hanrahan (6-0 F/C), Katie Burton (5-9 F/G), Michelle Gaede (5-9 G/F), Lauren Chrystal (6-0 C)

Top newcomers Senior Beth McGinn (5-10 F/C); juniors Shannon McGinnis (5-9 G/C), Emily Lenzini (5-8 G/F); sophomore Stephanie Melone (5-6 G/F)

Outlook The defending Valley champion and sectional finalist Gators would appear to be loaded again after last year's school-record season. With four starters back and size and quickness to burn, McCaughn should have another exciting team to watch. "We've got a nice bit of experience coming back," he said. "Hanrahan, Gaede, Benoit and Burton give us a comfort level and they have an understanding of where were's going and what we're doing." Burton averaged 10.5 points and Gaede 9.7 to lead the offense last year while Burton and Hanrahan each pulled down 4.5 rebounds per game. Gaede was the area's leading free-throw shooter (81.2 percent) and South had the area's second best defense at 38.5 ppg. McCaughn said the team has also welcomed back McGinn, who missed her junior season with a knee injury, and that McGinnis, Melone and Lenzini should help provide some depth. The Gators will start the season without Hanrahan (tonsils) and Chrystal, who has a quad injury. "Our expectations are high but not unrealistic," said McCaughn, who will be assisted again by former Dundee-Crown coach Joe Komaromy. "I think any of the four top teams can win the conference. Cary-Grove is the top team and then us, Jacobs and Huntley will be on their heels trying to knock them off."