METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE | Girls basketball glance

CANFIELD
Head coach: Pat Pavlansky, eighth year (118-48)
2001 record: 15-5, 8-2
Returning letterwinners: Kelly Williams (5-4, Sr., G), Jill Vertanen (5-11, Sr., F), Mara Boak (5-7, Sr., F), Erin Fening (5-6, Sr., F), Tee Lisotto (5-2, Sr., G), Harmony Ramunno (5-3, Sr., G), Corey Hoffman (5-11, Jr., F).
Newcomers: Emily Wollet (5-9, Jr., G), Whitney Zunic (5-6, Jr., G), Nicole Garrett (5-5, Jr., G), Stephanie Zuzic (5-5, Soph., G).
Outlook: Canfield, which shared last year's MAC title with Howland, returns six seniors and seven letterwinners, but must replace Erin Martin (now at Cleveland State) and Nicole Vlajkovich.
HOWLAND
Head coach: John Diehl, ninth year (90-88)
2001 record: 18-2, 8-2
Returning letterwinners: Kristina Ferenac (6-0, Sr., F), Darcy Quinlan (5-10, Sr., G), Kristy Krezeczowski (5-6, Sr., G), Michelle Rura (6-3, Sr., C), Meredith Schneider (5-3, Sr., G).
Newcomers: Annastacia Filippidis (5-2, Soph., G), Sara Krezeczowski (5-5, Soph., G).
Outlook: The Tigers return eight seniors and four starters, including Quinlan, who will play at Ohio University next year. Howland lost all-district player Marianne Krezeczowski and Emily Andrews to graduation. Ferenac is one of the league's best defenders and Rura can be dominating at times, but has no cartilage in her left knee and will play limited minutes until the postseason.
NILES
Head coach: Jerry Postlethwait, first year
2001 record: 5-15, 1-9
Returning letterwinners: Taura Mitchell (5-9, Sr., C), Stacia Ray (5-7, Jr., G), Shannon Floyd (5-4, Jr., G), Jaclyn Sears (5-9, Soph., F), Michelle Melillo (5-4, Jr., F).
Newcomers: Stephanie Parish (5-11, Fr., F/C), Kelly Leonard (5-7, Fr., G/F), Jessica Pallante (5-7, Jr., F)
Outlook: The Red Devils lost Bree Longberry (who transferred) and are young and inexperienced. Like last year, Ray will be looked on to handle the bulk of the scoring.
POLAND
Head coach: Jamie Dunn
Outlook: Dunn did not respond to a request for information. Leading his team will be Kristy Gaudiose, a 5-7 senior guard who has signed to play for Youngstown State University. Also expected to play are Taryn Carlson (5-11, Sr., G) and Steffi Graf (5-9, Jr., G).
SALEM
Head coach: Steve Stewart, third year (25-20)
2001 record: 13-10, 5-5
Returning letterwinners: Alyson Cotter (5-11, Jr., G/F), Tiffanie Heestand (5-7, Sr., G), Abby Markovich (5-7, Sr., G), Lauren Teal (6-0, Jr., C), Lizzie Jesko (5-6, Jr., G), Sarah Hamilton (5-10, Soph., F), Molly Bauman (5-2, Jr., G).
Newcomers: Shea Whinnery (5-7, Jr., F), Jenna Cramer (5-7, Jr., G), Ashlee Thorne (5-11, Jr., F), Vanessa Kelly (5-7, Soph., G), Jessica Hamilton (5-10, Soph., F), Jessica Potts (5-1, Soph., G).
Outlook: This could be the season Quaker fans have waited for. Salem returns seven letterwinners and all five starters. The lone setback comes from Jesko, who will miss time due to knee surgery. The Quakers should compete with Howland for the league title.
STRUTHERS
Head coach: Anne Wilson, seventh year (58-49)
2001 record: 5-15, 1-9
Returning letterwinners: Ashley Ruozzo (5-2, Soph., G), Jamie Rivello (5-4, Jr., G), Nicole McGuire (5-5, Soph., G), Holly Hickenbottom (5-9, Jr., G), Kourtney Wolfgang (5-5, Sr., G), Nicole Robenolt (5-5, Soph., G), Allison Ginnetti (5-7, Jr., G), Melissa Shipley (5-9, Jr., F), Kristy Marapese (5-5, Sr., G), Deanna McCormick (5-4, Soph., G), Laura Bell (5-11, Sr., F).
Newcomers: Amanda Ardale (5-6, Fr., G), Terri George (5-6, Fr., F).
Outlook: Young team. Three seniors return, but two are returning from surgery.
-- Vindicator staff report