Scouting Huntley Red Raiders

Huntley Red Raiders

Coach Steve Raethz (11th year, 145-139)

Conference Fox Valley (Valley)

Last year 18-12 (8-2 FVC Fox)

Top returners Seniors Hillary Johnson (5-11, F), Amanda Wisniewski (5-9, F), Taylor Henning-Fletter (5-6, G), juniors Kadie Lowery (5-11, F), Carly Goede (5-7, G), Rachel Chapuis (5-7, F), Cece Tsevas (5-9, G)

Top newcomers Juniors Meagan Flynn (5-6, G), Mercedes Kennedy (5-7, F), Brie Roeser (5-4, G)

Outlook Raethz, now in his 11th season, likes the makeup of his roster. "We have a nice mix of returning players who saw pretty significant minutes coupled with a good crop of new players," said Raethz, whose team won its third-straight regional title last year (this one in Class 4A). "I like our depth. We should be able to go nine and possibly 10-deep at times." Lowery averaged 10 points per game last year and is a returning all-conference and Daily Herald All-Area selection. "We'll have a lot of threats that can shoot it and score the basketball," said Raethz. Without an abundance of height, Raethz is stressing the importance of strong play on the defensive end. "We're not as big and tall as we have been in the past," said Raethz. "We'll rely on playing solid team defense and concentrate on rebounding the basketball." With a new year, comes a new team dynamic for the Red Raiders. "Our biggest focus has been on building chemistry and forming an identity," said Raethz. "If we do that early on and come together, I think we can be a very competitive team." Huntley will now compete in the Valley division of the FVC. "I think it will be a real challenge in the Valley division," said Raethz. "The quality of the teams in both divisions is good, but in the Valley there are no easy nights. Obviously, Jacobs, South and Cary return a lot of players from last year and all had successful seasons last year." Raethz is excited about the possibilities for this season. "The experience is there and the potential is definitely there," said Raethz. "If we keep working on building team chemistry and our identity, I think we can be a dangerous team down the stretch. The pieces are there and the players are there for us to have a successful season."