STEEL VALLEY CONFERENCE Girls basketball glance

BOARDMAN
Head coach: Ron Moschella, 23rd year (410-101)
2001 record: 19-1, 8-0
Returning letterwinners: Amber Bland (5-10, Jr., G-F), Jen Hlebovy (5-10, Sr., C), Brittany Durkin (5-7, Jr., G), Renee Farina (5-9, Jr., G-F), Lauren Craig (6-0, Sr., F), Allison Davis (5-7, Sr., G), Bridget Beachy (5-4, Sr., G).
Newcomers: Liz Yazbek (5-7, Soph., G), April Melquist (5-10, Fr., F), Jessica Moore (5-6, Soph., G), Brittany Straka (5-4, Soph., G).
Outlook: After losing to North Canton Hoover in the district title game, the Spartans lost Ashlee Russo to Youngstown State. Durkin returns at point guard. Boardman will be well-balanced, with strong rebounding and inside game. Defense and passing will need work.
CARDINAL MOONEY
Head coach: Roy Nard, eighth year (104-54)
2001 record: 13-9, 2-6
Returning letterwinners: Aieshya Dixon (6-1, Sr., C), Anastasia Vouvalis (5-9, Sr., F), Megan Maloney (5-7, Sr., G), Natalie Damiano (5-5, Sr., G), Karla Fedina (5-6, Sr., F), Gina Brunetti (5-7, Soph., G).
Newcomers: Amber Brodrick (5-8, Soph., F), Pam Walko (5-9, Jr., F), Kacie Kubik (5-6, Soph., G), Jamie Woytek (5-6, Sr., F).
Outlook: Mooney returns six of its top seven players from last year, losing Lori Patrone to graduation. The Cardinals have a lot of experience and quickness, and a strong inside presence in all-league center Dixon, who signed with Pitt.
FITCH
Head coach: David Ward, first year
2001 record: 11-9, 3-5
Returning letterwinners: Katie McDermott (Sr., F), Bethany Edenfield (Sr., G), Katie White (Sr., C).
Newcomers: Danielle Storey (Jr., G), Kantele Franko (Jr., F), Kristine Barber (Jr., F).
Outlook: The Falcons have been respectable the past two seasons, but lost three starters, including top player Kim Buhro, to graduation. This is probably a rebuilding year.
URSULINE
Head coach: Sean Durkin, fifth year (73-25)
2001 record: 15-5, 6-2
Returning letterwinners: Christina Cook (5-10, Sr., F), Amber Miller (5-6, Sr., G), Camella Barnette (5-9, Sr., F), Courtney Davidson (5-5, Jr., G), Rebecca Slattery (5-9, Jr., F), Cierra Bennett (5-9, Soph., F).
Newcomers: Tyra Grant (5-10, Fr., F), Vanessa Dixon (5-8, Fr., G).
Outlook: The Irish lost six seniors from last year's regional semifinal team, which lost to state champion South Euclid Regina for the third time in four years. Davidson was last year's Division III district player of the year and first team All-Ohio selection. The Irish lack size, but are very quick.
WARREN HARDING
Head coach: David Jenkins, first year
2001 record: 6-14, 1-7
Returning letterwinners: Sharina Freeman (5-8, Sr., G), Desirae Jenkins (5-8, Soph., G), Ciara Calloway (5-9, Sr., F), Tanya Wade (5-9, Sr., F), Tasha Davis (5-10, Sr., F).
Newcomers: Erika Molden (5-8, Jr., F), LaBrea Crawford (5-9, Soph., F).
Outlook: First-year head coach Jenkins will try to rebuild after disappointing 2001 season. Jenkins and Freeman will handle scoring duties.
-- Vindicator staff report