Scouting St. Viator girls basketball

St. Viator

Coach: Paul Bjerkness (sixth year)

Last year: 13-17, 1-8

Graduated players: Taylor Skala (Rockhurst), Emily Leazer, Maggie Dougherty, Tracy Supergan, Megan Bailey, Julia Frank, Kim McAvoy, Martha McAvoy, and Diana VanStedum.

Returning players: Lauren Rooney (6-1 Sr. C), Morgan Hess (5-9 Sr. F), Mallory Hess (5-9 Sr. F), Katie Gavin (5-7 Sr. G), Colleen Dunne (5-0 Sr. G), Annie Campbell (5-3 Sr. G), Stephanie Mazanek (5-8 Sr. F)

Newcomers: Jennie Horstmann (5-5 Jr. G), Samy Stanley (5-7 Jr. F), Hannah Scheller (5-8 Jr. G), Justice Johnson (5-10 Jr. F), Michelle Presslak (5-10 Jr. F), Erin Fabbri (5-8 So. G), Mary Cleary (6-1 So. C)

Scouting report: Coach Paul Bjerkness is extremely excited about his sixth season directing the Lions. "We have a great group of girls," he said. "Our hope is based on an off-season that was productive with summer basketball and conditioning." The Lions will have a different look with the loss of several key players from a year ago. They return a solid group with a lot of experience in the starters. Rooney led the team in rebounding and blocked shots last season while Gavin was the MVP of the Snowflake tourney. Mallory Hess is returning from a season-ending injury and her sister Morgan gained valuable experience last year. Seniors Dunne, Campbell and Mazanek will all be given the opportunity to contribute on the defensive end. "We are equally as excited about the addition of our new players," Bjerkness said. Sophomores Fabbri and Cleary are coming off a successful freshman year and eager to start their varsity careers. Juniors Horstmann, Scheller, Johnson, Stanley and Presslak are looking to improve on their success at the lower levels. "Our sophomores and the juniors can shoot the ball, rebound, and play tough defense," Bjerkness said. "They will definitely contribute to the success of the team this year." The Lions should have a balanced offense and stingy defense. "There will be a period of adjustment early in the season with a lot of girls competing for playing time," Bjerkness said. "Once again we will play some of the area's best programs and we compete in the always-tough ESCC. We are looking to improve on last year's season and are hoping to avoid the many injuries that took a toll on last year's season. As a program we cannot wait to start playing games. We have no doubt that this year's team is focused and ready for the challenge."