Thursday, November 28, 2002
BRISTOL
Head coach: Debbie Rowles, second year (12-8)
2001 record: 12-8, 9-5 East Suburban Conference
Returning letterwinners: Niki Rowles (5-10, Sr., G), Katie Casserlie (5-6, Sr., G), Shannon Burchett (5-10, Sr., F), Sarah Henry (5-7, Jr., F), Becky Sloan (5-6, Jr., G), Nikita Light (5-5, Soph., G).
Newcomers: Ashley Rasmussen (5-7, Sr., G), Maegan Bellino (5-7, Soph., F), Jennifer White (6-0, Jr., F), Andrea Bland (5-4, Jr., G).
Outlook: Rowles, an all-league pick last year, is one of six returning letterwinners. Should compete for Northeast Athletic Conference and district titles.
EAST LIVERPOOL
Head coach: J.R. Walker, third year (21-21)
Returning letterwinners: Brooke Walker (5-8, Sr., G), Heather Brick (5-8, Sr., F), Stephanie DeFelice (5-6, Sr., G), Breezy Nelson (5-4, Jr., G).
Newcomers: Julia Volino (5-10, Sr., F), Alyssa Drago (5-4, Jr., G), Elizabeth Connor (5-6, Jr., G), Bridgett McKinnon (5-7, Jr., F), Natalie Kyle (5-7, Soph., F), Jenna Yanni (5-7, Soph., F).
Outlook: Good speed and quickness, but size is a problem.
MAPLEWOOD
Head coach: Mark Yoder, sixth year (68-39)
2001 record: 14-6, 13-1 ESC
Returning letterwinners: Jen Bell (5-4, Jr., G), Laura Finch (5-8, Sr., F), Lisa Flickinger (5-4, Jr., G), Jen Grayson (5-10, Soph., F), Stephanie Schwartz (5-11, Soph., C).
Newcomers: Brittney Bolinger (5-3, Soph., G), Jenny Flickinger (5-6, Jr., G), Jill Pataky (5-10, Sr., F), Amber Pruski (5-8, Jr., F).
Outlook: Lost conference MVP Christen Clemson, but returns five letterwinners. Will compete for NEAC title.
SOUTHEAST
Head coach: Dave Tasker, first year
2001 record: 20-0, 16-0 Portage County League
Returning letterwinners: Kay Dillon (5-6, Sr., G), Kara Gintert (5-6, Sr., G), Val Cramer (5-6, Jr., G), Olivia Weber (5-6, Jr., G).
Newcomers: Jessica Hines (5-8, Soph., C).
Outlook: Pirates deserved better than last year's first-round draw, losing to Hubbard in sectional semifinal. Lost seven seniors to graduation and return just two starters.
SOUTHINGTON
Head coach: John Phillips, second year (9-12)
2001 record: 9-11, 7-7 ESC
Returning letterwinners: Rebecca Derr (5-8, Sr., F), Melissa Smith (5-6, Sr., G), Jannell Parsons (5-7, Sr., F).
Newcomers: Brandi Domer (5-6, Sr., F), Brittanie Gillium (5-5, Soph., F), Nicole Ullinskey (5-6, Soph., F).
Outlook: Good quickness, but not much height. Must replace Lindsay Byer, a first team all-county pick.
WARREN JFK
Head coach: Denise Smith, fourth year (47-24)
2001 record: 13-7
Returning letterwinners: Krystal Naples (5-4, Sr., G), Melissa Tierney (6-2, Sr., C), Renee Black (5-10, Jr., G), Jaclyn Santisi (5-9, Jr., F), Alyssa Chaves (5-8, Soph., G).
Newcomers: Aarika Knepp (5-8, Soph., F), Alisson Brys (5-6, Jr., G), Lauren Broadbent (5-8, Soph., G), Katie Piacquadio (5-6, Soph., G), Kristin Prox (5-6, Soph., G).
Outlook: Lost six seniors from sectional championship team. Should have balanced inside-outside attack.
WEST BRANCH
Head coach: Chuck Campbell, 15th year (237-85)
2001 record: 18-5, 14-0 Northeastern Buckeye Conference
Returning letterwinners: Amber Metzgar (5-10, Sr., G), Ashley Armstrong (5-9, Jr., G), Victoria Arndt (6-2, Soph., C), Amy Beth Edie (5-9, Sr., G), Ellie Geiger (5-6, Jr., G).
Newcomers: Crystal Bryte (5-5, Jr., G), Evelyn Woods (5-9, Soph., G), Stacy Braden (5-9, Soph., C).
Outlook: Good size and speed. Return three all-league players, but may struggle to stay healthy. Edie and Armstrong both sustained major injuries this summer.
Note: Campbell did not respond to The Vindicator's questionnaire.
-- Vindicator staff report