Antioch program making progress

Happy, but in no way satisfied.

That pretty much sums up the way first-year Antioch girls basketball coach Tim Borries feels about his team's first 21 games The Sequoits (9-12) are just one victory away from notching double-digit wins. Last year, Antioch won a total of four games.

"There are some games that we should have won, but my goal at the beginning of the season was to be competitive and we've done that," he said.

Even better, the Sequoits are playing at this level despite an extremely young lineup that should only get better with time. Antioch starts one senior (Christine Gaborek), three juniors (Katrina Holm, Martha Arntson and Katie Budd) and one freshman (Andi Potkonjak).

Sophomore Allie Antilla sees a lot of playing time as does sophomore Lauren Grant. Freshman Lauren Tiffany and junior Brittany Deem also are key cogs in the rotation.

In addition, Antioch's freshman team already has notched 15 victories.

"We have two of their best players on varsity and they're still playing very well," Borries said. "There also is some nice talent coming along at the sophomore level. The future looks very bright."

In Potkonjak, the Sequoits certainly have an exciting point guard to build around. She leads the Sequoits in points (10.5), assists (3) and steals (3) per game.

"I noticed her court vision right away," Borries said. "She's been playing basketball for many years and she finds the open player. She makes freshman mistakes but she learns from them."

Tiffany was called up to the varsity eight games into the season.

"She was playing great at the freshman level and we gave her a look during a varsity game," Borries said. "We kept her because she's a tough kid and she gives us a physical presence. She doesn't back down."

Grant was promoted to varsity recently, and in her debut she scored 14 points in a loss to Zion-Benton.

One of Antilla's best attributes is her versatility.

"We can use her at any position," Borries said.

Holm is counted on to guard the other team's best player.

"She's only 5-foot-4, but she's very quick and never gives up," Borries said. "She has a lot of desire."

Gaborek is Antioch's most experienced player. She averages about 9 points and 6 rebounds per game.

During the season's stretch run, Borries wants to continue to develop Antioch's basketball culture.

"I tell the girls never take a play off," he said. "We try to outwork the other team for the whole game."