Scouting Carmel Catholic

CARMEL CATHOLIC

Coach: Ben Berg (second season, fourth overall)

Last season: 17-16, 3-4 in East Suburban Catholic Conference, won Class 3A Chicago Northside regional, won Woodstock North sectional, lost to Glenbard South in Burlington Central supersectional

Key losses: G Ranya Jamison (transferred)

Returning players: Jr. F Kaytlyn Matz (6-0), Sr. F Brigit Barr (6-0), Jr. G Katie Lach (5-9½), Sr. F Shai Horton (5-7), Sr. G Caitlin Teehan (5-5), Sr. F Grace Jones (5-10), Sr. F Taryn Dwyer (5-9)

Newcomers: Fr. C Grace Sullivan (6-2), So. F Lily Coulthard (5-7), So. F Emma Berg (5-7), Jr. G Becca Curley (5-3), Jr. F Regina Abizaid (5-6)

Outlook: The Corsairs entered the postseason last February with a 13-15 record, then picked the perfect time to play their best basketball. They won four games in a row, netting Class 3A regional and sectional championships, before losing to Glenbard South in the Burlington Central supersectional at Elgin Community College. All-area guard Ranya Jamison is no longer attending the school, and returning junior forward Kaytlyn Matz won't play this season after tearing her ACL, but the Corsairs still have plenty of experience. Brigit Barr, Katie Lach, Shai Horton and Caitlin Teehan all received regular starts last season, and all four girls contributed on a 19-win varsity squad two season ago. "With four returning starters coming back, we still have fairly high expectations," coach Ben Berg said. "But every year is different, and we play a very tough schedule in nonconference and within the ESCC." The newcomers include Berg's daughter, 5-7 sophomore Emma Berg, and 5-3 junior Becca Curley, who's the daughter of longtime Carmel coach Dan Curley. Lily Coulthard is another 5-7 sophomore who made the varsity. Grace Sullivan is a 6-2 freshman and graduate of St. Bede in Ingleside. "The strengths of the team this year would be our experience in the starting lineup," Ben Berg said, "and hopefully our ability to adapt to multiple styles of play."