Scouting Palatine girls basketball

Palatine

Coach: Leslie Schock (third season)

Last year’s record: 11-18, 1-9

Graduated players: Sydney Wiedemann, Heather Zimmerman, Katie Nawrot, Jenny Solberg, Kelli Burke, Brittani Walls

Returning players: Molly Deal (5-6 Sr. G), Katie Scovic (5-9 Sr. F), Nia Pappas (5-5 So. G), Lauren Radtke (5-11 Sr. F)

Newcomers: Katie Burke (5-4 Jr. G), Julie Johlie (5-8 Jr. F), Alexis DeJulio (5-8 Sr. F), Laura Schweiker (5-6 Jr. G), McKenzie Wiedemann (5-8 So. F), Katelyn Mayer (5-10 Jr. F)

Outlook: Schock returns a handful of players, including point guard Pappas, who directed the offense last season as a freshman. Pappas was an all-area honorable mention selection who scored a career-high 14 points against Grayslake Central. “She’s stronger,” Schock said. “She’s more confident and she’s had a couple of good weeks of preseason practice.” Radtke has also shown she is capable of double-digit scoring. She netted 15 points against St. Viator at the Dundee-Crown Thanksgiving tourney last season. Mayer, who has gotten stronger with weight training, and Scovic also reached double figures a year ago. Schweiker, a member of the Pirates’ cross country team which placed second in the Class 3A state tourney, also adds scoring punch (game-high 9 points in the Pirates’ opening 43-40 win over Maine West this season). Wiedemann also will play a key role at the No. 2 guard spot. “We have to run the floor in transition,” Schock said. “And we have to take care of the basketball. And we must stay healthy (10 players on the varsity roster).”