Jones, Harper face rebuilding challenge
A young Harper College women’s basketball team will take the court tonight for the first time under first-year head coach Nicole Jones.
Former coach Mark Smith resigned his post as during the off-season in order to follow the playing career of his daughter, who is a member of the Michigan State basketball team. Also gone from last season’s coaching staff is assistant coach Marlene Sarley.
The Hawks lost all five starters from last season, including leading scorers Anna Kirchoff (Barrington) and 6-foot-1 Sarah Kellermeyer (Schaumburg).
“I have to build from the ground up,” Jones said.
The good news for Jones is that the Hawks return two of their top reserves from last season in Sarah Eschenbaum (Lake Zurich) and Mitshi Ishioka.
Instead of coming off the bench, though, both will be starting as the Hawks travel to Oakton for a 5 p.m. tip today.
Jones hopes the sophomores supply an inexperienced Hawks team with leadership. The player who may see her role change the most this season is Ishioka.
“I am giving her the ball — it’s her team to guide,” said Jones, who expects Ishioka to beat defenders off the dribble and get easy baskets.
Having the sharp-shooting Eschenbaum return is another plus.
“Sara Eschenbaum is going to be my go-to player,” Jones said. “I have been pleased with her shooting ability and her shot selection.”
The Hawks will go with an eight-player rotation early in the season.
“Right now I am focused on the (players) we currently have,” Jones said of her team’s depth. “We are going to have to do some things that fits our team best.”
Several freshmen have caught the eye of the new coach. Stepheny Whinkley has the ability to play both on the low block as power forward or on the wing as the small forward. Jones likes Whinkley’s big frame. While she has range from 8-10 feet, Jones said “She can do some work around the basket.”
The player that may give Jones the most to work with is 6-2 Britney Wall. Like Whinkley, Wall gives the Hawks yet another “big strong body.” Jones expect to rely on Wall for rebounds and physical play around the basket.
The first-year coach believes she can mold her team into one that will battle each night.
The Hawks will play a tough schedule, including quality foes in North Central Community College Conference play.
“I feel the schedule is going to be challenging,” Jones said.
The toughest games in the conference slate might come against Joliet Junior College.
“Their speed and agressiveness,” said Jones, “will be tough to match up with.”
The Wolves are ranked fifth in the preseason NJCAA Divsion III poll.
One thing Jones wishes she had more of is depth.
“I see a lot of (N4C) teams that have 6-7 sophomores on their roster,” she said. “We are going to go out and battle hard every single game.”