Aurora Christian not backing down from latest challenge

When Aurora Christian goes up against Suburban Christian Conference Gold foes like Wheaton Academy, Marian and Guerin Prep, the Eagles are going to see one team after another with at least two of their top players returning.

Good thing for coach Jerry Tokars that his Aurora Christian Eagles also have plenty of punch coming back from his first team at the school that went 7-19 including a 6-7 finish after starting 1-12.

"All of the girls have worked very hard this summer which puts the team in position to achieve a successful season," Tokars said. "The combination of several returning varsity players along with a handful of newcomers, gives the team much confidence that they can significantly improve on the results from last year. The desire and confidence is at a high level. We will continue to place an emphasis on being a top defensive team and we will look to use our team speed."

Senior center Alyssa Henzel, senior guard Emily Magee, junior forward Mackenzie Bollinger and sophomore guard Alyssa Andersen are all back from that team who defeated Walther Lutheran, Immaculate Conception and Wheaton Academy down the stretch last year while losing by just 4 and 1 point to regional champs Aurora Central and Westmont.

"I am blessed to have the opportunity to again coach a high quality group of young woman," Tokars said. "The senior group is poised and determined to complete their careers at Aurora Christian with a winning year and their leadership will set the tone and raise the bar for a talented group of underclassmen. It will be fun to watch and be a part of."

Among the newcomers the Eagles are counting on are junior guard Alex Hultine and sophomore forward/center Melissa Moser.

Tokars knows he'll need those players to blend with his returnees to compete against a conference with a lot of talent returning.

"The division will be very competitive," Tokars said. "There will be no nights off but we expect to contend for our division."