GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM CAPSULES 2011-12

GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM CAPSULES

Below are the girls basketball team capsules for the schools in the www.northoaklandsports.com coverage area. For additions, e-mail senior editor Dan Stickradt at dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com.

SCHOOL: Auburn Hills Avondale

HEAD COACH: Dave Muzynski, fourth season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 22-3, 14-0 OAA White Division (First).

STATE TOURNAMENT: District champs, Lost in Class A regional finals to Detroit Renaissance

RETURNING STARTERS: Hannah Little, 6-0 sr. F (third-year starter; 14 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 bpg, signed with D-I St. Bonaventure); Loreal Farris, 5-3 sr. G (third-year starter;  5ppg, 90-percent free throw shooter).

OTHER RETURNEES: Quennece Garrison, 5-8 jr. G/F ( 7 ppg); Sabrina Douglas, 5-6 soph. G; Morgan Janes, 5-7 jr. G/F; Yasmin Williams, 5-1 sr. G; Amy Danek, 5-9 jr. F.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Carolyn Gracey, 5-9 jr. F; Teqwazha Terry, 5-8 jr. F/G (transfer from Rochester); Daja Whiteside, 5-5 jr. G.

KEY LOSSES: Andrea Strauss, 5-4 PG (al-state, three-sport athlete; all-state in basketball and soccer); Courtney Williams, 5-6 PG; Moriah Schroll, 6-0 F/C.

NOTABLES: Avondale enjoyed one of its best seasons in school history last season, going on a 17-game win streak at one point and reaching the Sweet 16 in Class A. There is still plenty of holdover talent, but this year’s team will play a tougher schedule without three starters from last year. If some of role players from last year can make a difference, then Avondale should finish in the top half of the league. This team will be competitive, just how competitive remains to be seen. It all depends on development.

SCHOOL: Auburn Hills Christian Academy

HEAD COACH: No information submitted.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD

STATE TOURNAMENT:

RETURNING STARTERS:

OTHER RETURNEES:

KEY NEWCOMERS:

NOTABLES:

SCHOOL: Auburn Hills Oakland Christian

HEAD COACH: Dawn Lichty, first season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: Played only junior varsity schedule last season.

STATE TOURNAMENT: Did not play in the state tournament last season after being a ranked team in Class D for most of the past two decades.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Becky VanSloten, 6-0 jr. F/C; Amber Harrison, 5-8 sr. F; Erin Washington, 5-7 sr. G.

OTHER PLAYERS: Kim Ervin, 5-7 sr. F/C; Rachel TerMarsch, 5-5 sr. G; Shelby Webb, 5-9 sr. F; Sam Woloson, 5-8 sr. F; Madison Bottiaux, 5-3 jr. G; Tori Johns, 5-5 soph. G.

NOTABLES: Longtime assistant Dawn Lichty takes over a program that only fielded a junior varsity last season due to low numbers and other unexpected circumstances. There is a lot of history with this program, but the school is now in Class C for the first time and with little experience. Most of the lineup is players who did not play varsity two years ago. The rebuilding process is in full effect for what was once a small-school state powerhouse through 2010.

SCHOOL: Clarkston

HEAD COACH: Tim Wasilk, seventh season

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 18-6, 11-5 OAA Red Division (second).

STATE TOURNAMENT: District champs; lost in Class A regional finals to Midland (40-24).

RETURNING STARTERS: Megan Hastings, 5-5 sr. G; Delaney Kenny, 5-9 jr. G; Anna Manila, 5-10 sr. F; Christina Jokisch, 6-1 sr. F.

OTHER RETURNEES: Tori Trimmer, 5-8 sr. F; Breanca Cantrell, 5-3 sr. G; Jessica Ming, 5-9 sr. F; Kacy Robinson, 5-9 soph. G; Erin Davenport, 5-2 jr. G.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Erika Davenport, 6-0 fr. C; Carly Giroux, 5-6 soph. G.

KEY LOSSES: Lindsey Reppuhn, 5-5 G (Kalamazoo College).

NOTABLES: After a disastrous season in 2009-10, Clarkston had a major turnaround last winter, finishing second in the ever-tough OAA-Red and reaching the Class A Sweet 16. This team is a bona fide threat to reach the same level or beyond this winter with a deep and talented team that features nine experienced players. Throw in a pair of quality newcomers, and this team will contend for league, district and regional title with the talent to make a run to the Final Four.

SCHOOL: Clarkston Everest Collegiate

HEAD COACH: Erin VanWagoner, second season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 13-7, 7-1 CHSL Intersectional Division.

