Scouting: Elgin Academy

Elgin Academy Hilltoppers

Coach: Bill Rodriguez (4th year, 15-47)

Conference: Independent School League

2014-2015 record: 1-15, 0-6

Top returning players: Lia Huerta (Sr., 5-3, G), Gia Joyce (Jr., 5-9, post)

Top newcomers: Kalia Higa (Sr., 5-2, PG), Renee Sciemca (Fr., 5-3, G), Lauryn Yost-Fresh (Fr., 5-6, F), Katie Peak-Fresh (Fr., 5-7, F-post)

Season outlook: The Hilltoppers will benefit from a larger roster this season. "For the first time in more than three years our varsity team has more than 10 players on the roster," said Rodriguez. "We are a young and developing squad, however we are determined to change the perception of our basketball program by demanding high energy and fundamentally sound basketball. We do not have tryouts and we only have one high school team (varsity) so we have a mixture of talent and skill level that we will work with. This will be a learning year, but the girls are willing and ready to work hard." Rodriguez is joined by associate coach Jill Kowalyszyn, who is in her third season with the program. "We have a group of hard-working and good-spirited players, which will help in providing an emotionally sound program," she said. Kowalyszyn said Joyce will be a key post presence, while Higa, a transfer student, will help at point guard. "We like the enthusiasm and hard work the girls have shown us these past few weeks of practice," said Kowalyszyn. "Their motivation is high and they are willing to soak up all the basketball knowledge we give them. It should be a fun and learning year for our program."