Scouting Leyden girls basketball

Leyden

Coach: Michele Szatko (second season)

Last year's record: 2-27, 0-12 5

Graduated players: Kim Giannini, Theresa Trousdale

Returning players: Yocelin Dorado (5-5 Sr. G), Tashemia McKinney (5-9 Sr. F), Julie Bassmaji (5-8 Sr. G-F), Moira Quinlan (5-6 Sr. G), Angelica Rum (6-0 Sr. F-C), Zashi Vasquez (5-4 Sr. G),

Newcomers: Michelle Sansone (5-5 So. G), Briana Resto (5-5 Jr. G), Jaime Weaver (5-5 Sr. G), Jeanine Hannoun (5-6 Jr. F), Ashia Driver (5-8 Jr. F), Paris Love (6-0 Jr. C), Ashley Montanez (6-0 Fr. C).

Outlook: As she begins her second year at Leyden, Szatko has six payers back from her first team at Leyden, and McKinney is returning from knee surgery. "With having seven players who have already been on the team, we are looking forward to having that varsity experience and putting together a strong season," said Szatko, who played on two Fenwick teams that finished first and third in the Class 2A state tourney under Hall of Fame coach Dave Power. "One of our biggest challenges will be developing our inside game. We have not typically been a program with much height so taking advantage of our strength in the paint will be important and focusing on our defensive rebounding." Szatko believes freshman Montanez, a 6-foot center, could make an impact inside fo the Leyden in her rookie season. The Eagles will host a "Pack the Place" night on Dec 3 when they face Addison Trail in the East Leyden Field house at 6 p.m.