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Class D district finals to eventual state champion Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes.

RETURNING STARTERS: Angelina Mastromatteo, soph. G; Megan Luttinen, soph. G; Sarina Nallamothu, jr. G; Julianna Mastromatteo, sr. F; Mary Jo Allen, soph. F.

OTHER RETURNEES: Kersten Engle, soph. F; Mary Smith, sr. F; Annie Ervin, soph. G; Shanon DiSalle, soph. G.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Claire Lasceski, fr. G.

NOTABLES: The Mountaineers did a remarkable job in their first season, sharing a division title in the CHSL and reaching the district finals. While the road to a deep run in this area will be extremely difficult, this team returns all of its top players and should again challenge for a league championship. The Mountaineers will gain the reputation of being a tough out sooner than later.

SCHOOL: Clarkston Springfield Christian

HEAD COACH: James Day, third season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 3-13, 0-8 FBAC (fifth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Defeated Lake Orion Baptist; lost in MACS sectionals to Rochester Hills Christian.

RETURNING STARTERS: Lauren Key, 5-4 soph. PG; Taylor Key, 5-8 sr. F;

KEY NEWCOMERS: Arrin Jones, fr. G; Emily Grant, soph. F; Abigail Jones, fr. G; Heather Comstock, fr. G; Savanah Berlinski, 6-0 jr. F; Heather Koy, fr. G.

KEY LOSSES: Megan Kaster, 5-9 jr. (playing hockey); Corissa Royer, 6-0 jr. C (transferred to Burton Genesee Christian).

NOTABLES: The Eagles started to turn the corner at the end of last season, by winning three of their final five games with a team almost entirely of sophomores and freshman. The program took a hit when their top two players both left the program, one to transfer and another to playing travel hockey. With a lineup of mostly freshmen and sophomores, it may take some time for this team to gel and develop leaders.

SCHOOL: Holly

HEAD COACH: David Hall

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 15-5, 12-4 Flint Metro League (third).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost to Grand Blanc in Class A district semifinals.

RETURNING STARTERS: Lauren Maher, 5-7 sr. G; Allyssa Copley, 6-0 soph. F; Deleaney Serra, 5-7 jr. G.

OTHER RETURNEES: Miayan Kerner, 5-5 sr. G; Brooke Harthun, 5-9 sr. F

Kayla Skopek, 5-3 sr. G.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Abbey Lewandowski, 5-9 soph. F; Kelsey Foucart, 5-7 sr. F.

KEY LOSSES: Ashley Xiong, Audrey Koons, Jenna Mitchelle, Jenna Carter.

NOTABLES: Not a traditional power in the FML, the Bronchos turned a corner last season by earning third in the league and with good size and plenty of experience, there’s no reason why this team can’t enjoy a top three finish in the league this season. Times have changed in the FML, where Lapeer East and Oxford once dominated for years. Holly is one of four teams in the league entertaining thoughts of a league championship.

SCHOOL: Lake Orion

HEAD COACH: Steve Roberts, 13^th season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 9-13, 5-11 OA Red Division (sixth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Class A district semifinals to Rochester Stoney Creek.

RETURNING STARTERS: Maddie Hutchinson, 5-7 sr. SG (third-year starter, three-sport athlete; 10 ppg); Dana Strauben, 5-9 sr. F (third-year varsity); Marissa Secontine, 5-9 sr. F (third-year player; 10 ppg); Laura Turnbull, 6-0 sr. C.

OTHER RETURNEES: Emilee Kipp., 5-10 jr. F/C; Melanie Heath, 5-10 jr. F.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Nicole Krier, 5-6 soph. G; Hannah Hamay, 5-7 fr. SG.

NOTABLES: The Dragons have dropped down to the OAA-White but should be among the leaders in that league. Lake Orion does have some talent in its starting lineup, but the success will be found in how much talent the Dragons can develop off the bench.

SCHOOL: Lake Orion Baptist

HEAD COACH: Janet Noruk, 10^th season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 5-10, 2-6 FBAC Red Division (fourth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in MACS Division I opener to Clarkston Springfield Christian (44-37).

RETURNING STARTERS: Breanne Watterowrth, 6-2 ½ soph. C (injured half of last season); Katie Brundage, 5-8 sr. SG; Jill Streetman, 5-11 sr. F (injured half of last season); Kaleigh Cameron, 5-5 sr. PG.

OTHER RETURNEES: Cara Sanders, 5-6 jr. F; Abigail Bryson, 5-4 jr. PG (League MVP in volleyball); Sara Crawford, 5-6 sr. F; Emily Loehnes, 5-11 sr. F.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Noelle Streetman, 5-7 soph. G; Abby Brennan, soph. G (sat out last season).

KEY LOSSES: Julina Moreno, 5-4 PG (all-league).

NOTABLES: The Lions were riddled by injuries last season, but with the loss of only two regulars and one full-time starter, there are signs this could be one of the area’s most improved teams. Watterworth is a wide and tall body in the post who already has the single-game school record with 26 rebounds, while Brundage is a quality perimeter threat and Streetman another athletic post; if Cameron and Bryson can develop at the point guard role, this team could very well contend in the FBAC this season, a league where the Lions have not won a division title since 2006.

SCHOOL: Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

HEAD COACH: Patrick Battani, fifth season at NDP (12^th overall at varsity level; 142-103 overall).

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 18-6, 7-1 CHSL AA Division (tied-first).

STATE TOURNAMENT: District champs (defeated Macomb Lutheran North, Imlay City, Capac in districts; def. Algonac in regionals); Lost in Class B regional finals to Birmingham Detroit Country Day (69-42).

RETURNING STARTERS: Kiaya Bowman, sr. SG; Sarah Lew-Allen, soph. G.

OTHER RETURNEES: Alexa Cannon, sr. C; Lexie Cipa, sr. F; Mackenzie Maltese, sr. F; Ellen Green soph. F.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jessica Green, soph. F; Lindsey Klei, soph. F; Jenna Sassack, fr. C; Maddie Blocki, fr. C; Nicole Difiore, soph. PG.; Kiana Eurick, jr. F.

KEY LOSSES: Brooke Borowski (all-state), Jane Fountain (All-state), Mary Kate Zinn, Brooke Scollin.

NOTABLES: The Irish enjoyed one of their best seasons in school history last winter before running into a roadblock in state and national power Country Day in the regional finals. This team should still earn some quality wins and perhaps even contend for a league title, but must replace four players, including tow all-staters, if it is to enjoy another long postseason run; there are six newcomers trying to work their way into the main rotation.

SCHOOL: Ortonville Brandon

HEAD COACH: Andrew Tiberian.

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Class A districts to Grand Blanc.

RETURNING STARTERS: None.

NOTABLES: The Blackhawks face a major rebuilding season this winter, as no starters are back and there are two freshmen on a roster of nine. Brandon will play hard, but experience and depth in an improved Flint Metro League will keep could keep this team in the bottom half of the league unless fast improvement occurs.

SCHOOL: Oxford

HEAD COACH: Steve Emert, first season (313-170 in 21 years at other schools).

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 2-19, 1-11 OAA White Division (seventh).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Class A districts to Romeo.

RETURNING STARTERS: Shelby Davis, 5-10 jr. G/F; Michele Gilmore, 5-8 sr. G/F; Miranda Murphy, 5-9 jr. G/F.

OTHER RETURNEES: Katie Bearse, 5-11 sr. C/F (injured last season); Kelsey Harrison, 5-8 jr. G/F; Megan Neff, 5-11 jr. G/F.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jessica Murphy, 5-11 fr. G/F;  Haley Monce, 5-11 jr. C/F; Haley Mince, 5-11 jr. C/F; Cherilyn Banas, 5-4 fr. G; Courtnee Sellars, 5-7 jr. G/F; Samantha Medici, 5-7 soph. G/F.

NOTABLES: The Wildcats suffered through a major rebuilding season last winter, with a team laden with underclassmen and few shooters. This year the team has a new coach in the highly-respected Emert, who has coached off and on with various boys and girls team in Metro Detroit since the 80s with the reputation of high-intensity defensive teams. This year’s unit has a strong freshman class, decent size with six players 5-10 or taller and a more mature team. There is every reason to believe that this team will enjoy much more success than last year, here the Wildcats suffered their lowest win total since the 1970s.

SCHOOL: Rochester

HEAD COACH: Adam Sheldon, third season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 4-17, 2-14 OAA Red Division (eighth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Class A district semifinals to Romeo (33-27).

RETURNING STARTERS: Abby Rawling, sr. G.

OTHER RETURNEES: Lindsay Larivee, sr. F; Zhana Randolph, jr. G; Aubrey Konal, jr. G; Stephanie VonBehren, jr. PG.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Anne Tucker, 5-10 jr. F/G (all-state transfer from Texas).

NOTABLES: Rochester is competing of three straight losing campaigns, the first time that has ever happened, and the four wins is believed to be the lowest since the early 1970s. There are some quality athletes on this team, but the Falcons still lack true basketball players and go-to scorers. This team may have to grind out wins with defense this season.

SCHOOL: Rochester Adams

HEAD COACH: Fran Scislowicz, 21^st season (266-185).

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 11-10, 8-6 OAA White Division.

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Class A districts

RETURNING STARTERS: Lauren Boyle, 5-6 sr. PG.

OTHER RETURNEES: Karissa Roveda, 5-8 sr. F; Lexi Lewandowski, 6-0 sr. C; Taylor Houghtlin, 5-6 sr. G; Corinne Devries, sr.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Amber Jamison, 5-9 fr. F; Ravien Owusu, fr. G; Jenny Rosonke, soph. G.

NOTABLES: The Highlanders have several new players this season, but a pair of impressive wins to start the season and a better shooting team could mean this team could very easily stay in the top half of the OAA White this season, a league where there is no clear-cut favorite.

SCHOOL: Rochester Stoney Creek

HEAD COACH: Brad Crighton, 10^th season (123-69).

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 14-8, 9-7 OAA Red Division (fourth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost to Romeo in Class A district finals.

RETURNING STARTERS: Gabby Yurik, 5-7 sr. G (19 points, six rebounds, six rebounds a game; all-state, two-time All-County Dream Team); Lauren Bolhuis, 5-6 sr. G; Keri Scipione, 5-10 sr. F.

OTHER RETURNEES: Lauren Voss, 5-10 soph. F; Natalie Voss, 6-1 soph. C.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Amanda Johnson, 5-5 jr. G; Abby Wild, 5-11 jr. C; Maria Zandi, 5-6 fr. G.

KEY LOSSES: Kara Kovack, 5-4 G.

NOTABLES: The Cougars bumped up to the OAA-Red last season for the first time, signaling their rise in talent in recent years; this team also reached the district finals last season for the first time. If this team can develop some of its younger talent this season, the Cougars will contend to be one of the top teams in the OAA-Red and be quite capable of making a deep run in the Class A postseason. Expect a first district title and more this season.

SCHOOL: Rochester Hills Christian

HEAD COACH: Paula Bronsing, fourth season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 22-2, 8-0 FBAC Red Division I (first).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in MACS Division I state semifinals to Davison Faith Baptist (30-29).

RETURNING STARTERS: Allise Dubay, 5-4 sr. PG (League MVP).

OTHER RETURNEES: Kaylee Gajowiak, 6-2 sr. C; Kinda Armitage, soph. G; Ashley Parker, 5-8 fr. F/C; Jenna Porter, 5-9 fr. G/F.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Hope Byers, sr. F/C; Jillian Porter, jr. F/C; Roita Yousif, soph. G; Courtney Patton, fr. G; Caitlyn Duncan, fr. G; Veronica Cowan, fr. G.

NOTABLES: The Eagles has their best season in school history last winter, wining their first league title in 11 years, which was only its second in school history, and earning a No. 1 ranking in the Michigan Association of Christian Schools. RHC reached the Final Four in the MACS-I tournament before being upset by eventual state champion Davison; Faith Baptist; eight players and four starters graduated, so this team must rebuild with almost an entirely new rotation.

SCHOOL: Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest

HEAD COACH: Mike Murphy, ninth season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 10-11, 7-5 MIAC Blue Division (third).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Class C district opener to Madison Hieights Bishop Foley.

RETURNING STARTERS: Kim Lepor, 5-7 sr. PG; Abbey Looker, 5-7 sr. G; Kalie Washburn, 5-10 sr. F.

OTHER RETURNEES: Gabby Bueno, sr. F; Lauren Church, jr. F; Emma Vieregge, jr. G; Haylee Luedtke, sr. G.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ana Hohnstadt, soph. F; Katie Rasmussen, soph. F; Amy Rink, soph. G.

KEY LOSSES: Jillian McLoughlin, Chelsea Didio.

NOTABLES: The Crusaders return three starters and ample experience to remain in the top third of the MIAC Blue Division; Lapor is a fourth-year player who shots and distributes well and both Washburn and Looker are gritty players who are alos strong leaders; there are nine seniors on a 14-player roster, so this should be Northwest’s best shot at a league title in years.

SCHOOL: Troy

HEAD COACH: Dennis Koch, second season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 14-9, 9-7 OAA Red Division (third).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Class A district finals to Auburn Hills Avondale.

RETURNING STARTERS: Karin Moss, 5-5 sr. PG (13.0 ppg, 3.9 apg, 3.3 spg; committed to Buffalo); Sabria Cotton, 5-7 jr. G/F; Sydney Heath, 5-11 soph. F (6.1 rpg, started all 23 games last season).

OTHER RETURNEES: Katy McCuish, 5-7 sr. G/F; Rachael Zelmanski, 5-9 soph. F;

KEY NEWCOMERS: Several first-year players.

KEY LOSSES: Liz Seipker, 6-1 F (Hope College).

NOTABLES: Troy raced out to a 3-0 start behind a team of very athletic, quick and defensive-minded players, who have bought into the Colts’ pressure defensive schemes. This team has the chance to be better than the past several years, where the Colts relied too much on shooting. Opposing teams do not want to get suckered into a track meet with Troy, which features several track athletes on its team and has the athleticism to run teams off the floor. There is a high ceiling for this group and a team capable of making a long postseason run with the right draw.

SCHOOL: Troy Athens

HEAD COACH:  Lindsay Noble, second season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 11-9, 4-12 OAA Red Division (sixth).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in Class A district opener to Auburn Hills Avondale.

RETURNING STARTERS: Sinclair Russell, 6-1 sr. C/F (signed with Division I Oakland University).

OTHER RETURNEES: Taylor Hill, 5-7 jr. PG; Arianna Jordan, 5-7 jr. PF.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Lauren Genereau, 5-11 soph. F/C; Kasey Joslin, 5-10 fr. G/F; Sharda Griffin, 5-9 sr. G/F; Mary Grace Stark, 5-7 soph. G; Becca Chen, 5-6 jr. PG.

NOTABLES: Although the Red Hawks return one of the state’s top post players in Russell, Athens was decimated with graduation losses, in particular its entire backcourt. The question remains for this season, who will bring the ball up the court and get the ball inside to the post? If Athens can develop some reliable guards, they could be competitive in the OAA White Division. If not, it could be a long season. This team is young with several freshmen, sophomores and juniors in the rotation and only Russell played significant minutes last season.

SCHOOL: Troy Bethany Christian

HEAD COACH: Tom Hagspihl, 19th season.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 14-4, 6-2 FBAC Red Division (second).

STATE TOURNAMENT: Lost in MACS Division I state finals to Davison Faith Baptist (30-29).

RETURNING STARTERS: Lianna Sprankle, 5-7 jr. SG; Sarah Bishop, 5-7 soph. G; Sarah Tomkowiak, 5-8 jr. F; Jordan Walraven, 5-10 jr. C/F.

OTHER RETURNEES: Staci Green, 5-7 sr. G; Carolyn Grassi, 5-8 sr. F;

KEY NEWCOMERS: Several freshmen and sophomores on varsity for the first time.

NOTABLES: The Bruins fought through the rebuilding mode last season to have yet another fine campaign on the small-school circuit. Bethany Christian; the Bruins played in their fourth straight MACS title game and lost at the buzzer despite returning only one starter last season. Now, the Bruins are favored in their league with four players back that started games last season

SCHOOL: Troy Christian Leadership Academy

HEAD COACH: No Information submitted.

LAST SEASON’S RECORD

STATE TOURNAMENT:

RETURNING STARTERS:

OTHER RETURNEES:

KEY NEWCOMERS:

NOTABLES:

SCHOOL: Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes

HEAD COACH: Steve Robak, fifth season (84-18).

LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 22-5, 8-2 CHSL Intersectional (tied-first).

STATE TOURNAMENT: District, regional, state champions in Class D; defeated Bark River-Harris 53-35 in championship game, capping a 7-0 postseason run.

RETURNING STARTERS: Carlee Cottrell, sr. G; Lexie Robak, jr. G; Ava Doetsch, jr. G;

OTHER RETURNEES: Jessica Parry, jr. G; Anna Robb, soph. G.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tori Duffey, sr. G (Transfer from Walled Lake Central).

KEY LOSSES: Lauren Robak, (first team al-state; redshirt at Oakland University); Meghan Topolewski, F (playing soccer at Division I Toledo) Farrah Nordman, F; graduated eight total players.

NOTABLES: How does a team graduate two starters and eight total players and still be a state title contender? Easy when you have a growing pipeline of talent. The Lakers will do so with a core of five quality players back, plus an arrival of one Division I senior transfer to form a nucleus that will be as good as any in Class D. If the Lakers can develop a bench, especially defensively, than this team will have a shot of making a run to a third straight Final Four or better.

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